“Fine, but I feel a bit worn out,” Tabbie replied, closing her eyes.
Tricia wrapped her arm around her sister’s shoulders. It was still early in Tabbie’s pregnancy and Tricia felt a niggle of fear. “I know you are worried about Father, but you are to rest this afternoon. The baby has to come first.”
“I agree,” Tabbie’s voice sounded strained. “You’ve done a marvelous job of holding up under all this, Tricia. You’ve grown so much. I’m proud of you.”
Tears pricked at Tricia’s eyes. Tabbie was one of the strongest people she knew. It was high praise. “Thank you,” she murmured, wrapping her arms about her sister.
As they pulled through the gate of her London home, Tricia saw the front door open as first the butler and then her mother and brother stepped out to greet them.
Ryker dismounted to help her out of the carriage and she saw her mother’s eyes flit over him. As Tricia stepped down, her mother gave her a glowing smile. “You’ve finally made it. I have wonderful news.”
Tricia would have to explain to her mother why they were late though it wasn’t a task she looked forward to. She was rather taken aback at her mother’s informal tone and words in front of a stranger. While Ryker was familiar to her, her mother had yet to meet him. Whatever she was about to say, it must be quite important. “What news?”
“Your father is up and about,” she announced as Luke helped Tabbie down.
“How fantastic!” Tabbie exclaimed as she leaned into Luke.
“Let’s move inside to discuss it further,” she declared as she glanced at her sister again. “Do you have time to join us, Your Grace?”
Her mother’s backbone straightened at the address.
“Just a moment, if your mother would permit it.” He gave her mother a gentle smile before he winked at Tricia
“Of course, Your Grace.” Her mother said as she gave a slight courtesy, her duchess façade was now firmly in place.
“Mother, may I introduce the Duke of Landon.” Tricia’s insides fluttered. Though Luke had already consented to the match on her father’s behalf, her mother’s opinion surely mattered.
“Charmed,” she bowed her head and then gestured for everyone to follow them inside.
They made themselves comfortable in the front sitting room, as Tricia leaned over to Luke. “Tabbie needs to lie down as soon as possible.”
With a terse nod, he helped his wife into a chair.
As Tricia sat upon a settee, Ryker joined her. Her mother’s eyes were fixed upon them. “It is a pity you can’t stay, Your Grace.” Her mother gave him a warm smile. “Tonight we will have a bit of a celebratory dinner.”
Ryker gave her a nod. “I’ve pressing business this afternoon, but with your permission, I would be honored to return.”
Her mother’s eyes lit with approval. “We would be delighted to have you.”
Ryker rose then. “It is settled then. I will see you all this evening.” And then he leaned over to kiss her hand before exiting the salon.
The moment he was gone her mother stood. “Why have I not heard about His Grace?”
Tricia swallowed. “We only met a few days ago, Mother, while getting pasties for Tabbie.” She cleared her throat as discreetly as she could. “And of course, he attended the ball last evening.”
“Has he made his intention to court you known?” Her mother’s brows raised.
It was Luke who answered. “Actually, he’s asked my permission for Tricia’s hand. He does not participate often in society and does not—”
“Did you accept?” her mother interrupted, her hands clasped in front of her.
“I did, Your Grace,” Luke answered, his own posture tensing.
“Excellent news,” her mother replied and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. “I always knew you’d marry well, my sweet Tricia.”
“What about me,” Tabbie grumped from her chair. “You didn’t think I’d marry well?”
“Darling, don’t be silly. I mean, I worried a little. Your insistence on hiding behind potted plants was concerning and then, of course, the sharpness of your tongue.” Her mother took a breath to continue but Tricia cut her off.