Page 111 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
She pulled Wilhelmina into a tight embrace, and something in that simple, familial gesture made her eyes sting with tears.
“But you do look rather radiant, Mina,” her eldest sister added.
“Radiant?” Victoria echoed, skipping forward. Her gaze lingered knowingly on Wilhelmina, raising an eyebrow. “She must be keeping a secret. Perhaps that is the cause of such brilliance.”
Daphne leaned forward, whispering gently, “You look happy.”
“I am famished,” Alasdair declared. “We can write a sonnet later, Lass, but for now—food!”
Hector beamed, delighted by the laughter and warmth around him. Wilhelmina felt a surge of contentment, seeing him at ease among her family. A fleeting thought of her mother crossed her mind, quickly banished.
“I can recite my speech from The Tempest during dinner!” Hector offered eagerly.
“After dinner,” Gerard said firmly, placing a gentle hand on his son’s shoulder.
The family settled around the table. Wilhelmina found herself seated between Gerard and Victoria. She exhaled, feeling a rare sense of ease. Conversation flowed naturally across the table, laughter and gentle ribbing mingling with the clatter of cutlery.
Daphne coaxed Hector into sampling asparagus, which he promptly declared “awful,” prompting another round of laughter.
On Gerard’s other side sat Daniel. Wilhelmina was happy to see them conversing with each other more easily. Alasdair and Dominic also seemed to have welcomed their new brother-in-law.
Daphne had joined the children at the small table, and she coaxed Hector into trying some asparagus. “Try some. It’s good for you.”
“That looks awful, Aunt Daphne.”
Wilhelmina could not help but chuckle. Hector liked most vegetables, but he absolutely hated asparagus.
As a lull descended, Wilhelmina stood, clearing her throat. The family turned toward her expectantly. Gerard raised an eyebrow, curious, but patient.
“I have an announcement,” she began, keeping her voice light.
The room stilled, all eyes on her.
“I’ve been keeping a secret from all of you—a professional one.”
“There you go!” Victoria crowed. “I knew it! Marianne said you looked radiant, and I suspected something big!”
Wilhelmina smiled, letting the warmth of her family’s curiosity wash over her. “I am Lady Silverquill.”
Gasps and murmurs rippled around the table. Marianne’s hand flew to her mouth, Daniel’s brow rose in impressed acknowledgment, Alasdair clapped and guffawed, Elizabeth giggled at her husband, and Dominic merely nodded, a smile tugging at his lips.
“Aye! We have a famous ‘un right here in the family. You did well, lass!”
“Who else could have written something like Lady Silverquill’s column?” Daphne asked, looking unruffled.
Wilhelmina should not have been surprised, for Daphne had always been in control of her emotions, but she didn’t know that her sister could bethiscalm.
“But I knew that first, Daphne!” Victoria complained, poking her twin’s arm. “You owe me a shilling.”
“There was no wager, sister,” Daphne drawled, a smug smile on her face.
“I know you are a very intelligent woman, sister,” Daniel said, “but I must say that you are more resourceful than I have ever given you credit for.”
Wilhelmina sat down, happy that her family accepted who she was without judgment or denial. Marianne might not have said something, but her smile spoke volumes. Elizabeth raised her glass in a toast, which she mirrored.
As for Gerard, he didn’t have to say anything. His eyes lit up with pride.
“They may have always known,” he whispered.
