Chapter One #2
“Perhaps there is more to the story than he’s let on.
Deep down, he’s no doubt looking forward to being wed.
Caroline is a lovely woman and will make him a good wife.
” She’d had occasion to witness both of them interact with each other many times, for the major was a particular favorite friend of Bright’s.
They often had the major and his fiancée over for dinner.
One of Miss Ives’ qualities was quietly moving Kourier in the direction she wanted him to go.
They would get on quite well together once they wed.
“She will, indeed, and he needs that. The man is far too much a curmudgeon for his own good.” He slanted a cheeky grin at her while amusement danced in his hazel eyes.
“As for Miss Ives, she’ll benefit from his experience in life.
There is quite a gap between their ages, but it doesn’t seem to have had a detrimental effect on the relationship. ”
“Why should it? She is mature for her age, and he desperately needs more spontaneity in his life. They make a good match.” It would prove interesting to watch the relationship grow.
“I agree. Age is merely a number. The heart wants who it wants. Wasn’t that what happened with us?”
Surprise pinwheeled through her chest. “It is, but we were both wary from past relationships. It took some time for trust to grow.” Was that done now?
“But not the heated attraction between us. That is a steady flame.” For the space of a few heartbeats, he remained silent as if lost in thought.
Did he, too, think about how much their relationship had changed since the advent of the children and his private investigation business opened?
Then he gave his head a shake. “By the by, the major invited us to his wedding in June. In Brighton. They wanted to get out of London and be by the sea to relax and have a holiday after the ceremony.”
“What a lovely concept!” Mary perked up a bit at that news.
“It should prove a lovely time, and Brighton is so pretty, especially in the summer.” She slid a glance to her husband.
“Shall we go and enjoy a holiday ourselves? You and I haven’t been to Brighton since our own honeymoon. And that was on a case.”
“How could I forget?” Bright’s grin sent trembles through her lower belly.
“We did enjoy ourselves during that case as well as afterward, cuts and bruises notwithstanding.” When his eyes darkened with familiar need, she gave in to a shiver.
“Of course we will take a holiday. I’d like to bring the children.
Cassandra adored the sea the last time, and Charlie hasn’t been yet.
I can never resist traveling with them and broadening their education. ”
A trace of disappointment went through her, for she had wished to go on their own.
“True,” she answered with a nod and forced her darker thoughts away.
“We can bring their governess, so they can at least keep current on their lessons. Then we can shell and swim with them or walk the shore, show them the pavilion.”
“I’m already looking forward it.” But he frowned. “You seem sad. Why?” As he spoke, Bright took her legs into his lap, removed her slippers, and then began to massage her feet.
“Mmm.” That small touch felt far too amazing.
She tried to concentrate on what she needed to say.
“Over the past few months or so, you and I haven’t been as close as we used to be.
I’d hoped to have time just for the two of us soon, and when you mentioned Brighton, I thought that would be perfect, yet you wish to take the children.
But I do like the idea of bringing them for the educational purposes as well as being a family. ”
“Oh, I agree with you on all counts.” He waggled his eyebrows, and all the while, he continued to massage her feet and calves. “That is why I have a surprise for you.”
“You do?” Mary’s breathing accelerated slightly, for it had been some time since he’d touched her in any sort of suggestive manner. “Tell me.”
Bright nodded. “I had a letter from my brother the other day and haven’t had a chance to tell you about it, but he’s invited us out to Stanwick Hall for a house party to celebrate May Day.”
“Ah, I remember that your father used to always use May Day to celebrate the arrival of summer. Does your brother have a traveler’s fair come in?”
Her history with Bright’s brother the viscount was sordid and complicated at best. Suffice it to say, she’d been Francis’ lover for a bit, before she’d ever met Gabriel, and when it became evident that the viscount had no designs on her for marriage, she’d begged off that relationship.
Francis hadn’t taken it well and had fought to have her back, despite the fact he was married.
It had all culminated in a contretemps during a Christmastide house party, where she’d officially met Bright, and the whole of her life had changed course.
“He will. On the southern border of the property. It’s been a highly successful endeavor for the past three years.
” With another grin, he continued to draw his fingertips along her lower legs.
“Their new babe is seven months old now, and no doubt they are anxious to join society once more. There will be all sorts of activities. Would you have any interest in going? Given your history with my brother?”
A chuckle left her throat. “Since taking up with you, Francis has more than made up with his wife. I think the tension between all of us has finally gone.”
“Good.” Then he winked, and there was a bit of the old cheekiness about him again. “I’d certainly hate to call him out for an illegal duel over you, but I’d do it.”
A tremble went down her spine at his playfulness. “Will we take the children? They might enjoy it.”
“Oh, they probably would, but I’m thinking we shall leave them behind.”
“What? With whom?” Shock went through her chest to war with excitement, for there were reasons for and against the decision.
“Well, as luck would have it, Henry wrote and asked to take the children for a week or so.”
One of her eyebrows went up in inquiry. “Where? At his townhouse? After the novelty of being there wears away, the children will run him, his new wife, and his staff ragged.” Henry was Bright’s grown son from his previous marriage, and she very much considered him hers as well.
“Additionally, they will need the structure of their own lives—”
“Hush, love. Henry and Priscilla will stay here with them. We thought it best that the children should remain in a familiar environment.”
She shook her head. “Why would he do this? Is he not occupied with his apprenticeship? Or at the very least, his new marriage? They have only been wed a year…”
“Oh, he is still very much involved in the apprenticeship, but his mentor is taking a couple of months away from the practice to visit with his daughter in the Lake District. The man won’t return until the first of July, though he’s given Henry leave to talk with a few low-level clients.
My son won’t have many responsibilities during this time other than taking a few meetings or pushing around papers, and when Priscilla isn’t busy with concert obligations or piano practices, they thought to take the children for us. ”
What an unexpected development. Henry’s wife Priscilla was the dearest sort of daughter-in-law, and she was also highly talented as a concert pianist, who had performed for the Regent, various ambassadors, heads of state, and equally important personages.
She enjoyed a career of touring, especially during the Season.
“But why?” She couldn’t fathom why the young people would ask to take the children. “Cassandra and Charlie are a handful even for us.”
“Honestly?” His fingers paused over her stocking-clad skin. “I think they are discussing starting their own nursery and would like to see if they can take on the challenge.”
“Ah.” Mary snorted with amusement. “Well, our two are challenging at times.”
“They are indeed. Also, Henry honestly wishes to spend more time with his siblings. He shares that special bond with Cassandra, and I think he doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”
“Your son is good a man. He takes after you.”
“Our son,” he said with a wink. “And thank you.” His grin completely disarmed her. “So, do you have interest in attending the house party with me?”
“I think that would be lovely, and it will hopefully prove quite the adventure.” Excitement twisted down her spine. “I can’t wait to pack.”