The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(34)
With two sentences, he’d changed her entire world. The power he held over her was immense. He held not only her money, but also her family’s happiness and welfare—not to mention their position in society—in the palm of his hand. They were at his mercy to do with what he wanted. This was the exact position she’d avoided with Rupert. The question for her was whether she trusted his actions—whether she trusted him.
“My lord, did you ever think to discuss this with me before you made decisions that impacted my family, not to mention me?” She tried to stay civil, but her ire had started to rise. She should be grateful. The burden she’d carried on her shoulders for her family’s well-being wasn’t hers alone anymore. Yet, somehow, she felt as if he’d betrayed her by going behind her back and making the decision without her input. “I should have been invited to the proceedings and asked my opinion on such an appointment.”
He reached forward and took her hands in his. “After I left you at Lawson Court, I couldn’t get the vision of you and your family having to eat rabbit stew out of my mind. I had to do something quickly. You shouldn’t have to live in such dire circumstances. Nor should you constantly have to fear what Rupert Lawson might do to Julia. I couldn’t see another option.”
Sincerity brightened his startling blue eyes. The warmth of his touch provided a comfort, one she rarely enjoyed.
“I apologize for my abruptness.” She gently squeezed his hands in appreciation. “It’s just, well, you took me by surprise. I’ve been the one responsible for their welfare for so long.”
“Let me share it with you. I promise I won’t make any more decisions without your counsel.” Without letting go of her hands, he stared deeply into her eyes as if he could see every struggle, every tear she had shed, every sleepless night she’d suffered since her parents had died. “Trust me.”
He smiled, and the fire suddenly blazed as if he had the power to sweep all the darkness out of her life with just a look or a grin. To think such thoughts was too dangerous. She was setting herself up for a disappointment that would make a rogue wave appear like a ripple in a wading pool. He was a friend and nothing more—whether he thought so or not.
She tugged her hands free of his and stood to clean up the remnants of their meal. She was looking forward to falling into bed and actually sleeping late in the morning. Everything was ready for her family to arrive tomorrow. “All right.”
“Excellent. I knew you were logical.” His eyes widened with mischief as he waited for her response.
Even though she delighted in his teasing and exceedingly handsome company, exhaustion consumed her. “I should retire. I have an eventful day tomorrow.”
Dismay darkened his face. “You’re not staying here.”
“Where else would I stay?” She took a deep breath for fortitude. All she wanted was to rest and not argue. “This is my family’s home. I’ve worked all day preparing the residence for their arrival. Now, I’m sure you have better things to do than entertain me. Thank you for your interest and your visit.”
“You’re my responsibility also. Sometimes I seriously question your decisions. You failed to lock the door, and I walked right in without anyone to stop me.” He took another sip of wine and immediately slipped into the confident lord who had his every wish and order obeyed. “My carriage is waiting outside. I’ll take you to Langham Hall since that’s where you and your family will be staying while you’re in London.”
“Did you consider my opinion in the matter?” she challenged.
“Don’t be quarrelsome. Come, the duchess is waiting.” He held out his arm and waited for her to accompany him.
She stole one last look around the room. The fire and the dirty dishes demanded attention before they left. “What about—”
“One of the footmen will tidy up and lock the house. Come,” he commanded.
So much for asking her counsel on decisions that affected her and her family.
Chapter Nine
Over the last several weeks, March had reluctantly settled into the Duke and Duchess of Langham’s home. Faith loved spending time in the library while Julia roamed the halls of the massive house memorizing the family history and cataloging the various rooms. She’d found a willing accomplice to her investigations—Pitts, the Langham family’s butler, loved to regale Julia with the history of the family. Even Bennett was enjoying his stay since the duke good-naturedly spent time with him. Whether playing chess or discussing sheep farming, the two seemed to enjoy each other’s company. However, the glue that kept everyone and everything organized was the Duchess of Langham.
A beautiful woman in her mid-fifties, the duchess had that magical charm that drew others to her. Not only kind and generous, but underneath, her fortitude kept the large household running smoothly while controlling the exhaustive social calendar both she and the duke seemed to relish. Hardly ever a night passed when the powerful couple didn’t attend some social event, ball, or a dinner party at a political crony’s house.
However, through it all, the Cavensham family came together at least once a week to share a meal. March and her siblings attended those gatherings. She was struck speechless at the duke and duchess’s generosity and realized how blessed she and her siblings were to be treated as part of such a strong family that supported one another through disagreements and celebrations.