told me once he died a long time ago.”
She didn’t want to sound judgmental, much less let her harsh feelings for her long-dead father infringe upon her current happiness, and so she said, “My father preferred living in town. My older brother, Ham, was often with him since he would become the earl one day.”
“But Uncle Dez is the earl,” Harry protested.
“He is now. That is why he came home from the war. Until then, Hamilton had been Lord Torrington. Ham accidentally drown, making Dez the new earl.”
“Charlie will be the next earl, isn’t that right?” Harry asked.
“It’s always the oldest son,” Arthur said, rolling his eyes. “That is why when Papa died Reid became the Duke of Gilford.”
Harry leaned out the window. “I see Reid’s carriage!” he exclaimed. “It’s just now turning behind us.”
Dalinda was thankful that Reid and Ashlyn had accepted the invitation to the wedding. She knew how the boys loved both of them. Though she was just beginning to know the couple, they were family. She wanted to impart the importance of family to her sons. Knowing how Rhys had been without a family for so many years, she hoped he would take to being a father to her sons, as well as any children she might bear him. The thought of having Rhys’ babies brought a sweet surge of love within her.
Arthur and Harry began waving wildly and she knew they had spotted Dez and Anna. She glanced to Rhys, who sat opposite her. He had been quiet for most of the journey. She wondered if he contemplated their marriage and hoped he hadn’t changed his mind about marrying her tomorrow.
As if he could hear her thoughts, he leaned over and took her hand, squeezing it gently, giving her a smile.
“This time tomorrow, we’ll be at our wedding breakfast,” he said. “And then after that?”
She felt a hot rush of desire run through her as his eyes heated, assuring her he was just as eager for this union as she was.
They descended from the carriage and she fell into Dez’s arms. No one knew her quite like her twin and she relished the thought of him being at her wedding. He had missed her first one to Gilford, having already been sent away to the army by their father. It meant a great deal to her for him to be present at this one and share in her joy.
Dalinda hugged Anna and asked, “Where is Charlie?”
“He just went down for his nap. It will be at least an hour before he can meet his cousins.”
By now, the Gilford ducal carriage pulled up, followed by another one carrying servants and luggage. Reid helped Ashlyn from the vehicle and Arthur and Harry ran to greet them. Where once they had been sullen and standoffish with Reid, the boys now flung themselves at him and then embraced Ashlyn, too. Harry took her hand and led her back to where Dalinda stood with Dez and Anna.
“This is Her Grace,” Harry said formerly to his aunt and uncle. “The Duchess of Gilford. That used to be Mama’s title but it is Ashlyn’s now.”
“We only call her Ashlyn around family,” Arthur explained solemnly. “When we are with our schoolmates or others, she is Her Grace.”
“This is Uncle Dez and Aunt Anna,” Harry said with pride.
“The Earl and Countess of Torrington,” Arthur added. As Reid approached, he said, “This is the Duke of Gilford, our brother.”
Handshakes were exchanged and Anna urged everyone to come inside to the drawing room.
Rhys said, “We’ve been cooped up in a carriage for a few hours now. Perhaps the boys would like to see a bit of Torrington lands since they are visiting for the first time.”
As Arthur and Harry cheered, Dez said, “That’s a fine idea. Shall we men go riding? Your Grace, do you care to join us?”
Reid agreed and the men started away from the house. Dalinda caught Rhys’ arm.
“Thank you for looking out for them,” she said.
He leaned down and dropped a light kiss on her lips. “We will see you later.”
She turned and accompanied Anna and Ashlyn inside.
“Since it is just the three of us,” Anna said, “we can go to my sitting room. It’s light and airy and I enjoy spending time there.”
The three went to the room. Anna rang for tea and they settled in for a chat.
“How is Gillingham without all of its boisterous students?” Dalinda asked.
Ashlyn laughed. “Quite peaceful, actually.” She briefly explained to Anna how her school