Deceived. Bertrice Small
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Название: Deceived
Автор: Bertrice Small
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Исторические любовные романы
isbn: 9781496720719
isbn:
“Now, Mama,” Aurora said, struggling not to laugh. “You are not going to die for many years to come. You are far too young. Give Cally your blessing, and a kiss so they may be under way.”
Oralia sighed, but did as her stepdaughter suggested, kissing first Calandra, and then Valerian Hawkesworth. “Take care of my darling child,” she instructed the duke.
“I will, ma’am,” he promised her.
Cally then hugged her stepsister, her brother, and finally Martha. “I shall look forward to seeing you in a few months.”
George grinned. “Together,” he said.
“Forever!” Cally responded.
“As one!” Aurora finished their pledge.
Valerian Hawkesworth looked puzzled, and the trio laughed.
“Your wife will explain to you,” Oralia said. “Now, go, before I cannot let you go!” She put her handkerchief to her mouth.
The duke helped his bride into the open carriage, and with a wave they were off down to the harbor, Captain Conway, Browne, and Sally following in their own conveyance.
“I do not know if I can bear it,” Oralia said softly.
“Be of good cheer, ma’am,” the Reverend Mr. Edwardes said. “It is God’s will that a daughter leave her mother’s house for a husband. Your daughter has married incredibly well. Be thankful!”
“George,” Aurora said quickly, “would you be so good as to take our kindly minister down to the boat and have Franklin sail him back over to Barbados. The winds are brisk today, and I believe he can be home in time for lunch. It was so good of you to come to St. Timothy to marry Cally and Valerian, but we cannot keep you further from your parish duties, Reverend Edwardes.” She smiled sweetly.
“Happy to come, Miss Aurora,” he replied. “I hope I shall next see you wed to some fine young man. We have several suitable gentlemen in my parish, among whom might be one who would suit you.”
“Perhaps I shall come over to Barbados for a visit after my brother and I return from England next year, sir,” she replied.
“Your dear mama will be all right, won’t she?” the minister inquired solicitously. “Losing a daughter is hard, I know. My good wife and I have married off four in as many years.”
“Mama will be fine,” Aurora assured him.
“Come along, sir,” George said brightly, understanding that Aurora wanted the man gone before Oralia might say something revealing. He took the rector by the arm. “I shall see to his fee,” he murmured to his stepsister, and then he hustled the Reverend Mr. Edwardes out the door before another moment could pass by.
Part II
ENGLAND, 1761
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