Page 62 of Married to the Rake

Mr. Waverley’s chin wobbled as he gingerly took the book from her. His wife came to his side and gave his arm a squeeze. “I think perhaps both of you should take some time together. Mrs. Larkin and I can have tea with the children.”

“But—”

“For Julia,” Chloe said.

Mr. Waverley exhaled and eyed Chloe’s father before giving a slight nod.

“Papa?” Chloe pressed.

A few heartbeats passed, no one moving a muscle.

“Marcus?” her mother prompted.

“Very well,” her father finally agreed, his voice gravelly.

“Do you know Mrs. Somerset?” Mrs. Waverley asked as the two men slunk off.

Chloe shook her head, not really hearing the words as she watched her father and Mr. Waverley leave. Tension fizzed in the air and both men held their postures tight but at least they were not fighting. Lord, she hoped this was it—that this really was the end of it all. Beside her, Brook groaned, though Chloe could not fathom why. She was not ready to relax but it seemed their fathers would not kill each other and she was convinced Julia’s words would be the perfect remedy to their discord.

“Mrs. Somerset is quite delightful and happens to be having tea with me today,” Mrs. Waverley continued. “I am certain you shall enjoy her company, Mrs. Larkin.”

Chloe’s mother smiled, though it did not quite reach her eyes. She still seemed a little stunned by the whole scenario but Chloe was not surprised. Brook had professed his love in one of the more dramatic ways, details of her father’s past had been revealed that could be uncomfortable for her mother, and they were in the Waverleys’ home for the first time. Still, her mother did a fine job of nodding politely and following Mrs. Waverley through to the parlor room.

“Chloe,” Brook hissed but she ignored him in favor of appearing as polite as possible. After all, his mother did not yet know of their plans and she could not help but want to make her future mother-in-law like her.

Following the mothers into the drawing room, Chloe smiled at the elegantly designed room—trimmed with floor-length pale pink curtains and furnished with a dark wood and chairs in matching fabrics. A piano and harp sat in one corner by a drawing desk. Brook’s mother clearly had excellent taste.

Her gaze landed on the unknown guest, currently seated by the fireplace. “You,” she said before she could stop herself.

Judith gave a vague smile, as though she had never seen Chloe before. “I heard some shouting,” Judith said sweetly. “Is all well, Mrs. Waverley?” She rose from the delicate seat on which she’d been perched and came to Mrs. Waverley’s side. “I think you should sit. You look a little flushed. Why do I not—”

Brook’s mother waved a hand. “I am well, I am well.” She turned to Chloe and her mother. “Do you know Mrs. Larkin and Miss Larkin?”

“I do not believe—”

“Well, that’s a bloody lie,” muttered Brook.

“Brook!” his mother scolded.

“She knows Miss Larkin quite well, Mother, I can assure you of that. In fact, she had the audacity to lay her hands on my fiancé only the other day.”

“Lay her hands…? Fiancé…?” His mother put a hand to her mouth.

Chloe winced. This was not the way she had envisaged breaking the news to Brook’s family.

Her mother cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should leave Mr. Waverley and his mother to talk?” she suggested, taking Chloe’s arm.

“No, I should much rather you stay here and explain this all to me,” Mrs. Waverley said firmly.

Judith stood. “Well, I can see this is a family matter so I think perhaps—”

“You stay too,” Brook’s mother snapped.

Judith dropped swiftly onto the chair with a thump, her cheeks red. She kept her gaze lowered while Mrs. Waverley motioned for them all to sit. Chloe sat on the sofa with her mother while Brook occupied another single chair near the fireplace—the only one that looked vaguely masculine in the whole room. Mrs. Waverley remained standing.

“Mrs. Larkin, I think I must ask, did you know of this engagement?”

Her mother nodded. “But I only just found out. I was as shocked as I am sure you are.”

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