The teasing tone in their relationship had not diminished despite everything they had gone through, and Cassian hoped that it would stay that way for the rest of their lives. It seemed promising to him as he thought of them being old and grey together while still chasing each other through the halls.
With a swift wriggle, Isabella slipped from his confining embrace and was on her feet. She straightened the lace on hercuff, gave him one last, chastening glance, which he returned with an unabashedly hopeful grin, and glided from the study, leaving him to the quietness of his fate until the dinner was safely concluded.
The sounds of arrival soon permeated the entirety of Everthorne townhouse, the clatter of carriage wheels on the drive and the bustle of footmen announcing the guests in the drawing-room.
Beatrice and Leo were the first to arrive, and they had brought with them their son, whom Isabella took into her arms first before turning to her sister.
“Isabella, my dear, everything looks quite perfect,” Beatrice declared, embracing Isabella warmly. “Leo was quite determined to be prompt, hence our early arrival,” Beatrice said, but Isabella laughed, knowing very well it had nothing to do with Leo but everything to do with Beatrice herself.
She had been the one determined to arrive early, but Isabella could hardly complain. She also had missed her sister greatly.
Leo merely smiled, shaking Cassian’s hand. “Indeed, I find it preferable to arrive first,” he said, with a wiggle of his brows at Isabella. Leo then returned his attention to Cassian.
“My wife informs me the Laurel Club is flourishing under your joint guidance.”
“Flourishing is an understatement,” Isabella said, her eyes sparkling with pride, and Cassian laughed beside her as she handed over little Edward to his nanny.
“We are no longer considered a quaint amusement but a serious endeavor. Did Bea tell you we are planning a demonstration at Buckingham Palace?”
Leo shook his head. “That is magnificent, but I am hardly surprised. I would’ve been surprised had the club taken a different course that didn’t involve you.”
Isabella lowered her head as her cheeks reddened under the praise. “I couldn’t have done it alone, Leo. Lady Kendrick, Cassian here, and even Bea all have their hands in the success of the club.”
“Oh, please, we know that. However, this club only exists because of your ideas. We’re merely extra hands.” Bea tapped Isabella’s shoulder lightly, and the little group laughed.
A slight flurry at the door announced the arrival of Isabella’s family. Her father entered with his customary air of dignity, Christine following close behind with Henry and Eleanor.
Isabella could’ve sworn Henry had seen her and Beatrice, but he hurriedly rushed to their husbands instead with a boyish grin.
“Leo! Cassian!”
“Oh, there’s the man of the house,” Cassian laughed, his hand settling on Henry’s shoulders.
“I’m quite certain you saw your sisters, Henry.” Christine narrowed her eyes at her son, who reluctantly turned to acknowledge his older sisters.
“I had begun to think you were hard of sight,” Beatrice joked, and Henry seethed.
“Is it such a bad thing to connect with Dukes as an heir to a duchy myself?”
Isabella scoffed, and the group laughed.
“You have really grown into a man,” Isabella observed, “forgetting you used to come crying to me at night because you couldn’t sleep.”
Henry colored instantly, and the group laughed again.
Little Ellie, devoid of attention, rushed to her sisters.
“Then perhaps I should always be around my sisters to become a duchess like them?” she asked, and an uncontrollable bout of laughter followed.
“You have the one and only Duchess of Ironstone as your mother, darling. You hardly need us for a thing.” Beatrice lowered herself to the little girl.
“Oh, quit the flattery,” Christine giggled while their father said nothing, merely enjoying the moment. She, however, did catch in his nod of approval, as though relieved that his daughter had secured a devoted and respectable husband.
The final guest’s arrival was the most theatrical.
Tristan, newly arrived from London and looking as if he had just survived a calamitous sea voyage, stumbled into the room, his cravat slightly askew.
The display startled the family, who had gathered in the parlor, having tea and a light conversation.
