The room erupted in sound and the poor solicitor was left for several minutes to cough in vain. Julia had not realizedthat there were quite so many relatives until each of themfelt compelled to hug her tightly. Only Frederick held back,that characteristic half smile on his lips.
Aunt Sarah kissed both her cheeks in addition to hugging her. “I am so glad, Julia, dear,” she said. “I always did saythat the property should be kept all together in the hands ofthe Earl of Beaconswood. I am glad that you saw that too. Ishall be delighted to welcome you into the family as mydaughter-in-law.”
“Sisters,” Camilla said, tears in her eyes. “I am so happy, Julia. And I know you will make Daniel happy. You betterthan anyone.”
Mr. Prudholm’s cough became insistent.
And so Primrose Park was Daniel's, Julia thought, seating herself and looking down at her hands again. His hand came across to cover them, and she turned her head tosmile at him. He had changed places with Uncle Henry sothat he might sit beside her. But he was going to give it toher as a wedding present. Not that it would matter. Shewould always think of it as theirs rather than hers. But itwarmed her heart anyway that he was going to do it. Nowshe would never be able to feel even the most niggling ofdoubts about his motive for marrying her.
How she loved him! she thought. She could cry with joy and probably would too and die of mortification if she didnot distract her mind by concentrating on what Mr. Prudholm was saying. He was reading from a codicil to Grandpapa’s will.
“ ‘. . . And so, if you have any doubts about your choice, Jule,’ ” Mr. Prudholm read, sounding not at all like Grandpapa, “ ‘then tell whichever of my nephews it is that youhave changed your mind. Send him home. Primrose Parkwill be yours, my dear granddaughter, if you do not marry,and your husband’s if you do. So you see, Jule, you haveonly love to gain by marrying. My solicitor has been directed to give you two days in which to make your final decision.’”
Mr. Prudholm paused and looked directly at Julia. Everyone was waiting with bated breath again. She had a death grip on Daniel’s hand, she realized suddenly.
“I am not going to change my mind,” she said. She turned her head to look up at her betrothed. “Whatever yougive me or do not give me as a wedding present.”
And then the unthinkable humiliation happened as Gussie and some of the uncles cheered irreverently. Julia’sface crumpled and she hid it quickly against Daniel’s broadshoulder just as an inelegant sob hiccuped past her lips,They were tears of happiness she shed, not only becauseDaniel loved her and they were going to be married, but because Grandpapa had loved her too and had given her themost precious gift of all—her freedom. Even so it was mortifying in the extreme to be bawling—though she was notquite doing that—in front of all the family.
And then Daniel behaved with such shocking and unexpected impropriety that her tears stopped as if by magic. In full view of the whole family and his late uncle’s solicitor,he encircled her shoulders with one arm, lifted her chin with the other hand, and kissed her mouth.
“Daniel,” she hissed, deeply shocked. “Everyone willsee.This is most improper. You are never improper.”
“Give me time,” he said tenderly. “I have a good teacher, love.”
And while Gussie whistled and Mr. Prudholm coughed and Aunt Millie sniveled, he repeated the impropriety. Hekissed her again.
