The Unlikely Lady (Playful Brides #3)(92)

Jane lifted her head and kissed his lips. “That’s why I love you so. You’re generous and kind.”

“That’s why you love me. I’m pleased to hear it. I wasn’t certain whether you married me for me, or for my libraries.”

Jane shrugged. “Both, Garrett, I married you for both. I’m awfully fond of the dogs as well.”

Garrett sighed. “Now that Mrs. Cat and her kittens are ensconced in our house, we’ve got a practical menagerie.”

“Who knew the two of you would be such unabashed lovebirds?” Cass asked with a happy smile. “I can hardly believe my eyes. I go off on my honeymoon trip and miss every bit of the excitement.”

The back door of the house opened and Daphne Swift came hurrying out.

Cass turned to her sister-in-law. “Good morning, Daphne. Is something the matter?”

Daphne clasped her hands together. “Good morning, everyone.” She bobbed a quick curtsy to the group at large, then she turned her attention to her brother, her teeth tugging her bottom lip. “Julian, there’s something I must tell you.” Her voice shook a little.

Concern flitted across Julian’s features. “What is it, Daphne?”

Daphne slowly smoothed her pink skirts. “Remember that time I asked you for a favor? You promised me there’d be no questions asked?”

Julian’s face took on a thunderous expression. “That was a long time ago, last autumn if I remember correctly.”

Daphne absently tugged at the neck of her gown. “It seems that I…”

“Yes?” Cass prompted, concern written across her face.

Daphne took a deep breath. “It just so happens…”

“Go on,” Lucy prompted this time. Like the others, she was perched on the edge of her seat.

Daphne glanced away. “It seems I may be legally married to Captain Cavendish and I need your help to get an annulment.”

Lucy made a strangled sort of squeaking noise.

Jane turned to Cass with wide eyes. “What were you saying about missing all the excitement?”