How to Turn a Frog into a Prince - Bree Wolf Page 0,3

jaw twitched as he gritted his teeth. “I’d prefer not to speak of it,” he replied without meeting his brother’s gaze. “If you don’t mind, I’d…” Nathanial knew not how to end that sentence. Fortunately, his brother knew him well.

“Of course,” Zach replied, once more clasping a companionable hand on Nathanial’s shoulder. “You must be weary from your long journey.” He paused and a hesitant grin snuck onto his face. “However, my wife is most eager to meet you. I’m afraid you’ll not get around making her acquaintance here and now.”

Nathanial almost cringed at the mention of his brother’s wife. Why, he could not say. Always had he seen himself as a family man, longing for marriage and family. Now, however, not only the world had changed.

But he himself had as well.

Still, there was no avoiding the inevitable, and so Nathanial nodded to his brother. “Lead the way.” Following Zach inside, he let his gaze sweep the large entry hall. Tall windows allowed for the sun to reach inside and light up the world within, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The walls shone in vibrant colors, speaking to the adventurous character his brother had always possessed. As had his wife, if Zach’s letters were any indication.

“I’ve told her all about you,” Zach whispered with a smirk as he glanced at Nathanial over his shoulder. With quick steps, he moved toward a set of double doors. “She wanted to meet you right away, but decided to give us a moment alone together.”

Nathanial could hear how deeply his brother had fallen for the woman he had married, and he could only hope that Zach would not also wake one day to realize that it had all been a lie. For his brother’s sake, he prayed that day would never come. For his own, Nathanial decided to focus on the small bit of silver lining; the only one he could spot.

Abigail had betrayed him before he had made her his wife. For that, he would always be grateful.

The door to the drawing room swung open and Nathanial’s eyes fell on a slender, young woman with deep auburn hair framing a kind face. Her eyes were of a startling green, and the smile that lit up her face the moment she beheld his brother made Nathanial yearn for the good old days when he had still been blind to the truth.

Life had been simpler then.

Easier.

Pleasant.

Rising from the settee, the new Lady Pembroke strode over to her husband’s side, her arm slipping through the crook of his with an ease that spoke of a deep connection. “It is so wonderful to finally welcome you here,” she exclaimed, exchanging a meaningful look with her husband. “Zach speaks of you so fondly. I do not have a brother or sister myself, but I have a cousin who is like a sister to me, and the thought of not seeing her for so long is quite painful.” Her gaze moved back and forth between the two men. “You must have lots to talk about.”

Nathanial gave her a quick bow. “I was happy to receive my brother’s letter, inviting me to join you in the upcoming festivities, Lady Pembroke.”

A soft chuckle left her lips. “Oh, please, will you call me Becca?” Her gaze moved back to meet her husband’s, who looked like a love-sick pup. Nathanial envied him! “And I will call you Nathanial for I am determined we shall be the best of friends.”

Zach laughed. “You better agree, Brother, for she always gets her way.”

Nathanial cringed, but tried to maintain an even expression. “Of course, if that is your wish, Lady Pembroke.”

His new sister-in-law’s brows rose as she fixed him with a determined gaze.

Nathanial sighed. “Becca.”

“Much better!” Becca beamed, then pulled her husband toward the settee. “Come and have a cup of tea,” she told Nathanial, already pouring the steaming liquid. “I’m sorry you couldn’t be at the wedding, but…” Again, husband and wife exchanged one of those meaningful glances. “It all happened rather unexpectedly.” A wide smile decorated her face.

Indeed, Zach had written to Nathanial to inform him that he had, in fact, managed to retrieve their father’s ring. However, he would not have been able to do so if a young woman by the name of Rebecca Hawkins had not insisted to lend a hand. Working together, they had fallen in love and the night they’d finally procured the ring, Zach had whisked her away to Gretna Green.

Further details eluded Nathanial, and that was quite