AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Despite that negative subject matter, I felt welcomed, like a part of his life. A rush of warmth flooded my spirit as I allowed that comforting thought to percolate.
“Hey, Declan and Theadora will be here soon. You’ve heard that I’m going to be an uncle?” He was almost bouncing on the spot, and his infectious ebullience swept me along.
“I’m so happy for them. It will be nice to see them.”
He rubbed his hands together. “Right back soon with that tea. Make yourself at home.”
Chapter 30
Ethan
Myson’spresencehadrestored the cheer and brightness missing from Merivale since my dad’s death. Even my mother smiled. Savanah had made a special trip back from London to meet Cian, and we were all besotted by my chubby little son. Everyone held him like a prize and cooed sweetly.
Mirabel looked cautiously amused by all the fuss. I went out of my way to make her feel welcomed and comfortable. After all, I planned to make this a habit. Not only for the sake of my son but I wanted her around me.
I sat across from her at dinner and couldn’t take my eyes off her.
Our gazes lingered on each other for a few seconds. My lips curled, and we shared a flirty moment. Mirabel’s intelligent eyes shone with a mix of sassy guardedness and amusement. With Savanah chatting about clothes and London, and Theadora about her children’s music programme, Mirabel soon loosened up.
“Cian is such a stunning baby,” Declan said. “I hope you’re going to make this work.”
He reminded me of that big brother steering me onto a sensible path. This time, though, he didn’t need to lead me by the hand. I was already there—humming along to my favourite tune with my arm around Mirabel while pushing Cian’s stroller. A perfect image of domestic harmony. I only hoped Mirabel would buy into it.
“That’s the plan.” I smiled.
I was more than ready for a relationship. Seeing our family together at the large oval table where we’d shared so much more than just dinner cemented that desire.
After dinner, I left Mirabel and Theadora alone with Cian. My mother kept hovering about too. Declan flicked his head for me to join him outside.
We went down to the labyrinth, which over the years had become our setting for private discussions. Savanah had stepped out for a cigarette at the same time and joined us. She’d likely sensed that we were about to talk about our mother and Will’s marriage. The fact that they’d married away from the family, in what looked like a hurried affair, bothered us all.
“Where’s Will?” Declan asked.
“He’s in London, I believe,” I said. “Visiting a sick relative. Or something vague like that.”
“They married,” Savanah said. “After everything.”
“Mother doesn’t know,” I said.
“We should have told her.” As Savanah smoked, I fought off the urge to ask for a puff.
After we’d cornered him, Will had explained that he’d comforted Bethany while she was upset and that she was the one who’d kissed him. He’d been walking alone when they met. He’d sworn it would never happen again and begged us not to tell our mother. He’d also mentioned that he’d tolerated her relationship with Reynard Crisp all these years and that her unbreakable bond with Crisp had at times placed a wedge between him and our mother.
“We need to get rid of Bethany,” Savanah said.
I nodded. “I don’t know why she’s still here.”
“Then there’s Manon. She’s become an object of desire for that sleazy Crisp,” Savanah said.
My brows pinched. “What? He’s now fucking her?”
“I’m not sure. But I’ve seen how he looks at her.”
“We’ve all seen that,” Declan said dryly.
“I just think Mother needs to know,” Savanah said, stubbing out her cigarette.
“I agree with Savvie.” I looked at Declan. “Does anyone really know Will’s story?”
