slanted an appreciative gaze at Vivian on his arm. She possessed a healthy glow and didn’t look one missed meal away from starvation. She would be soft and full of life in the marital bed.
Another high-pitched squeal came from the carriage, shattering his improper musings, not to mention his eardrums. “Shall I make introductions, my lady, or should we run away while we still have a chance to escape?”
Before Vivian could answer, his sister-in-law spotted them and rushed forward with a wide smile. She ignored Luke and clasped hands with Vivian. “You must be Lady Vivian. How lovely to meet you. I’m Lana, and we are sure to be great friends.”
Vivian received Lana’s enthusiastic greeting with bright smile. “Welcome to Brighthurst, my lady. Will you allow me to introduce you to my cousin?”
“With pleasure.” The ladies walked away arm in arm, their heads drifting close together as Lana whispered something to Vivian.
Drew approached with his daughter, Chloe, squirming in his arms. She released a loud burst of frustration and he flinched. “Now, now.”
He sat her on his shoulder and her screams transformed from angry outbursts to screeches of glee. Her sister, Claire, appeared accustomed to her twin’s boisterousness and continued to sleep curled up into a ball against her nurse’s chest, a fistful of sunshine hair tangled in her chubby fingers.
A rush of affection flooded through Luke for his brother’s offspring. Some might consider it justice that his youngest brother, a former rake, was given not one but two girls to protect, but Drew had become a different man since he’d married. He appeared softer when he looked at his daughters with affection. He wasn’t so changed that it would be wise to cross him, however. Luke pitied any gent foolish enough to glance sideways at his nieces once they came of age.
“Your wife gave me the cut direct,” he said.
“I’ll take her to task later.”
“That is blasted unlikely.” Luke’s brother was uncommonly permissive with his wife, but Luke was only teasing. A lady with a mind of her own didn’t require guidance on how to use it.
He and Drew fell into step together as the ladies disappeared inside the house. “What is Lana about, whisking Lady Vivian away?”
Drew smirked. “What makes you think I know anything about what goes through her mind?”
“Perhaps because she speaks freely, and you have been enclosed in a carriage with her all day.”
“Who says we talked? It’s hard enough to think with darling Chloe monopolizing the conversation.” Drew’s grin widened as he settled his daughter back in his arms and kissed her forehead. “But there may have been talk between the Forest women last week about a grand wedding breakfast following your leg-shackling. Did you know Mother has commissioned a goldsmith to fashion your leg iron?”
“Very funny. You had best inform Lana to cease making any plans.”
Drew’s brows shot up. “Oh?”
They entered the darkened foyer, and Luke paused inside the threshold to allow his eyes to adjust. Of course his brother would have questions. Perhaps he could even assist with selecting an appropriate suitor for Vivian.
“I can explain everything once we have some privacy. I’m sure Lady Brighthurst would allow us the use of her parlor. Shall we?”
7 September 1818
Dear Sister,
I am pleased to learn you were able to bring Foxhaven up to scratch. Now if you can only control yourself until the deed is done. This Season proved to be a tedious affair. Lady Ashden is eager to be rid of Mrs. Honeywell’s companionship. Her ladyship missed several of the Season’s most popular balls when the stress of entertaining the woman drove her to bed with a headache. Yet, as it is unlikely Mrs. Honeywell will keep her own counsel without incentive, it was impossible to send her away early.
Vivi, if you fail in this endeavor, there is nothing more I can do to assist you. I am sorry. I wish you safe travels and regret I cannot be present to see you off.
Sincerely,
Ash
Nine
Luke’s family waited at the edge of the foyer while Vivi made her good-byes.
“I hate for you to travel alone.” Patrice spoke into her ear to be heard over the rambunctious screeching of the tiny girls. They reminded Vivi of eager puppies wriggling to break free from their parents’ arms.
“I fear I may never be alone on this journey,” she murmured in reply, but all in good fun.
Luke’s nieces provided ample entertainment. Their fervent exploration of anything breakable or deadly kept Lord Andrew on his toes. Vivi had grown quite