Page 2 of The Marquess's Imperfect Brid
Grace sighed and nodded, resting her head on her sister’s shoulder as she tried to hide tears that stung her eyes.
“You are such a wonderful sister,” she said. “I do not know what I would have done through all this without you and Neil.”
Anne shook her head, lifting Grace’s chin and kissing her sweetly on the forehead, just above where the scarring began.
“You are stronger than you know, Sister dear,” she said. “In fact, I do not know of a stronger lady within the ton. Nay… in all of England. I would wager a fair sum of money on that. Neil and I love you, and we would do anything for you, especially to help you during trying times. But I know he would agree with me when I say that there is no doubt that you would have come this far, even if you had had to do it all on your own. You are trulyinspirational, sweet Sister. You must never forget that.”
Grace gave her sister another small smile, but her fingers idly made their way up to her face. On the right side, her skin was flawless and pale, with a splash of pink when someone said something kind to her about her outfits or her music. One could see the hazel color with which her eyes had been blessed when she was born; the same color of Anne’s eyes as she looked into them, trying to find her strength once more.
However, the left side of her face told the story of the carriage accident which had left its permanent mark on both her skin and her life. There was a jagged line, which had once been held together with thirteen stitches. Below that was a patch of scarred flesh, where a nasty scrape beneath her left eye had left the area milky and pale after a large splinter was removed from her pupil by the physician. He had removed all the wood and the tiny pebbles embedded in her eye during the accident. But her vision would never return to normal. Nor would her hearing, as her ear drum was ruptured when her left ear hit the side of the carriage and scraped the road as the coach skidded to a stop.
It was no one’s fault. The man who had been driving the carriage that hit hers had suffered an episode with his heart. It was an accident that could not have been avoided. And fortunately, the driver survived his episode, as she heard through her parents a few weeks after it happened. But accident or not, it had left her with the visible reminders of the pain and discomfort she had endured. And those reminders left her with marks that were not so visible. She had endured many challenges since the terrible accident. And she knew that she would continue to do so.
“Thank you for everything, Anne,” she said. Her sister might believe her to be quite strong. But right then, she only wanted the comfort that her sister’s embrace and presence offered her.
***
Gareth Darnall took a deep breath as his carriage stopped. He looked up at the sight of his aunt’s estate with a mixture of relief and dread. His aunt Caroline, the dowager viscountess of Albury, had always been a warm, inspiring presence in his life. However, he knew that she was not the only person who was awaiting his return within the Albury Estate’s walls. His brother and best friend would also be there, eager to hear all about his adventures during his two years abroad. And his parents would be there, as well.
Gareth dragged himself to the door of his aunt’s pale-yellow mansion, drawing what warmth he could from its welcoming exterior. He knocked, despite knowing that his return was anticipated, forcing a smile just as the butler appeared. The tall, bald man opened the door, giving him a warm smile.
“Lord Hayewood,” he said, bowing. “You are expected.”
Gareth nodded, following the man inside. He was not surprised, however, when voices cut through the footsteps as he moved into the foyer.
“My dear nephew,” Caroline said, brushing past James, the butler, in a hurry to reach Gareth. “It is wonderful to see you again.”
Gareth opened his arms just in time for Caroline to rush into them. He held her tightly, smiling at her as she pulled away.
“I am thrilled to see you, Aunt Caroline,” he said. “How are you faring?”
Caroline shook her head, putting her hand on his arm.
“Let us get you inside,” she said.
“Yes, darling,” Emily Darnall said, chilling Gareth instantly, despite his aunt’s warm welcome. “You have arrived just in time for tea. Please, join us in the drawing room.”
Caroline turned to his mother, giving her a patient smile.
“I know we are all thrilled to have Gareth home,” she said. “However, we should allow him a little time to freshen up. His journey has been a long one, and I am certain that he is exhausted.”
The duchess of Darendale shook her head, gripping her son’s arm firmly.
“There will be plenty of time for that later,” she said. “I am eager for Gareth to join us immediately.”
Gareth glanced at his aunt, who nodded regally, despite the flicker of disapproval in her eyes. Gareth got the distinct impression that there was more happening than a sudden delight in Gareth’s return to his family. His aunt was always thrilled to see him, whether it had been days or years. But his mother and father seemed more focused on his future duties and responsibilities as the heir to the dukedom of Darendale. Whatever had his mother in such high spirits, Gareth was sure he would not like any part of it.
Chapter Two
“Gareth,” Thomas Darnall said with a sly grin as Gareth followed his aunt and mother into the drawing room. “Welcome home, dear brother.”
Gareth smirked at his younger brother, momentarily forgetting the sense of foreboding that had just tried to settle around him moments earlier. The youngest son of Lord Darendale perched lazily across a sofa near the fireplace of the spacious, brightly colored drawing room.
A tray of tea and cakes rested beside him, teetering precariously on the edge of the cushion. Yet Thomas lounged as though he had not a single care in the world. Gareth might have frowned upon other men for such an unburdened existence. But he returned the smile as he crossed the room to sit beside his younger brother in a wing-backed, blue-upholstered chair.
“Greetings, Brother,” he said, clapping his brother gently on the back so as not to disturb the tray beside him. “It has been too long. How are you faring?”
Thomas wagged his eyebrows, the mischief in his eyes increasing with a sudden glimmer of wit.
