One
Northumberland, summer, 1816
Daphne Summerville, the widow of Roland Summerville Viscount Gilford, sat opposite her sisters-in-law sipping tea. She lowered her delicate porcelain teacup and gave them each a bright smile. Rebecca and Camden had returned to Northumberland yesterday after having departed nearly a year ago and Daphne was thrilled to see her again. She'd missed her sister dearly during her absence.
Phoebe, Rebecca's twin, had missed her just as much. Perhaps more than Daphne had, for the moment the sun crested the horizon this morning, Phoebe had rushed off to Almerry Castle, dragging Daphne in her wake. Not that she would complain, for she also felt like she would burst with excitement at the couple's arrival.
Daphne glanced around the castle's solar with its large stone fire place, sparse furnishings, and worn tapestries before returning her attention to Rebecca. "It is good to have you back, but wouldn't you be more comfortable at your parents’ house? Leastwise until more progress is made on the restoration of the castle?"
“Oh, yes, you know you would be.” Phoebe squealed, her eyes lighting. “You cannot possibly wish to stay here with scarcely any furniture and only a couple of borrowed servants.”
Rebecca shook her head then took a sip of her tea. “You well know how much I love Almerry. Besides, I wish to be in residence to oversee every step of the restoration. I have reconsidered my stance and we will modernize to some extent, but it remains important to me that we keep the castles integrity.”
Daphne could not keep the shock from her expression. Rebecca had been adamant about keeping the castle as a monument to Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel, the last couple to reside within these walls more than a hundred years prior. “What changed your mind?” she asked, unable to curb her growing curiosity.
"I think Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel brought Camden and I together. Their legacy is strong, their love still flows through the walls and across the landscape of Almerry. They would be pleased to see the castle restored to its prior beauty and brimming with life and love once more." Rebecca cast a wistful glance around the solar, a small grin pulling at her lips. "This is home."
“I see your mind is set.” Phoebe’s shoulders slumped, but only for a moment. “It will be a grand castle when you have finished.”
Daphne nodded. "Indeed, and what's more, I believe you are right. Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel would approve."
Rebecca's eyes sparkled with delight as she set her teacup on the table Camden had built when he'd first arrived at Almerry a year ago. "I want the two of you to help me decorate. I'd like to maintain a medieval feel. I want to do my best to honor Ariston and Isabel's memory as we refurbish."
“What fun,” Phoebe said. “When do we begin?”
Rebecca sat her teacup down. “Camden is in town with his cousin, Alex—”
"The connoisseur of women?" Phoebe gasped.
Daphne nearly choked on her tea. “The what?”
Phoebe gave a mischievous grin as she met Daphne's gaze. "Rebecca has written to me about him. Alexander is an earl and enjoys the company of many women. Lord Brunsford as he is formally known, prides himself on being a connoisseur of women." She turned toward Rebecca, "Isn't that right?"
“Indeed. But he’s truly a kind man. No doubt a rogue, but a rather lovable one if I daresay.” Rebecca reached for the teapot then poured herself another cup.
Daphne would have to take her word for that because she had no intention of becoming familiar with such a man. She did hope to someday remarry, in fact, she would have to before long. She’d already been a widow for more than three years and felt exceedingly bad about accepting financial assistance from her in laws, Lord and Lady Chesterfield. There was her son Henry to consider as well. After his father, her late husband Roland died, Henry became Viscount Gilford. He would require more as he grew older and what she provided must befit his station. Yes, she needed a husband, and soon. However, a rogue would never suit.
“I cannot wait to meet him.” Phoebe's eyes lit up with excitement as she flipped open her fan and waved it around with a theatrical flourish.
Rebecca snapped the fan shut, cutting off any further display of enthusiasm. She fixed Phoebe with a stern look and said, “He’s been warned to leave you alone.”
Phoebe's dark curls bounced as she shook her head in disappointment and placed the fan onto her lap. Her wide eyes drooped at the corners, and her full lips pouted. “Why?” she asked. "I’ve never been in the presence of such a man and was rather looking forward to it.”
“There is your answer, dear sister. A man like Alex would charm your stockings off before you realized the threat his syrupy words posed.” Rebecca smiled and patted her hand. “Do stop pouting. I am sure you will be in high demand at Mother and Father's annual house party. You will have plenty of admirers vying for your attention and providing amusement.”
"I doubt that very much. Mother invites the same families every year and her efforts have yet to garner me any serious suitors." Phoebe bit the inside of her cheek. "I’ve grown weary of waiting. I want to fall in love and start a family of my own."
Rebecca took her hand, giving a little squeeze. “I know you do, and so you shall.”
“But a rogue would not help you accomplish that goal,” Daphne added. "They care not for love and marriage. You must be patient dear."
"Unless one is able to reform said rogue," Phoebe argued.
Rebecca gave Phoebe's hand another squeeze before releasing it. “You cannot rush love. It finds you when it is ready. Daphne is right about that.”
Camden stepped into the sun-drenched solar and strode toward Rebecca. His hessian boots clacked against the hardwood floor as he moved closer until he reached her and leaned down to press a light kiss on the top of her head. He straightened up and said softly, “Right about what?”
Daphne's gaze locked on the tall gentleman who walked in behind Camden. Mercy, he was handsome. Midnight colored hair brushed his neck and temples, wind-blown and a bit longer than fashionable. His bright green eyes were framed in dark lashes, and his nose, mouth, and jaw were so well formed they could have been carved from marble.
