Would this harrowing conversation never end? “It wasn’t in the cards.”
“But it still could be. If you and Lady Rose got together.”
“That will never happen.”
“But if it did, she could help you. Introduce you to the right people.”
“I have no intention of being a kept man. Why am I talking to you about this anyway?” He scoffed. “You’re my sister, and you’re too young to be having such thoughts.”
Tricia closed her eyes. “And then you could introduce me to Lord Jameson again, and he would take one look at me and fall madly in love—”
“This conversation is over, Tricia.” Cameron finished his tea and loudly set his cup down on an end table. “I’m not your father, but this is the best advice I can give you. Accept your station in life. Don’t try to change it. It only leads to heartbreak.” He cleared his throat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have a bath, and then we’ll go see Kat.”
* * * *
“Iris, what on earth?” Lucy said.
Iris had dragged her into the main parlor. Sophie and Alexandra sat together on the divan, while Rose sat opposite them in a wingback chair, Evan standing behind her. The dowager duchess was perched on a settee, drinking a cup of tea.
The Earl of Brighton rose and took Iris’s arm.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, David. I couldn’t find Lucy. She was hiding in the kitchen, helping Cook prepare our luncheon.”
“I often help in the kitchen. I enjoy it.”
“Lucy is a marvelous cook,” Maggie said.
“All those years of friendship, so long ago, and I had no idea,” Iris said. “Now I’ll know where to find you when you sneak off.”
“Goodness, then, what is going on?” Lucy asked.
“Yes, Mother, why have you called us all in here?” Alexandra smoothed her skirt.
“David—that is, Lord Brighton and I… We have some news.”
A smile curved onto Lucy’s pretty lips. “Iris, you don’t mean…”
David cleared his throat. “This lovely lady has agreed to become my wife, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“Father?” Evan walked forward. “Are you serious?”
“Never more serious, Evan. Iris and are going to be married.”
“But isn’t this a bit…sudden?”
“You’re mother has been gone for over two years.”
“But you and Lady Longarry just met.”
“Yes, my goodness, Mother,” Ally agreed. “What has gotten into you?”
“I know this must seem odd,” David said, “but Iris and I have known each other for some time. We are very happy to have renewed our acquaintance.”
“You don’t mean that you…” Evan frowned.
“Frankly, it’s none of your business how we met, and I’m not going to go into detail. Suffice it to say that we are in love with each other, and since we are both currently unattached, we have decided to spend the rest of our years in happiness together.”
“Well,” Sophie said, rising and giving her mother a quick hug, “I for one am very happy for you, Mother.”