AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His thoughts spinning, Terric feared he might have misunderstood. “We can return to Melton Manor?” he asked.
“Indeed,” William confirmed. “I don’t yet know the details of how you and Adelina came to be here, and I’m sure John doesn’t either. I doubt he’ll be bothered with Melton. He has more pressing matters to worry about.”
Terric wanted to discuss the growing opposition to the king, but the major stumbling block to his return to England had been removed. He slid out of his chair and went down on his knees. “I humbly thank you for what you have done. Melton means the world to my sister and me.”
“And to our extended family,” William replied. “Please get off your knees. What say you, Adelina?”
* * *
Adelina was torn. She was certain Terric would expect her to accompany him to their ancestral home. It was her duty to do so. She was mistress of Melton Manor. An enormous amount of restoration work would likely be needed. An old house situated on cliffs overlooking the sea fought a constant battle against salt. Who knew what had become of the tenants, the furnishings and the farm?
Her heart, however, had other ideas. She would never find another love like the one she and Roland shared. Her brother meant the world to her, but he would eventually marry. His wife would become responsible for the de Quincey estate. The prospect of lonely spinsterhood didn’t sit well.
These were selfish thoughts, although reneging on her commitment to the man she loved would hurt him as well. She suspected he would never marry another, at least not for love. “Does Roland know?” she asked.
The arrival of the Montbryce brothers interrupted the conversation, but the vulnerable uncertainty on Roland’s face was answer enough.
