Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(37)

“You don’t mean that you…” Evan frowned.

“Frankly, it’s none of your business how we met, and I’m not going to go into detail. Suffice it to say that we are in love with each other, and since we are both currently unattached, we have decided to spend the rest of our years in happiness together.”

“Well,” Sophie said, rising and giving her mother a quick hug, “I for one am very happy for you, Mother.”

Iris shrugged. Sophie’s tone didn’t quite indicate happiness, but Iris appreciated the attempt. “Thank you, Sophie dear. I assure you that we will all be very happy with this arrangement.”

“Yes, yes,” David said. “The three of you will come and live on the Brighton estate. It’s not quite as large as this one, but it’s beautiful. I think you’ll find it to your liking.”

“Our own estate?” Alexandra gasped. “How completely lovely!”

“Not exactly your estate,” Evan interjected.

“Of course it will be their estate, Evan,” David said. “Iris will be my countess, and the girls are part of the package. I’m taking full responsibility for them, as well.”

“Father, what about Jacob and me?”

“What is this about, Evan? You’re my son, and Jacob is my heir. You’ll want for naught. You never have, have you?”

“Of course not. I’m sorry, Father. It…will just take some time to get used to it all.”

“Well, get used to it quickly. We’re getting married tomorrow.”

“David!” Iris exclaimed.

“I’ve waited twenty years for you. I’m not waiting any longer.”

“But, David, I’d like for Crispin and Flora to be here. And Lily and the duke won’t be back until the solstice.”

“Iris—”

“Please, David. I had a hasty wedding the first time to a man I didn’t even know. This time I want my family and friends with me.”

“Yes, Maggie and I can make you a beautiful wedding here at Laurel Ridge,” Lucy said.

“That’s a marvelous idea, Lucy,” the dowager duchess agreed.

Iris shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly impose.”

“Nonsense,” Maggie said. “We’ve been friends since we were babes. Lucy and I would love to do this for you.”

“You’re both so good to me.” She turned to her fiancé. “Please, David. I do so want a real wedding.”

David smiled, taking Iris’s hand and kissing her upturned palm. “Whatever you wish, my Iris.”

Rose stood and hugged Iris. “I’m so happy for you, Auntie,” she said. Then, turning to David, “and you too, my lord.”

“Uncle David, my dear.”

“Oh, goodness. I suppose you’re right.”

Evan rose and cleared his throat. “Congratulations, Father, my lady.” He strode quietly out of the room.

“David…” Iris worried her lower lip.

“He’ll be fine,” David said. “Evan was the youngest and was very close to his mother, so I imagine it will take some time for him to get used to this idea. But he’s a sensible lad. He will come around.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Rose said.

“No, my dear, leave him for an hour or so,” David said. “Then you can go to him.”

“If you think best”—she smiled—“Uncle David.”

“This is all too exciting,” Alexandra said. “Mother, we must find you the perfect dress. We should summon Lily’s modiste right away. Aunt Lucy, Aunt Maggie, may I help you plan?”

“Of course,” Lucy said.

“We should have a string quartet. That would be lovely,” Ally said. “And Rose, maybe you could get Mr. Price to write a song for Mama.”

“His little sister is still in the hospital, Ally. I think he probably has other responsibilities at the moment.”

“I suppose you’re right. You’ll just have to make do with Mozart, Mama. Perhaps you could be married on the solstice itself! No, then we’d miss the celebration. When are Lily and the duke returning?”

“Daniel didn’t give me an exact date, but he said they’d be home for the solstice,” Maggie replied.

“Good. Then we’ll all go to the celebration, and the wedding can be the day after that. How does that sound?”

“Goodness, Ally. Let Mama catch her breath a minute,” Sophie said.

Iris smiled, her heart warm. “It’s all right, Sophie. I’m glad she’s excited.”

“Oh, I am. Sophie, Rose, you both must help me plan. Oh, and of course, you too, Mother, and Aunt Maggie and Aunt Lucy.”

“We’ll all help,” Rose said. “Isn’t this grand? Another wedding so soon!”

“I’m afraid this one won’t be quite the affair that Lily’s was,” Iris pointed out.

“If it’s a grand affair you want, my dear, it’s a grand affair you shall have,” David said.

“No, no. All I want is a real wedding, with my family and friends. Not some huge affair.”

“But, Iris—”

“I’m serious, David. I want Flora and Crispin, of course, and Thomas. Lily and the duke, your children, and all of us. And of course, any other family and friends that you want to include. That’s it.”