AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sam laughed nervously. “Thank you.”
“I apologize. I wish Mama was here to talk to you about this. Or perhaps, I should have brought one of our aunts.”
“No! No aunts. I don’t think I’d want their help on this.”
Isabel smiled crookedly. “Maybe if you talk with Ashbury instead. You know, I don’t have a lot of experience in relationships. My only fiancé fled rather quickly. But if you try to emulate the relationship that was between our parents… They were open and free with each other, at ease. I don’t know how they reached that phase, but you can always aim there. I know Ashbury is… he doesn’t seem very open, but if you think you can be happy with him, then don’t give up.”
Sam nodded and stood. After this brief conversation with Isabel, she felt even more confused than before. Before, her thoughts were concentrated on the wedding night. Now, however, she realized she had to think long-term. About marriage.
When they reached the church, John was already inside. Clydesdale met Sam’s family outside, with a muttered, “Thank God.” Everyone followed him into the church with the exception of Sam and Richard. They lingered briefly on the stairs just outside the church.
“Sammy,” Richard said, turning her to face him. “Today, I shall be giving you away in front of God and our family. Legally, you will be another man’s wife.” He seemed to have difficulty continuing. His throat worked, but he couldn’t get the words out. Finally, he said, “But you were my little sister first, and you will always be my little sister. So no matter what, if you need me—” He cleared his throat and Sam gave him a watery smile.
She and Richard had never been close, but he had been the patriarch of the family almost as long as she could remember. Even as a child, he had been the one to scold her if she got into mischief. He was the one who’d prohibited her from riding too fast or swimming too far into the lake. All of her brothers were protective of her, but Richard was different. Perhaps it was because he was the eldest and felt responsible for his family in a way others didn’t. Perhaps it was because he was the heir and later on the viscount.
Ben was her favorite brother as a child, he was always babying and coddling her. She and Alan were closer in age, so they were playing together, causing trouble. Adam was the older brother who allowed her everything, and Richard was just always there. Just like Isabel.
She felt like she was going to cry, and Richard must have sensed it, because he smiled warmly at her, brushed a loose tendril from her cheek, and whispered, “Let’s get you married, shall we?”
