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By Jove, she was an absolute vision.

She’d piled her hair atop her head into a chignon, leaving a few fiery silky curls to trail over one shoulder. The gown fit her to perfection, emphasizing her womanly charms and making her eyes glitter like the very stars in the sky. She wore a sapphire and pearl parure set, no doubt loaned from Sabella.

“Oh, my dear girl,” breathed Sabella, her eyes misty and proud. “You are absolutely stunning.” She poked Brandon with her ever-present cane. “Well? What are you waiting for? Get on with it.”

Yes, Sabella Thackpenny had changed significantly. However, Brandon suspected she’d always be a bit crusty and outspoken. In truth, he admired her spunk.

His heart kicking against his ribcage, he rose and went to Joy. He raised her hand to his mouth and then dared to kiss her fingertips. Even through her satin gloves, her heat beckoned, and a frisson sluiced through him.

“You take my breath away, Joy.”

Eyes shining, she looked him up and down. “The same might be said of you, Doctor.”

“Thank you for wearing the gown.”

Never have I beheld a more entrancing woman.

Her smile widened, revealing her unrestrained happiness. “Thank you for gifting me it.”

If Sabella Thackpenny weren’t sitting a few feet away, nothing on earth would’ve kept Brandon from sweeping Joy into his arms and kissing her breathless. When she looked at him like that, her eyes soft and worshipful, like he was her hero, a chivalrous knight of old, and she’d follow him to the ends of the earth, he wanted to ask her to be his wife right then and there.

Hold on, old boy. Later, when you can do the thing properly.

Tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow, he turned them to face Sabella. “I’d like to invite you both to join my family at Rockford Park for the holiday.”

~*~

Sabella’s eyes rounded, and her jaw went slack before she dropped her attention first to Whiskers and then Poppet. Slowly, she raised an uncertain gaze to Brandon’s, a silent question in their depths.

He quirked his mouth to the side. “Of course, your pets are welcome too.”

‘That’s very generous of you,” Joy put in smoothly, eyeing her confounded employer. “However, I’m not certain it would be proper for me to attend.”

“Proper? Proper?” Sabella’s biting inflection was back in place.

As if to protect her from her employer’s displeasure, Brandon drew Joy nearer.

Clutching her cane, Sabella slowly levered to her feet. Both hands clasping the grip, she leaned heavily upon the support. “Gel, we’re wearing gowns Brandon had made for us. He’s bestowed dozens of gifts upon us. He’s also been seen entering this house and strolling The Vines for days now.” She chuckled, the raspy sound like old paper crinkling. “We are way beyond proper, and I, for one, relish it.”

Thump. Thump.

“I…” Puzzling her brow, Joy looked up at Brandon. “She has a point, but I cannot help but feel that your family and others will make inaccurate assumptions. It could prove awkward for you, Brandon.”

“Hmph, not if he asks you to marry him,” Sabella said matter-of-factly, as she tottered toward the doorway, Whiskers and Poppet trailing her. “As his betrothed, no one would raise an eyebrow. I plan on attending, Joy dear. In truth, I am quite looking forward to the festivities. However, I shan’t force you to accompany me.”

“I should like to attend, as well.” Joy glanced at Brandon, her heart stuttering at his exuberant grin of approval.

Sabella paused on the threshold and half-turned toward them.

“By the by, Joy, dear. I’ve not said anything before, but I think it bears mentioning, for it is quite obvious to anyone with eyes in their heads.” She shot Brandon a speaking glance. “Your resemblance to Lady Joanna, the deceased Countess of Winterbanks, is nothing short of remarkable. Someone else might make the connection as well.”

Eyes shining with an unmistakable glint, the merest hint of a smile touched her thin lips.

Precious Lord.

Lungs cramping from shock, Joy dug her fingertips into Brandon’s arm. She strove to remain composed, her mind honing in on one critical point.

She knows.