Larken by S.G. Rogers Page A

true, the fault is Mariah’s, not yours.”
    “Partly, yes. But there is more than enough blame to go around.”
    For the remainder of the meal, Brandon was subdued. Larken could tell his mind was elsewhere, so she didn’t take it personally. In fact, she was glad to share a little of his pain. After dinner, Brandon escorted her to the stairs and said good night.
    “I didn’t mean to spoil the mood tonight,” she said.
    “You didn’t. It’s just my brooding nature coming out again. It’s funny, but I always thought it was Theo who had a tendency toward melancholy. I suppose I learned it from him.” He gave her a sad smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be better in the morning. I almost always am. Please come down for breakfast, won’t you?”
    “Yes. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    As Larken readied herself for bed that night, she had much to contemplate. In his own way, Brandon was suffering as much from his loss as she was from hers. Could two such tormented individuals forge a happy life together, especially considering their rocky beginning? Perhaps desire and motivation would overcome the long odds.
    I hope so.

    Indeed, Brandon managed to shake off his doldrums by morning, and he greeted Larken warmly when she appeared in the dining room for breakfast.
    “I hope Myles isn’t too unhappy eating alone?” he asked.
    “He has Lord Topper, Miss Josie, and Lady Peabody for company.”
    “What happened to Lord Apollo?”
    “He’s having breakfast with me.”
    “Aha! What inspired such a name?”
    “Oh…it’s quite silly, really. When my parents took me to London for my birthday, we went to the Adelphi Theatre for a matinée. I was rather taken by one of the handsome young actors in the performance, so my father brought me backstage afterward to have him sign my program. His name was Lord Apollo, and I’d never been so thrilled in my entire life.”
    “What does that have to do with my portrait?”
    A flush of embarrassment stung her cheeks. “Your portrait reminded me of him a little.”
    “I’m flattered. When is your birthday, by the way? We’ll plan a celebration.”
    She averted her eyes. “I had my nineteenth birthday already this year.”
    “When?”
    “A few weeks ago.”
    He stared at her. “You had a birthday and I didn’t say anything? I’m mortified!”
    She shrugged. “I’m used to it. It’s really just another day now.”
    “No, it’s not. We must have a party, and you shall have presents.”
    “You already bought me an entire wardrobe! I lack for nothing.”
    A mischievous glance. “I know just what I’ll give you for a gift.”
    “Brandon, I—”
    “Shh! I’ll speak to the cook after breakfast, and we’ll have a family party tonight with you, me, and Myles. Would that please you?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good. It’s settled. And I promise, you’ll never celebrate your birthday alone again.”
    Larken’s throat tightened with emotion, and her lower lip trembled.
    “What’s wrong?” he asked.
    Unable to speak, she shook her head. Then, with a choked sob, she dissolved into tears. Brandon stood, pulled her to her feet, and held her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and breathed in his fragrance until the shudders racking her body eased.
    “It’s been so long since anyone cared about me, I’d forgotten what it feels like,” she murmured.
    “I care about you very much, and so does Myles. We’re a family now, Larken.”
    Cradled in Brandon’s embrace, she began to feel it was true.

    When Myles heard Larken was to have a birthday party, he was ecstatic.
    “Are we going to wear party hats and play games? I love Blind Man’s Bluff!”
    “It’s not that kind of party, but I expect we’ll have cake,” she said.
    His face fell slightly. “Oh well, I love cake too.”
    She laughed. “Get into your riding clothes and so will I. We’re to go riding with Mr. King.”
    Myles jumped up and down. “I told you he’d like your pretty dresses!”
    “And