Page 83 of Finding Hope
The arrivals were strangers to Hope. An older, but distinguished looking gentleman and a servant, likely his valet, alighted.
“Who is it?” she whispered to Rotham.
“I am not acquainted with him,” he confessed.
When the Duke looked over at the guest, he ceased his conversation with his children. “Shall we go inside, and I will introduce you all. I think, perhaps, it will be best if your sisters are present.”
Hope was utterly confused, but allowed Rotham to lead her into the drawing room. “Gilford, if you would send in the Whitford ladies,” his Grace ordered.
Her sisters seemed as confused as she when they arrived, entering the room cautiously before sitting down.
The Duke smiled and spoke to Hope. “My dear, when you told me who you were, and that you had been orphaned, it surprised me that you had been brought up by a stranger and then given into Westwood’s guardianship. It made me think that perhaps all of your Whitford family must have passed away. However, a few letters were sent at my direction and, as it happens, one of your paternal uncles is still living. I realize that you and Lady Westwood are now in a position to support your sisters, but thought you might value that connection.” He indicated a distinguished gentleman, aged perhaps in his late fifties.
All her sisters seemed to turn at once to survey this relation they had not known about.
He walked over to them, and at once Hope recognized some of her father’s familiar features, such as the bright blue eyes each of them had inherited. His hair and whiskers were black streaked with silver, and there were deep lines etched on his face, denoting a predisposition to laughter. This was probably what their father would have looked like had he lived.
“Ladies, may I present Admiral David Whitford.”
The gentleman made them a bow. “Ladies, I am regretful that I lost contact with my brother and was thus unable to provide for you during your time of need, though it appears you have suffered no harm by my absence. I was also in the Navy and have but recently retired and returned home. Regretfully, the news of my brother’s death did not reach my ears until I returned to England. I remained a bachelor as it was a difficult life to take a wife. I do hope that now you will, at the very least, be able to spare a little time for your old uncle.”
Hope walked to him and took his hands. She kissed each cheek. “I could not be more pleased to know that you still live, sir. Father was given to speak well of you.”
Her sisters also greeted him, and while they did so, Hope went to the Duke. “Thank you, sir,” she said as she kissed his cheek. “I cannot imagine a more wonderful gift.”
CHAPTER 21
Less than a fortnight from when Max had first issued the request to Diana to plan his wedding, the day had now arrived. The last few weeks had felt more like years under the weight of his mother’s disgraceful behaviour. It had taken a definite toll on his father and all of the gains he had initially made seem to have been erased by the banishment of the Duchess.
However, the Whitford sisters were a continual delight to their new-found uncle, and they seemed genuinely to enjoy each other’s company. They had climbed the peaks, gone riding and fishing, and attended the village fair with him.
Since Hope had been too busy with preparations for the wedding to spend as much time with Admiral Whitford and her sisters, Max determined to make certain the gentleman was invited for a visit after their wedding trip, which would not take place until after the Duke had passed away.
Max wanted every last moment with his father, even though it would have surprised him to say so but a month ago. He would be forever grateful for this time with him. Max could only hope the Duke would live long enough to see his first grandchild from his son.
Davenmere had been transformed from a cold, uninviting castle into a warm, happy place full of life. Every room at Davenmere and in every nearby village was filled with guests.
Max walked through the house to the ballroom and reception rooms where the festivities would take place. He was not surprised that such a miracle had been wrought. His sisters and Hope’s had been determined to make everything perfect.
He chuckled as he surveyed the ballroom. The sisters had chosen to elaborate on the Roman theme, but it felt as a nod to the ball where the Whitford sisters had made their debuts as angels in the heavens. It was where he had first danced with Hope.
Harps and lyres had been placed around the room to provide the music of the gods, and white carnations had been arranged in clusters to resemble clouds. The ballroom doors opened out on to the view of the waterfall, and the sun was bright and clear, as if the heavens were watching and approved.
Lavish displays of pastries and desserts had already been carefully arranged, including a beautifully iced three-tiered cake with tiny, pale yellow jonquils arranged in small bunches around the top and sides.
It felt as though a weight had been lifted from the house following the Duchess’ absence. It was a sad testimony to her legacy, he reflected, that the duchy was the better for her removal from it. Nothing whatever must shadow his happiness in wedding Hope, and despite their beginning with a tragedy, Max was determined it would not overshadow the future.
Hurried footsteps approached. “Here you are, at last! I have been searching all over the house for you,” Gus said, in a scolding tone. “Diana has ordered us to take you to the chapel at once.”
Max turned with a smile. “I have not been hiding from you.”
“Touché,” Gus said appreciatively, as Max echoed his brother’s earlier words.
Carew, Montford, and Freddy followed him into the room. “Growing sentimental?” Carew asked.
How the devil did he know? “Simply reflecting on the tortuous path we have taken to arrive at this day, and rejoicing that it appears to be behind us. With luck, we have now reached better going.”
Gus slapped him on the back in a commiserating, brotherly way.
