Tempting Mr. Townsend (Dashing Widows 2)

An uncharacteristically mulish look settled on her son's face. "I won't go back to school without Carey."

"Brand…" she began in a warning tone.

"Apologize to your mother," Mr. Townsend snapped. "And while you're at it, tell her you're sorry for dragging her all the way to Hampshire in the middle of a freezing night."

Remorse filled Brand's face and he stepped forward. "I'm sorry, Mamma. I hope you'll forgive me."

"I'll forgive you as long as you promise never to do it again."

"I promise," Brandon said solemnly.

Carey approached his uncle and awkwardly stuck out his hand. "Will you forgive me, too, sir? I regret causing so much trouble, but my intentions were good."

When the two Townsends briefly shook hands, the tension drained from Carey's thin shoulders. For one resonant moment, the two stared at each other. Then the man tugged the boy into his arms.

"Come here, you appalling brat. Of course you're forgiven. Although when I found out you'd taken off from school, I wished you to Hades."

Fenella's eyes misted up at this awkward, heartfelt rapprochement as Carey gave a choked laugh and wriggled free. "I'll wager you did, Uncle." He turned to give Fenella a creditable bow. "Lady Deerham, I apologize to you, too. The scrape was totally my fault."

Fenella cast Brand a mocking glance. "My son was perfectly capable of saying no. But as nothing too dire has happened, we'll let bygones be bygones."

"Thank you, Mamma," Brand said with a quick smile.

"Nicely done, my lads," the old lady said from the bed. Fenella knew her praise included Mr. Townsend.

"We should leave you to rest," she said, noting Mrs. Penn's pallor.

"It's been grand to see the youngsters. But…"

"But they're a handful. I know." Fenella turned to the boys. "Collect your winnings and come downstairs."

As the boys said goodbye to Mrs. Penn and rushed ahead through the door, she couldn't help smiling. Despite hints of future maturity, they were still such babies.

"They're good bairns. I'm right glad you're not going to punish them," Mrs. Penn said, collapsing back with a rattling gasp. Fenella crossed to close the curtains before the old lady stopped her. "I'd rather see the sky, my lady."

"Very well."

"Dr. Brown will be here this afternoon." Mr. Townsend bent to kiss his nurse's lined cheek with a touching lack of self-consciousness.

"He's an old fool," she grumbled. "Always prying and prodding."

"He speaks right highly of you."

Mrs. Penn gave a weary grunt of laughter. "Get away with you, lad, you and your nonsense. And make sure you show this bonny lady over the house. It's a fine place and if you impress her, she might decide to take you on."

Mr. Townsend burst out laughing and kissed Mrs. Penn again as Fenella, furiously blushing, said, "Mr. Townsend and I only met last night. You misunderstand."

Mrs. Penn's eyes fluttered shut, but a faint smile curved her mouth. "Forgive a doddery old woman. My mind's not what it used to be."

Mr. Townsend took Fenella's arm and led her from the room, closing the door after him.

"She's a troublemaker," Fenella said.

He cast her an amused glance, and she marveled yet again how much more approachable he looked when he was laughing. "She is, at that."

"Does she try to marry you off to every unattached female she sees in your company? That must wear out its welcome."

He regarded her thoughtfully. "You know, this is the first time she's done that. You're special."