“My fault, that. He’d not have interfered if I hadn’t been involved.”
It balanced out, for it brought Rothgar in. I’m still not sure why he took such an interest, but I’m grateful.”
“It became a family affair. But when do we see some profit for all our efforts?”
Bridgewater laughed. “Well, that’s another matter. I’m so sunk it debt it’s ceased to worry me. I’m glad you weren’t tempted to sink your windfall into my business though. Candleford is a prime estate, and it suits you.”
“Like a new coat?” Bryght queried.
“Perhaps. You certainly look comfortable enough in it. I can’t wait to meet my godson. He must be beyond lying still and blowing bubbles by now.”
“He’s assuredly that. He is nearly two years old, Francis.”
“Is it so long? Damme, in that time we should have made further progress with the canal.”
Bryght laughed and then heard other laughter. He went to the bay window that looked out over the mellow lawns of Candleford, lawns dotted with spreading trees, and scattered with small daisies. Francis followed him.
Zeno came to rise up by Bryght’s side, and gave a plaintivewoof.
“Yes,” said Bryght, ruffling the dog’s fur. “It is certainly our duty to go and make sure they are safe. Come along, Francis, and meet your godson and namesake.”
For out on the lawns Portia ran laughing through the sun, hair escaping its pins, pursuing a merry, twinkle-legged lad with the same bright curls.
The End
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Page Ahead for an Excerpt From:
AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE
An Arranged Marriage
The Company of Rogues Series, Book 1
Nicholas has arranged for his friends, the Company of Rogues, to keep Eleanor company, but when she holds a small party, he attends to keep up appearances…
Eleanor was pleased to see Nicholas exerting his charm to secure the success of the event, but this also led to bitterness. If he can turn it on and off so easily, she thought, why can’t he turn it on for me now and then? She was amused by Peter“s jealous care of Amy until she compared it to Nicholas’s casual regard of herself.
Lord Middlethorpe, standing beside her, said, “Now what in the sight of those sickening young lovers can be making you look so sad?”
“I’m just worrying about arrangements. This is my first real party, you know.”
But he shook his head. “Won’t do, Eleanor. May I try my hand at mind-reading? You were looking at Peter and Amy and wishing Nicholas was hovering over you in the same way.”
She knew she had colored and did not attempt to deny it.
“He wouldn’t be a very good host if he did that, you know. And perhaps he trusts you rather more than Peter appears to trust Amy.”
