“Lizzie,” Bella groaned. “Open it!”
With one quick tear she put Annabelle out of her misery, then hugged the slim volume tightly to her chest. “Bella, it is perfect! How did you know I’ve been looking for just this book?”
“You’ve only mentioned it a dozen times this past year.” Annabelle rolled her eyes. “Now, at least, I can stop listening to you go on about how you’ve read all her novels but this one.”
Elizabeth grabbed her sister’s hand and squeezed. “Thank you, dear. You’ve made my birthday joyous, after all. I cannot wait to start Miss Austen’sPersuasion.”
“I am certain the Baron will surprise you with a far better gift.” Annabelle’s eyes lit with anticipation. “Why, just imagine what his wealth might?—”
Sorrow overwhelmed Elizabeth.
“Lizzie…”
“Don’t.” She turned away; Elizabeth did not want her sister to read her thoughts. “I do not wish to speak of him. Another time, I promise.” She simply wished to enjoy Annabelle’s visit. “Now tell me news of you, and of Papa. Has he?—?”
“Run through the Baron’s money yet?” Annabelle’s sigh was sufficient answer. “Not quite, but he will, and Lizzie, I must ask you…” It was Bella’s turn to look pained. “I’m afraid I?—”
“How much do you need?”Somegood ought to come of her union to a scoundrel.
“More than you’d expect. There is a matter that’s come up, you see, which?—”
“Say no more, Bella. You need never explain, as I can well imagine.” Elizabeth paused. “Trouble is, I’ve yet to receive pin money from my husband. We’ve been married such a short while I’ve not even discussed this with him yet.” She could have kicked herself for neglecting such a key marital conversation. “But I can give you a necklace to pawn, and once I’ve funds in hand, you may retrieve it for me. Will that do?”
Annabelle seemed relieved. “Yes of course, Lizzie, you know I hate to?—”
“Neverbe ashamed to ask me for anything, Bella. It is why I married the Baron.” She steadied herself. “And the man can continue to pay for the pleasure of my hand.”
“Miss Winthrop!” Milton was shocked to discover his sister-in-law in his foyer just as he was about to leave his house. “What brings you here today?”
“Why, I should think you know what, sir.” Her brow creased.
“I am sure I do not.”
“I came to congratulate my sister.”
“My dear, our wedding was some while ago.”
She looked at him most queerly. “You don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?”
“That it is her birthday, oaf!” Annabelle instantly clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh dear I—forgive me, Baron.” She looked terribly contrite. “I did not mean to call you an?—”
“Oaf?” He sighed. “But I am, Miss Winthrop, and worse. Only more vulgar terms are not fit for ladies’ ears.”
“Did Lizzie fail to tell you today is her birthday, sir?”
“She did.” Could his day get any worse? “Which does not mean I haven’t time, yet, to rectify the matter.” He’d kill two birds instead of one. “Might you be willing to accompany me on a short shopping trip, miss, and assist me in procuring your sister a gift?”
“I—”
He’d not let her wriggle out. “As your brother-in-law, I am the ideal chaperone to lead you about town. What’s more, I amin desperate need of your help, lest I buy Elizabeth a gift she hates, making her hate me only—” He stopped himself.
“You’ve had a row, haven’t you?” Annabelle peered at him. “I suspected as much, because she would not speak of you just now, and we do not keep secrets from one another.”
Milton suspected this minx was keeping plenty from his wife. “Miss Winthrop, I do not doubt you and your sister are indeed very close. But I’ve not a clue what Elizabeth might like, so…” He leveled his blue eyes at her soft brown irises. “Help your new brother repair a marital spat?”
“Very well.” Her lips pursed. “For Lizzie’s sake, mind. Because she is the very best person in the world, and you don’t deserve her in the least.”
