“Johnny enjoys their company, hearing their tales,” Leonora told her. Food, set out on trestle tables, was plentiful. Libations flowed, although she stayed away from absinthe.
“He always wanted siblings,” the dowager countess said. “But after he was born, having given birth to four sons, I wasn’t quite as firm as I’d once been. It’s difficult to get with child when your husband has lost interest in visiting your bed. Although by then, I certainly didn’t mourn his absence. I’d come to realize the sort of... monster he really was.”
“Well, at least he’s not here any longer to wreak havoc with lives.”
“No, he’s not. Neither is he missed. I suspect with Johnny’s good deeds, a time will come when people won’t even remember much about him.”
Rook donated huge amounts to several charities, providing food, shelter, and education to those who lived in the poorer areas of London—the streets where many of his brothers and sisters had grown up.
She watched now as he, with Aiden and Finn at his side, walked toward them. They were all smiling, laughing. This gathering had become a joyous affairas connections were made, challenges were shared, bridges built, and bonds strengthened.
When they reached Leonora, Rook took her hand and bussed a quick kiss over her cheek. Then following Aiden’s example, he kissed his mother’s cheek before returning to his place near Leonora.
“You have a nice turnout this year,” his mother said.
“Thirty.” Rook shook his head. “I wonder how many I’ve missed.”
“You can’t focus on that,” Aiden said. “Look how many you’ve helped.”
One of those raced over and staggered to a stop beside Rook. He ruffled the growing boy’s hair. “Hello, young Jack.”
“Afternoon, my lord.”
“You don’t have to call me ‘my lord.’ You’re my brother.”
“Mum says I should.” Rachel always brought her son, but never stayed to attend the afternoon gathering.
Rook winked. “Well, on this matter, I give you leave to ignore her. How are your lessons going?”
The lad was now at Eton, near enough that Rook visited with him often, was becoming the father the boy had never had.
Jack shrugged. “Well enough, I guess. Had to bloody a nose, though. Someone said something unkind about Mum.”
“I bloodied a couple of noses while at Eton as well. Your brothers here didn’t attend Eton but I suspect they bloodied a few noses here and there, too.”
“We have to stand up for our mums,” Aiden said.
Finn cupped his hand around the lad’s shoulder. “I’m hungry. How about you?”
“I’m starving.”
“Let’s get some food, shall we?”
Jack nodded, and they walked away.
“I imagine he’s going to teach the lad how to deliver a solid punch,” Aiden said, with a grin. “He once terrified people for a living.”
“Broke Father’s arm one night, as I recall,” Rook mused.
“Indeed. Bastard deserved—”
“That’s someone who hasn’t been here before,” their mother said, almost on a hush.
Looking where she was, Leonora saw a tall man, finely dressed, his gaze slowly taking in his surroundings, lingering when it came to them. Just as the countess had said that she could see shadows of her husband in the features of those who were here today, so Leonora could see shadows of Rook in this man. Then with confidence in his step, he was striding toward them.
He came to a stop and nodded at Rook. “My lord.”
“You know who I am?”
