Page 7

“I can’t believe you eloped and got married without me.” Edward stood beside Lenora, who had her fists on her hips, while she tapped her foot on the front steps outside her country house.

“Is that really how you’re going to greet your eldest and dearest sister?” Seraphina flashed a cajoling yet authoritative smile, as only an older sibling can do.

“Now, now, Lenora. Put your claws away. We talked about this and decided that Seraphina must have had good reason to leave us all in the dark.” Mirabelle cradled one of the barn cats and scratched him behind his ears.

“I’m not a child,” Lenora whispered loudly into Edward’s ear.

“I know, my love. Let’s just hear what she has to say.” And he put his hand on the small of her back to ease the tension he knew was there.

“What’s this?” Seraphina gestured to the closeness between them.

“I guess we all have secrets, don’t we?” Lenora pushed her lips out. And didn’t Edward just want to wrap his mouth around hers—but no. Now was not the time.

“I can attest to us all having secrets.” Sebastian’s deep male voice rang out as he rounded the carriage. “Which secrets are being shared as we speak?”

“Look at my little sister and her…”

“Betrothed.” Lenora filled in with pride, and Edward couldn’t stop the grin from breaking out on his face.

“Lenora!” Seraphina gasped. “This is wonderful news.” As she raced up to her sister, Edward beamed with happiness for his love.

“Congratulations, Edward.” Sebastian clasped one hand around his and clapped him on the shoulder. “Well done, man. You couldn’t be marrying into a better family.”

“I know.” Normally he might have just humbly accepted the congratulations, but there really was no competing with his pride at the moment. “She’s the best, isn’t she?”

“I might argue you on that one, but I’ll let you have your moment,” Sebastian laughed.

“Yes. Well, shall we go inside for tea?” Mirabelle offered.

“Where’s father?” Edward watched as Seraphina’s eyes glanced around almost as if she expected him to pop up out of nowhere.

“He’s decided to travel for the foreseeable future,” Lenora answered.

“After you left, his grief almost turned to numbness.” She slipped her hands around his arm and continued, “Then Edward came into the picture and father took off, thinking he’d be alone soon.

He has some grieving to do. Fortunately, we have the best cousin in the world.

” She grabbed Mirabelle on the other side of her.

“She’s been my chaperone while I waited for your return. ”

“And I’ll continue to be when Seraphina moves out and you two await your wedding day.” Mirabelle gave the beaming couple (the younger of the two) a knowing look.

“As you should, Mirabelle. We don’t need a scandal in this family.” Sebastian lauded her decree.

“We aren’t the only ones who could cause a scandal, Mirabelle. Who knows? It might be you that has the biggest scandal of us all.” Edward loved the way Lenora’s lips twitched up in playfulness.

“I’ve accepted my spinster fate.” Mirabelle turned and led the way into the house. “Enough of this chatter. Let’s have tea.”

“Perhaps you and Gabriel will become better acquainted.” Lenora suggested archly.

“Doubtful. The man’s head is in the sand ninety percent of the time.”

“What about the other ten percent?” Lenora prodded.

And Edward was surprised to see a slight blush tint Mirabelle’s cheeks.

“It’s time for tea.” And with that, she pursed her lips together and led the motley four inside where they did in fact have tea. And did in fact divulge a few more secrets.

And this was only the beginning for Edward who felt his heart wrapped in love that he knew would last forever.