Page 66 of Persuasions of an Earl's Daughter

“Well, the horse seems to have entirely forgotten his time at the hands of that beastly man who was lucky indeed to escape the death penalty.”

“He was a greedy man, but we’ll never have to worry about him again now he’s across the other side of the world.”

“And your sister has done a wonderful job of pampering Icarus whilst you have been away.”

“But of course.” Lilly chuckled. “I imagine I shall have quite the time trying to get Icarus to agree to a flat race with me after his time with Ivy.” She glanced over her shoulder as other family members poured into the drawing room. “I had better greet everyone else.” Lilly gave Sarah’s hand a little squeeze and paused before she turned away. “You knew did you not?”

“Knew what, dear?”

“That August was the one for me. That’s why you encouraged us to chase after Icarus together?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” By some miracle, Sarah kept the smug smile from her face. “Though I suspect August’s uncle may have had some idea about the two of you. I’m almost certain its why he willed Icarus to you.”

Her eyes widened and she laughed before going off to greet the others as they arrived at the London seat of the Duke of Daventry. The duke himself had opted to remain in the library as all the noise would leave him perturbed but she knew her brother would enjoy having everyone here, even if at a distance. Like her, he enjoyed the idea that his family were happy and partaking in his hospitality.

It had been many years since both families had been together, mostly thanks to the Musgraves cut from London Society, however, with the successful marriages of all the Musgrave girls, invitations had begun to arrive in her nieces’ hallways. Not that any of them cared much, but it did, however, give them a good excuse to bring the two families together.

And perhaps Sarah had been a little instrumental in that too. A few whispered words in a few select ears had persuaded her sister and brother-in-law that they would be welcome to come out of their self-exile and ensure the future generations maintained a close relationship.

The room filled with noise Sarah hadn’t heard in years. She remained out of the conversations, content to simply watch the growing families discuss everything from children to animal sanctuaries to the latest investigations in which the ladies had participated in. Women would always need the aid of women and despite the girls all being busy with their families and full lives, they were always willing to help someone in need.

A nuzzle to the back of her head made her turn and pat her lap in invitation. The cat obediently jumped down from behind her, turning several circles before settling with one eye open as though keeping a close watch on the family.

“They’re all happy, Simon, see?”

He lifted his head and stared at her for a few moments.

“I know, I know, you want me to be happy. But, you know, you did object to my last suitor.”

The cat gave a nonchalant stretch and resettled. She hadn’t forgotten Mr. Wilde. How could she? The man was as kind as her late-husband and even adored cats. But Simon had not taken well to him.

And she had yet to introduce Sir William Cameron to Simon for fear of what he might think of him. He was fun, witty, and charming. Now that all her nieces were taken care of, it was time for her to think of herself. The trouble was, she just didn’t know what she wanted.

The cat closed his eyes. She sighed. “You want me to make a choice, don’t you?”

A deep purr emanated from the cat, and she nodded to herself. “I will,” she promised. “I’ll think of myself very soon.”

In the meantime, she would enjoy the warmth and love filling the room between all these wonderful couples and their growing families. She couldn’t claim to have had a hand in every match made here but she had certainly been instrumental enough to take quite a lot of pride in the wonderful connections her nieces had made. Even if she never figured out what she wanted, at least she could be assured of her family’s future happiness and that would be enough for her.

THE END

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