“I was so glad to hear that you had become engaged, and happily so. Leaving schoolyard friendships behind in favor of marital bliss I think will truly be a great joy for you.”
James blinks across at her, unsure how to take that sentiment. But Bobby, Gwen, Meredith, Beth, and Albert are all desperately trying not to laugh, so he thinks perhaps he’s missed something. “Ah, thank you, Lady Harrington, that means very much.”
Lady Harrington smiles at him and then turns to Lady Havenfort to continue planning. James slumps in his seat, catching Bobby’s eye. He so wants to know what joke he’s missed.
Lord Havenfort stands and claps his hands together. “Well, this seems like the proper moment. Robert, James, please come with me to the study.”
Now he’s nervous. He and Bobby can’t even look at each other as they follow Lord Havenfort down into the foyer and around the grand staircase to his study. James’ palms are sweating and it feels like his tie is trying to slowly strangle him.
They hesitantly take their seats in the two brown leather armchairs across from the desk. James fiddles with his collar, feeling Bobby’s signet ring rasp against his chest where it sits on an unseen chain beneath his cravat. He glances at Bobby, who looks back, his face a bit pale. They both wince at the sound of the doors closing, and then Lord Havenfort rounds the chairs, coming to lean back against the middle of the desk.
“Uncle Dashiell,” Bobby begins, his voice high.
Lord Havenfort holds up a hand and looks between them. “Will you keep my girls safe?”
James and Bobby exchange a glance. “Um, yes,” James says. Lord Havenfort raises an eyebrow. “Yes,” he repeats, stronger. “With everything we have.”
“Will you do all you can to make them happy?”
“Of course,” Bobby says quickly.
Lord Havenfort’s mouth tweaks upward. “Will you agree to having my solicitor draw up your marriage contracts so that both girls are fully accounted for and provided for in the event of either of your deaths?”
“Of course!” James hears himself exclaim. Bobby jumps and Lord Havenfort looks at him in surprise. “I just—” James swallows against the rush of nerves that courses through him. “I would never—we would never—” he corrects, glancing at Bobby, “put either Beth or Gwen into a situation like my aunt faced. I’ll be happy to will all of my assets over to Gwen, in fact.”
Lord Havenfort smiles. “That’s good to hear.”
“So would I, to Beth,” Bobby puts in. “Though it’s obviously not... quite the same gesture.”
Lord Havenfort looks at his nephew with soft eyes. “It’s still appreciated just the same. Thank you both,” he adds, meeting James’ gaze. “I have only one question left.”
James sits on his hands, eager to pass inspection, and eager to make Lord Havenfort proud. His is the only pride James will chase now, and it actually feels within reach.
“I appreciate what your marriages and plans to have the Demeroven property accommodate the four of you will do for my girls, and I’ve seen how happy it has made them. But I want to be sure you are both equally happy, and equally prepared for the life you will lead together,” Lord Havenfort says, his face serious again.
Bobby reaches over and takes James’ hand. James squeezes his fingers and smiles up at Lord Havenfort. This is the easiest answer yet.
“We are,” James says and Bobby nods. “And we are grateful for your acceptance and your help,” he adds.
Lord Havenfort smiles and James watches, surprised as he slumps against the desk, suddenly far less intimidating and far more rumpled. “Thank God. Then we’re settled. We’ll meet with the solicitor tomorrow, and then, my apologies, but I will release you to the clutches of my wife, my daughters, and Lady Harrington.”
Bobby laughs and James feels his shoulders come down from about his ears. “What have they planned?”
“Well, we can’t prove all the rumors altogether baseless without throwing the four of you the most extravagant wedding of the season, can we?” Lord Havenfort asks, looking a little bit smug.
And it’s in that smile that James sees a bit of Gwen. He’s going to enjoy their groomly misery, isn’t he?
“I’m personally looking forward to the shopping,” Bobby says.
Lord Havenfort laughs and James feels himself shrink in his chair. He really hadn’t thought about the wedding. But of course, with the suit fittings, and flowers, and cards, and everything, there will be so many details to arrange. He blinks as Lord Havenfort extends a tumbler of scotch his way. He didn’t even notice him pouring, too busy trying to remember what Prince actually had to do for his wedding.
“You’ll survive, I promise,” Lord Havenfort says, winking at him just as the doors to the study burst open.
“Bobby, we’re going,” Gwen says, marching into the room holding what looks like lace swatches.
“Right,” Bobby says, smiling at his uncle before he hops upand buttons his vest. He leans down to press a kiss to James’ cheek. “We’ll be back in a few hours,” he says.
“Where are you going?” James wonders, nearly yelping as Beth appears at his side with baby Frederic.
