Eugénie’s startled gaze met his. “Truly? That many rooms?”
“Indeed.” He couldn’t keep the dryness from his tone. “It is actually a house of grand proportions built to resemble a cottage. Much in the same way as Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine. Your grandmother once visited Versailles and was so impressed by the idea of Hameau de la Reine, she had it replicated, though on a larger scale.”
“Would she want Maman and the children?”
Will shrugged and shook his head. “I couldn’t tell you. I know my mother and father would love to have them visit until all the details can be resolved.”
“There you are, my dears.” Aunt Sidonie didn’t turn a hair at seeing them together. “I am ready to do my part to convince Sally she must allow her daughter and Mr. Grayson to wed.”
This was the most pleased he’d ever seen his aunt, and the first time he’d actually understood how devastated she’d been by his great-uncle’s death. Will resolved to do everything he could to ensure she and the children were taken care of.
When they arrived at Whitecliff House, the battle lines had been drawn and the first engagement fought. As Mrs. Whitecliff was dabbing her eyes, it was obvious she had chosen tears as her weapon.
Aunt Sidonie flew to her side. “Oh, my dear. What has upset you so?” As she embraced her friend she motioned for the rest of them to go elsewhere. “There, there. We shall discuss the matter.”
Almost silently, they repaired to Cicely’s floor, followed by the butler and Josh, carrying a goodly amount of wine, rum, and brandy, as well as cheese and bread.
Will glanced at Andrew. “How long has that been going on?”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Upwards of a half hour.”
Eugénie drew her friend aside. “You should not have begun the conversation until Maman was here.”
“There was no help for it.” Cicely’s chin firmed. “She saw the trunks being carried away.” She slid an exasperated look to her father, who tossed back a glass of rum. “We might have been able to get away with telling her we were only accompanying you, until Papa said there was no reason Andrew and I couldn’t marry as well.”
Whitecliff stared into his empty glass, then filled it again. “Perhaps I should have led up to it, but how was I to know she would take it so badly?”
Pursing her lips, Cicely cast a look at the ceiling. One could almost see her biting back a retort.
Will handed his betrothed a rum shrub—she was going to need it—and leaned against the window.
“What,” Eugénie asked, “is her main concern?”
“She wants a large wedding breakfast.” Andrew’s lips formed a thin line. “Mr. Whitecliff tried to explain that if we were already wed she could arrange one with more certainty than if we have to wait on the vicar.”
Cicely took up the story. “But Mama had already worked herself into strong hysterics over the thought that I wouldn’t have a proper ceremony.”
Eugénie took a large swallow of the rum drink. “Leave it to Maman, she will smooth it over.”
A half hour later, the butler returned. “Dinner is served.”
Whitecliff, Andrew, and Will all raised their brows.
“The mistress has decided a wedding in Tortola will be the best course.”
Will let out the breath he’d been holding. He’d dearly love to know how his aunt had talked Mrs. Whitecliff around so quickly. They piled out of the room and up the stairs. Aunt Sidonie sat with Cicely’s mother, drinking champagne. If it wasn’t for the children, he’d suggest she marry a gentleman in the Foreign Office. Clearly her diplomatic skills were being wasted here. Moreover, this was the first time he’d seen Sidonie not fretting over something. It made him wonder how different she had been before his uncle died.
Will leaned down and whispered, “I doubted you.”
“Did you?” Eugénie took her bottom lip between her teeth but couldn’t hide the smile shining in her eyes. “You should never do that, my lord.”
“Obviously.” He wondered how much of her mother’s talent Eugénie had inherited.
Dinner conversation was dominated, once again, by marriage plans. Yet this time, he and Eugénie were involved as well. As it was not proper for his aunt to hold a large wedding breakfast, he and Eugénie would join with Andrew and Cicely. That did not mean, however, Aunt Sidonie would be left out of the preparations.
Will, Eugénie, and her mother left shortly after dinner was finished. All through the meal, he’d tried to keep his thoughts off what would happen afterward when he had his betrothed to himself. Would she be shy or bold? Would she melt into him as she had earlier or demand a more active role? That he had no idea what to expect made him want her more than he had any other woman. What he did not wish to do was cause her the pain that was sure to come with her first mating. Suddenly all his anticipation of tonight changed to trepidation. It was entirely up to him to see she enjoyed herself.
He bid his aunt good night and was about to escort his betrothed to her apartment, when Aunt Sidonie smiled. “Will, I wish you a good night. We shall see you in the morning.” She took her daughter’s hand. “Eugénie, stay with me. I have some things I’d like to discuss with you. I’ve had Marisole bring your night clothes to my room.”
