‘Yes, I do, Miles, as long as there are no recriminations, or anything like that … I mean the placing of blame, I’ve been blamed enough of late.’
‘By Simon, you mean?’ her brother asked, looking across the bedroom at her.
‘Oh yes, and yes, and yes! Long ago, I discovered he loves to whine. And he’s doing it now, moaning and groaning that the failure of our marriage is all my fault.’
‘Is it?’ he asked.
DeLacy swung around to face him, shaking her head. ‘Maybe. Or maybe it’s his … to tell you the truth it’s nobody’s fault. It just happened … it’s the way it is. And I know I can’t remarry him as he wants me to. I simply can’t, Miles.’
‘You don’t have to protest to me. I know exactly what you mean. When a relationship doesn’t work it’s hell on earth.’
Although Miles had told DeLacy she looked beautiful, he was nonetheless worried about her. She was much thinner, and had a gauntness about her. Yes, her face was still delicate, beautifully proportioned, but her shorter hair did not really suit her. He was not particularly enamoured of these sleek, cropped hairdos; he found them masculine. He thought he could get Cecily to become Lacy’s friend again, and she would influence his sister. As they walked downstairs together, he made up his mind to help DeLacy through this difficult period of her life. Fragile though she was at this moment, he knew she was strong. After all, she was an Ingham.
The library door was closed, but Hanson opened it without even knocking, and walked in. The Earl was expecting him.
Charles Ingham was sitting at his desk. He looked up and nodded at the sight of the butler. ‘I’m assuming all my daughters and sisters have arrived, Hanson?’
‘That is so, m’lord,’ Hanson answered, walking forward. ‘The young ladies are in their rooms, and I have spoken to Lady Gwendolyn. I told her tea will be at four thirty today, and I’ve given the same information to Lady Vanessa, as you requested. She is also in her suite. Apparently Lady Lavinia was with Lady Gwendolyn when I telephoned, and the message was relayed to her, Your Lordship.’
‘Thank you, Hanson. As I told you earlier, I don’t want to be disturbed once my children have come down.’
Hanson said, ‘I understand, Lord Mowbray.’ There was a momentary pause, then Hanson murmured, with a slight twinkle in his eye, ‘I could stand guard outside, m’lord, if you so wish.’
Charles burst out laughing. ‘I don’t think that will be necessary, but thank you for offering.’
The butler inclined his head and excused himself. Charles rose, and walked across to the hearth, where he stood with his back to the fire, thinking about his children. He had no qualms about what he was about to tell them. He was quite certain they would understand; his plans made good sense. His daughters were intelligent; they cared about his wellbeing and trusted his judgement. Miles already knew, as did Daphne. As for the world at large, he had long since realized he didn’t care about what strangers thought.
Daphne was the first to arrive with Hugo. When she joined him by the fireside, she said, ‘I have told Hugo about the missing jewels, Papa.’
Charles turned as the door burst open.
‘Here I am, Papa!’ Dulcie cried in her usual flamboyant way, floating towards her father in a cloud of pale blue silk.
Charles embraced her. ‘Like Daphne, you look beautiful, Dulcie.’ A smile tugged at his mouth. ‘You’re both wearing blue. And taking a huge chance. Aunt Gwendolyn will tease you mercilessly about wearing frocks to match your eyes.’
‘She will,’ Dulcie agreed. ‘But we don’t care, do we, Daphers? We love blue, it suits us – and anyway, she wears blue as well. Because she has the same blue eyes. It’s a family distinction.’
Daphne laughed, and went and sat on the sofa, where Hugo joined her.
A moment later, the door burst open again and Diedre, DeLacy and Miles came in together in a mad rush. ‘I hope we’re not late, Papa.’ Diedre hurried forward, with DeLacy right behind her; Miles closed the door and joined his sisters.
Charles greeted them, and was relieved to see that Diedre had chosen pink and DeLacy was in a pale grey frock. No doubt they remembered how their great-aunt frequently made fun of them. Even though she was now in her mid-eighties, she was full of life, and mischief.
Charles let his eyes rest on his children for a moment, and admiringly so, and then he gave them a warm smile.
‘It’s really wonderful to have you here together … I should have done this before, had a family reunion. But, as you know, we’ve had our hands full, keeping Cavendon on an even keel. And it is safe, by the way, thanks to good management, wise counsel from Hugo, and innovations created by Miles. And also a great deal of prudence on Daphne’s part in the running of the house. Anyway, I know we’re going to have a truly happy few days together …’
Pausing, Charles moved away from the fireplace and sat down in a chair. Leaning back, making himself comfortable, he went on, ‘I have several things to tell you. But first, let me explain that I am well, truly recovered from the heart attack I had last year. Doctor Laird has given me a great bill of health. He says I’m fit, and that I can lead a normal life. Which is tremendous news.’
‘It is indeed, Papa!’ Dulcie began to clap her hands, glanced around, and her siblings joined in, clapping with her, laughing together. They loved their father, who had been the true constant in their lives.
Charles still had a smile on his face when he continued. ‘On Sunday afternoon, once lunch is over, I will be leaving Cavendon. I’ve decided that now is the right time to take a holiday. Just for a few weeks, but it will be a welcome respite—’
‘What a wonderful idea!’ DeLacy cut in. ‘It will do you good, Papa—’
‘Where are you going?’ Dulcie asked, interrupting her sister. ‘Somewhere lovely, I hope.’
‘I’m going to Switzerland,’ Charles said, his keen eyes roaming over them once more. ‘To Zurich, to be exact. Hugo has very kindly offered me his villa, and for as long as I want.’
‘What a treat.’ Diedre smiled at her father lovingly, and then a thought suddenly occurred to her. ‘You’ll be by yourself, and you might feel lonely, Papa. Would you like one of us to accompany you?’
Charles shook his head. ‘Thank you, Diedre, for such a kind thought. I would like all of you to know that I won’t be alone. You see, I’m getting married. The holiday is actually my honeymoon.’
Three pairs of blue eyes, wide with shock, were staring at him. Diedre, DeLacy and Dulcie were speechless, unable to say anything for a few seconds, taken by surprise as they were.
Daphne stood up and said, ‘I think congratulations are in order, don’t you?’ She eyed her sisters, her own face wreathed in smiles of happiness for her father. ‘Congratulations,’ they all said in unison.
‘You haven’t told us who the bride is, Papa.’ Diedre stared at her father, a quizzical look on her face. ‘Do we know her?’
‘Of course you do,’ Miles said, walking over to join Daphne in front of the fire. ‘Very well, in fact.’
Charles also stood. ‘It’s Charlotte. I’m going to marry Charlotte Swann. Whom I love and cherish and wish to spend the rest of my life with.’
There was a sudden excited rush towards him.
As usual, Dulcie was the first to spring forward and into his arms, followed by DeLacy and Diedre. Within seconds, three of his daughters were hugging him so hard he was almost knocked over.
‘Goodness