as they grinned at each other.
Garth peered down at his nephew, fair and with blue eyes like his parents. ‘A true Evernden.’
‘Hold him,’ Sylvia said, placing the child in his arms.
His expression went from comical dismay as he took the bundle to one of adoration. ‘He’s a fine little man.’
‘Isn’t he, though?’ Christopher said with smug satisfaction. He smiled at Rosa. ‘No doubt you’ll be equally blessed in time.’
Rosabella flinched. Garth looked at her face and thrust the child back at his brother. ‘Damn,’ he said softly.
Christopher frowned. ‘What have I said?’
Garth shrugged. ‘Rosabella has agreed—the title is to come back to you, or to your son.’
‘Oh,’ Lady Sylvia said, with concern in her eyes as she looked at her husband.
Christopher’s lips thinned. ‘Mother told me about your decision.’
‘I knew she would,’ Garth said.
His brother raised a brow at his wife and she nodded. Clearly they’d talked about this, and Rosa, seeing the pain in Garth’s eyes, wondered if this was the right time to discuss such a sensitive matter.
Christopher must have sensed it, too, because there was compassion in his eyes when he spoke. ‘When Mother wrote to me, I can’t deny I was pleased. It felt just. Fair. I admired you for it. Not that I ever envied you the title, you know. I never realised you were…’
‘A bastard.’ Garth’s voice was harsh, his face like granite, but Rosa could feel the rawness of the wound he was desperately trying to hide. She wanted to hold him, but knew his pride would rebel at any sign of sympathy.
Christopher gave a quick shake of his head. ‘Garth, I hated the way they treated you, but I didn’t much care for the way you acted with Mother either.’ He shrugged. ‘I thought, given your chosen style of life, it might be for the best.’ He gazed down into the face of his sleeping son. ‘I can’t do it, Garth. I can’t deny you the joy I felt when this little fellow was placed in my arms. Really, I can’t.’ He leaned over and kissed his wife’s cheek. ‘The title. The land. They mean nothing by comparison. You made a great older brother. You’ll be a good father. Don’t deny yourself something as wonderful as this, because of what our parents did.’
Garth swallowed hard. ‘Kit, no.’ He swallowed again.
‘It would be a greater wrong than anything Mother did, my dear fellow. You deserve this as much as anyone. If not more.’
Rosa’s heart contracted at the sight of the sadness leaving her beloved’s face. It was as if she could see the weight of guilt leave his shoulders. She squeezed his hand, because she couldn’t speak a word.
‘I made a promise,’ Garth said, still hesitating. ‘I’d be going back on my word.’
‘You’ll be relieving me of a burden. One estate to manage along with my business interests are all that I need. Provide my son here with a cousin. Remember the fun we had as lads. You and me. I want that for my son and yours.’
The expression on Garth’s face was like a boy who had found the best present of all.
‘Thank you,’ Garth said. He reached out and his brother took his hand, then pulled him in for a brief hug.
The baby squeaked a protest and the two men parted.
A tear ran down Rosa’s cheek and she dashed it away. Tears when she felt so happy. How ridiculous.
Taking the baby, Sylvia beamed. ‘When is the wedding?’
‘Tomorrow,’ Garth said. ‘At Mark’s house. If he is still willing.’
‘Oh, no,’ Sylvia said, laughing. ‘The famous ladies’ man is caught and he thinks he is sneaking off to some private affair? Mais non.’
Only now did Rosabella realize her future sister-in-law had a faint French accent. How interesting.
‘Have mercy, woman,’ Garth said, shaking his head.
‘Not at all, mon cher. You will be married at St George’s or I will know the reason why.’
It sounded wonderful to Rosa. With time to put all her affairs in order, her sisters could join them. Garth must have seen the hope on her face because he held up his hands in defeat. ‘Whatever your heart desires, my love.’
His love.
‘Oh, Garth, thank you.’
The church was full, but Rosa only had eyes for three people as she walked down the aisle on Mark’s arm.
Her sisters, Meg with her arm around the smaller Sam, sitting in the pew beside Sylvia and the baby. Their hazel eyes were bright like their futures. And then there was the tall figure dressed in black at the altar. Garth standing beside his brother, waiting.
He smiled as their gazes locked. Not the mocking smile of old, but a smile of pleasure. He looked so handsome and happy, her eyes misted with gladness.
Feeling as if she was floating, she walked towards her bridegroom. He strode up the aisle to meet her halfway and took possession of her arm. Mark relinquished her with an admonishing shake of his head and followed them to the altar rail.
‘Are you sure?’ Garth whispered as they approached the waiting vicar. ‘It isn’t too late to change your mind.’
It might take years for him to understand the constancy of her love, but they had years and years. She smiled up at him. ‘I love you, Garth.’
He let go a breath, as if he had really feared she’d change her mind.
He leaned closer. ‘Little nun, you honour me. You make me a better man. I love you.’
She gazed deep into his eyes and shining back at her was the truth of his love.
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459220867
Copyright © 2011 by Michèle Ann Young
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