Page 17 of The Baron's Return
Gemma’s voice was remarkably even for the gravity of the information she’d just shared. Abigail hadn’t realized her daughter knew anything about why they didn’t live with Holbrook.
Cranston engulfed the girl’s hand in one of his and gave a nod. He swallowed before continuing, and it was clear he was overcome with emotion. “I am your father, yes.”
“And you want to be a family? Can we all live together?”
Cranston met her gaze, and she could tell he was remembering the past. The way Abigail had cruelly pushed him away because she’d known it was the only way to keep him from coming back. But he’d never believe she’d done it to stop her father from ruining Cranston’s family.
“If you will have me, yes.”
Gemma’s mouth widened in a broad smile. “I would like that very much.”
Cranston’s gaze shifted to her. Abigail didn’t realize she’d started to cry until he reached out and flicked away the tear that was tracing a path down her cheek.
Gemma kept her grip on Cranston’s hand as she reached for Abigail’s with her other hand. “We’re going to be a real family.” She tilted her head to one side as she gazed at Cranston. “Should I call you Papa?”
He laughed. “Perhaps after I marry your mother. Can you wait one week?”
She blew out an impatient breath. “Are you coming with us on our walk today?”
“Oh no, Baron Cranston has other places to be—”
“I’d be delighted to join you and your mother.”
Abigail’s mouth closed with a snap. It would seem that Gemma already had her father firmly under her spell.
Together, they made their way downstairs. Miss Phillips was waiting for them by the front door, and Gemma dashed to her side.
The governess smiled down at her charge. “You seem to be in high spirits.”
“Can we tell her the news, Mama?”
Abigail laughed. “Since I doubt you could keep it a secret without bursting, I think we must.”
She introduced the governess to Baron Cranston and then added, “I have accepted his proposal of marriage.”
“We’re going to be a family!” Gemma added. “And the baron is coming with us on our walk today.”
“I’ll let you know when we’re back,” Abigail said.
Miss Phillips reached out for her hand and squeezed it. “I’m very happy to hear the good news.” She turned to take in Cranston as well. “My best wishes on your marriage,” she said with a slight dip of her head. Then she turned and headed back upstairs.
Gemma was almost bouncing with excitement. Before coming to London, she would have grabbed her mother’s hand and dragged her from the house. Abigail had hated to quash the girl’s enthusiasm by telling her that she needed to behave with more decorum while they were in London. But it was impossible to quell her daughter’s spirit entirely, something for which Abigail was grateful.
“Shall we?” Cranston held out his hand.
Gemma beamed at the two of them before taking his hand and then reaching out for her mother’s as well. As they left the town house, Abigail suspected it wouldn’t be long before Gemma chose Cranston over her. That thought should have left her dreading the future, but she couldn’t wait to see it. From the way Gemma kept smiling up at Cranston, she knew that future would be happening soon.
Chapter 11
When Cranston arrived at White’s the next morning, John was already there. His friend was seated next to one of the unlit fireplaces in the morning room, reading one of the newspapers that were made available to members of the club.
“I wasn’t sure you’d be here,” Cranston said, settling into an armchair.
John folded the broadsheet and placed it on the mahogany side table. “Amelia was tired and wanted to rest. She’s a curious mix of energy and exhaustion of late.”
“How is she faring?” Now that he was to be wed, Cranston realized that before too much longer, he might also find himself with a wife who was increasing. The thought should have made him run in the opposite direction, but all that had changed when he met Gemma.
“She’s been feeling better. We might yet be able to make it back to Yorkshire before the summer is over.”
