CHAPTER56
CECILIA—THEPORTRAIT
Aknock on the duke’s bedchamber door startled me, but I was already full of nerves witnessing the tension betwixt father and son.
“We have a surprise for you,” I said. “You’ll love it.”
I rose from the chair. My pale rose carriage gown belled about me as I hurried and retrieved the painting from the servant.
Felton went the opposite direction toward the balcony doors. The disquieted look settling on his countenance broke me up inside. He wasn’t hiding his emotions, but the way his lips flattened wrenched my heart.
Trembling, with the painting in my fingers, I waited for his approval. “Felton?”
He nodded, then went out on the balcony.
“Here you go, Your Grace. Port Royal.”
Tramel took the painting and sat it on his chest. Then he arose, as though the art gave him strength. “Phenomenal, my dear,” he said. “You’re amazing. I can see the destruction coming. Can’t you see it too, Felton?”
My husband came back inside. The look that passed between them made my blood chill. “I see everything this time, old man. I’m no longer a fool.”
“Good. A fool can’t lose a treasure twice. And a father can finally say sorry for all the bad. I’m glad you won, son. I’m glad you two are united. You’ll need to be whenallthe family has gathered.”
Lady Jane came in. “Papa, you should rest. Felton, you and Lady Gantry should retire and freshen up before the guests arrive. Traveling always makes one smell like a cow.”
My laughter fell before I could stop myself.
Felton’s too.
“Yes,” Lady Jane sneered. “Your dresses Father purchased are in your closet if you need something else to wear.”
Then Felton lifted me from the chair. “My wife is tired. I think we’ll retire and then breakfast with you in the morning, Tramel.”
“Tomorrow will be a big day, Lady Gantry. I found it for you. I won’t miss it. My surprise has come a long way, from Demerara.”
Helena’s stone marker? Could that be what his men were bringing back?
“Rest, Your Grace.” I clasped Felton’s hand and went into the hall.
“So, he’s told you,” Jane said in huff.
“Told us what, sister?”
“That I have accepted Gladstone’s offer of marriage.”
I looked up at my sister-in-law. I hadn’t thought of how much I’d come to despise her, not until this moment. But even with all my reasons, I’d not wish Gladstone upon her.
“I think it a mistake, Lady Jane. Excuse me.”
Felton wouldn’t release my hand. “You’ll go nowhere. We are talking to my sister, giving her sage advice about not marrying the fiend.”
“Just to my studio, my lord.” I tried to pull free, but he’d not budge an inch.
His sister glared at me with a haughty, stinging gaze. “The studio shouldn’t be here.”
“It’s here because Tramel lives. It’s his house, not yours, Lady Jane. You’d never go against his wishes.”
Felton nodded. “The duke didn’t sanction an engagement. I know he wouldn’t, Jane.”
