For one moment, Virginia was swept turbulently back in time. She paused. “How did you hear about that?”
“The other night we dragged him off to a club. A little bachelor’s farewell fête. He waxed rather eloquent when prodded. An interesting beginning—and apparently, an auspicious one, as well.”
“I hated him on sight,” she whispered.
“Did you?” He stared.
She smiled. “The truth?”
“If you dare.” He was no longer smiling.
“I was so afraid I don’t know what I thought or felt. But I knew from that first moment that I had never met a man like him before—and that I never would again.”
Rex de Warenne grinned. “I am glad to hear it,” he said.
THERE WERE TWO DININGrooms in Harmon House. The family gathered in the smaller one for supper, a room with gold paper on the walls, a huge chandelier above, a long trestle table set with gold candlesticks, gilt flatware, gold-and-white china and linen and lace. Mary and Edward sat at opposite ends of the exquisitely set table, formally dressed. Virginia found herself seated between Cliff and Tyrell, with Eleanor, Rex and Sean across from them. The conversation ran rampant around her, Eleanor conversing across Sean with her mother, Tyrell and Edward discussing rents, Cliff and Rex the state of Napoleon’s finances. Virginia smiled happily to herself. Devlin had a wonderful family and she was a part of it. There was so much warmth in the room that she could feel the affection between everyone present, a vibrant, tangible thing.
She caught Sean looking at her and she smiled at him. He smiled back and looked away, toying with the fish on his plate. Eleanor suddenly said brightly to her, “I heard you spent quite a bit of time at Askeaton when Devlin was in London,” she said. “Did you like it there? I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.”
Virginia laid her fork down, smiling back. “I liked it very much. And I agree, Askeaton is beautiful.”
“Is it as nice as your home in Virginia?”
“Yes.” Virginia was touched briefly with wistful longing. “Sweet Briar is a wonderful place. But the riding trails are better at Askeaton.” She smiled at Sean, remembering all the long country rides they had shared.
Eleanor glanced between them with confusion. “I forgot…while Devlin was away, you only had Sean for company.”
Virginia became uncomfortable. She didn’t know what to say.
Sean ignored the conversation, concentrating on his food.
“I haven’t ridden about Askeaton in years,” Cliff remarked languidly. Although he remained impossibly relaxed, Virginia knew he meant to rescue her from an uncomfortable moment. “Sean has some fine horses, does he not?”
She glanced at him. He was a bit unsettling even now, and she had little doubt that he was the kind of man to enjoy the favors of a notorious widow. But she was grateful he was redirecting the conversation. “Yes, he does. There are some fine horses at Askeaton. Especially Bayberry,” she added, smiling as she recalled the brave little filly.
Sean finally looked at her. “She is yours,” he said suddenly. “Please accept her as my wedding present.”
Virginia was so overcome she could not speak.
Eleanor looked back and forth between them, her expression stunned. “But you bred her! And you’re giving her to Virginia?”
Sean glanced at her. “Virginia loves the horse.”
Eleanor was suddenly standing. “Excuse me, I seem to have a terrible migraine.” She hurried from the room.
Virginia blinked.What was that?
Sean sighed. “I forgot…she was there the day the filly foaled. She helped me bring her into the world.” He stood, appearing grim. “Excuse me.” He walked out.
Edward looked perplexed. “Mary, what is going on? Why is Eleanor upset?”
Mary began to smile. “I do think your daughter is growing up.”
Tyrell said thoughtfully, “What a strange turn. Eleanor has spent her life provoking Sean, from the time she could walk. Her favorite game used to be ‘ambush’—she would assault him when he would least expect it. Her favorite weapons were sticks and stones.” He started to grin, shaking his head.
“Indeed. She is now jealous of Virginia,” Rex said smoothly, and he saluted Virginia with his wineglass before sipping.
Virginia began to protest.
