“No.” Tristan quickly grabbed her hand. “Stay. I would like my sister to assist Diana.”
As Tristan struggled to stand with an arm around each woman, he felt complete for the first time in his life. On his right he held the woman who would always be in his heart, and soon to be his wife, and on his left, he held the one thing he’d wanted when he was a young boy.
A younger sister.
Epilogue
Two days later,Tristan was finally able to move around. He didn’t like feeling weak, both mentally and physically, and he was very happy when he found the strength to dress himself and leave his bedroom.
Since the night he was stabbed, his beautiful Diana had been coming to the house every day, caring for him. More so than the good doctor, thank Heavens. Indeed she was an angel.Hisvery own angel.
When he walked into the dining room and saw his two brothers sitting at the table, Tristan paused at the door. His brothers wore expressions that Tristan didn’t like. They didn’t appear gloomy, but more confused or frustrated.
“Good day,” Tristan greeted and he walked in and took his seat at the table.
The other two nodded greetings.
“I must say, Trey, I’m surprised that Hawthorne isn’t with you. In fact, I haven’t seen him since after we left Diana’s cottage.”
Trey shrugged. “Nic was called away suddenly. Something to do with his family in New Castle. I don’t know when he’ll return.”
“I shall have to write him a letter, then.” Tristan smiled.
“How are you faring today my dear brother?” Trevor asked.
“So much better than before.” Tristan’s smile dropped as he eyed his brothers warily. “Why do you ask? Are you both going to tell me something I don’t want to hear?”
“Why would you say that?” Trey wondered.
“Because of your expressions.”
The oldest brother and youngest brother traded glances with each other before looking back at Tristan.
“Actually,” Trevor began, “Trey and I have been discussing something very serious.”
Leaning back in his chair, Tristan folded his arms across his chest. “Something I’m not going to approve of?”
“Well,” Trevor scratched his chin, “the subject matter is a very delicate one. I think you will have a different opinion from mine and Trey’s.”
Tristan shook his head. “What are you talking about?”
“Our sister.” Trevor sighed heavily. “Since you told us about Tabitha the other day, Trey and I have been thinking about her constantly. We are very happy to discover we have a sister, but we think we should keep the secret from our mother.”
“What?” Tristan sat forward in his chair. “Pray tell, why wouldn’t you want our mother to know? She knew what kind of man our father was. Do you really believe she doesn’t suspect there is one illegitimate child—or more—running around England somewhere? Do you really think our mother is that naïve?”
Trey shrugged. “She’s had so much scandal and heartbreak in her lifetime. I think keeping Tabitha’s secret is necessary for Mother’s health as well as her state of mind.”
“And,” Trevor added, “since Tabitha doesn’t want everyone to know who she really is, I think it would be all right to keep the family secret from our mother.”
Tristan scowled as he stared at his older brother for a few moments then turned his glare at Trey. Blast it all, Tristan really hated when they were right and he wasn’t. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to keep their sister a secret after all. Of course sooner or later Tabitha might want people to know how she’s related to the Worthington family, but until then…
He nodded. “Fine. We will keep it from Mother and the rest of society, but if and when Tabitha wants people to know…”
“Yes, we will tell Mother when that time comes,” Trevor agreed.
“Have you thought over that other matter I asked you about the other day?” Tristan asked.
“What other matter?”
