When he didn’t remove his hand, she slowly relaxed, and then turned her gaze to her brother-in-law, who was clearing his throat.
“I was under the impression time was of the essence.”
“Never did I hear anything about time from your valet, only that there was a missive—”
“In the bloody dead of night.” He paused. “Forgive me.”
“For what?” Liliah asked, tilting her chin.
“The vulgar choice of words, but also for not waiting for you to accompany me.” He spoke with a contrite tone.
Samantha couldn’t quite decide if he was being utterly honest. He sounded repentant, and he certainly looked it, but it was a little too quickly requested, the apology.
“Why, Sister . . .” Liliah turned to Samantha. “Do I feel as if this is a situation where the quote, ‘It is better to ask forgiveness than permission’ is quite apt?”
Samantha lifted her gloved hand and hid a grin. “I hardly think your husband needs your permission for anything, Liliah.”
Liliah sighed. “I suppose you’re correct.”
“But I do understand what you mean. And I do think it’s appropriate,” Samantha finished.
Liliah turned a triumphant smile to her husband.
Lucas sighed, then turned his attention to Heathcliff. “I hope you know what you are getting in to. She is a copy of her sister in many ways.”
“Of that I’m quite aware,” Heathcliff made by way of response.
“I take that as a compliment,” Samantha chimed in, grinning widely. Growing up, how often had she imagined that she and her sister would marry men who not only tolerated each other, but were friends? She imagined the parties they could have, and Michaelmas, and all the holidays they could enjoy as a beloved extended family, something she never had experienced growing up but had seen in other families in the ton.
It wasn’t common, it was extraordinary, and she’d dreamed about such a blessing in her own life.
It looked as if the fates had heard her silent prayers and given her what she’d almost not dared to ask for.
“That’s a lovely smile. A bit wistful, however,” Heathcliff murmured softly, for her ears only.
She turned to him, offering a small smile. “Just musing. Happy thoughts.”
He gave a slight nod. “It’s been quite an eventful morning.”
She met his gaze, wondering how much of her heart she should reveal.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
“But a good morning, in many ways,” she allowed. Let him take that however he wished.
He studied her, his eyes deep and rich. “On that we are in agreement.”
Samantha felt a smile start in her heart, then travel to her lips as they spread into a grin.
“Now, if we can simply get those two to make up.” He arched a brow and glanced in her sister’s direction.
“I’m not worried.” Samantha followed his gaze, noting the small smile on her sister’s face. All would be forgiven soon.
Movement by the door had Samatha glancing away from her sister. Mrs. Keyes walked into the room, followed by Miss Iris. Poor Iris! Samantha watched as her gaze moved around the room and then landed on her, as if asking for reassurance that everything was all right. Heaven only knew what she thought of all the commotion of the morning. Why, Samantha had heard so many sets of footsteps in the hall earlier, it was a wonder Iris was just emerging now. The house had seemed alive with all the activity. Even though it was clear the servants were trying to be discreet, it was still uncommon, and disconcerting.
Samantha nodded warmly, then stood. She was still Iris’s governess, was she not? She hadn’t resigned her position, nor had she any intention of leaving Iris to fend for herself, not that Heathcliff would allow that either, but still. Samantha had a responsibility, and she took her responsibilities very seriously.
“Come, Iris. It has been a full and early morning. I expect we all are in need of some tea and breakfast before we can do anything further about it.”
