Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(45)

Cecilia spoke up, “Father, my brother is named Avery Stanton. Did Lord Daniels write to my brother?”

The priest turned to Cecilia. “Yes, he did. It is customary for us to reach out to relatives of the deceased or the deceased wife’s family during this difficult time.”

Confused, Cecilia said, “But he lives so far away. Surely he is unable to offer help.”

The priest grinned. “He is coming to visit you. He should be here within three days. He looks forward to helping you in any way he is able. This is great news. Great news, indeed.”

Edward rose from his seat and walked to the Father. He shook his hand. “Thank you for arranging this, Father Stevens. You have been so kind. So helpful.”

Penelope rose and went to the priest. She hugged him, tears in her eyes. She whispered in his ears, “Thank you. You have saved our lives.”

Cecilia asked, “Is he coming here? We don’t have a guest room ready. What will we serve him for food?”

Penelope put her hand on Cecilia’s. I will prepare the guest room. Edward will find something to serve. Isn’t it wonderful? You will get to see your brother again.”

“Yes, I suppose it is,” Cecilia said. “But I don’t know why he’s coming.”

Edward made his voice upbeat, “Your brother loves you, and he’s coming to visit you. I, for one, am excited by his visit.”

Penelope jumped in. “I don’t really remember him, so I can’t wait to meet him again.”





Chapter 17


Three days later, Avery Stanton knocked on Cecilia’s front door. Penelope ran for the door and opened it to see her Uncle Avery and another man, much younger.

“Please come in. I’m Penelope. We’ve been expecting you. Thank you for travelling so far to visit us.” Penelope curtsied, and her uncle bowed. The man next to him did not.

Penelope said, “Let me take your things.”

“You don’t have a butler?” Henry said.

Avery turned to him and gave him a penetrating look.

“Penelope, may I introduce you to my son, Henry.”

Penelope curtsied again.

Henry did not bother to bow.

“Please, come in. My mother is in the parlour.”

Avery walked in and greeted Cecilia in a booming voice. She turned her head to Avery. “Avery, is that you? I didn’t know you were in this area. Are you visiting Lord Daniels?”

Edward came in carrying the tea tray. He put the tray down and bowed. “I’m Edward.”

Avery bowed, “I am your uncle Avery.” He turned, “and this is your cousin, Henry.”

Edward bowed again.

Henry didn’t bow.

Edward recovered quickly and said, “Please sit.”

Penelope said, “I will pour. How do you like your tea, Uncle Avery?”

He responded, “I like hearing, Uncle Avery, Penelope. Cream, no sugar.”

Penelope turned, “And you Cousin Henry?”

Henry said, “Don’t call me Cousin Henry. Henry will do. Cream, two sugars.”

Penelope blushed. “I beg your pardon.”

Avery took Cecilia’s hand in his. “I’m sorry about Albert. It was sudden?”

“Yes.”

“I came as soon as I heard. You have not been well?”

“No, Avery. I’m fine. Nothing wrong.”

Avery grimaced. “I was misinformed. Forgive me?”

Cecilia furrowed her brow, “Forgive you for what? It is wonderful to see you, and I know you came a long way. You should have told us. We would have prepared for you.”

Penelope put her hand on her mother’s arm. “Edward and I prepared. Don’t worry. Uncle Avery and Henry will be comfortable.”

Henry snorted. “In this house?”

Cecilia’s eyes seemed to focus. “I remember you. You are Henry.”

“That’s right, Cecilia. It’s amazing you remember after so long.”

Avery turned to Edward. “I’d love to see the rooms you have prepared for us. Could you show me?”

“Certainly. Follow me.”

They went into the guest room. “This is lovely. Thank you. Avery shut the door. How long has she been like this?”

“Since the funeral. She’s much better. The first five days she didn’t speak, she didn’t eat. Penelope and I had to take an arm each and help her walk.

“She still gets confused and forgets things, but she is much improved.”

“You have no servants. Who is cooking? Who is cleaning? You still have food?”

Edward grimaced. “We had to let the servants go. I cook, and Penelope cleans. We ran out of food, but the parish priest took up a collection, and the next day we got three potato sacks of food. I estimate it will last another ten days. I tried to get a job, but no one will hire me without skills.

“I searched every inch of this house for money. After mother started talking again, I asked her where the money was because I needed to buy food. When my father was paid, he used to send Mother into town to buy whisky. She skimmed a little off the top to buy food. She had a boy bring it to the back door. She came in the front door with whisky, and then he took the rest of the money and went gambling.”