chosen better. Welcome to the family, Imogene.”
Imogene was touched by his kind gesture. Colin was such a gentleman, just like his brother. “You are both so kind in embracing me, and in putting me at ease. I feel as if I am getting more out of this than is Graham, however. I am gaining not only a husband but his wonderful family as well. I think it’s safe to say I have made a good choice.”
18th December, 1811
GRAHAM walked his property at Gavandon. He took in the winter fields, the trees, the dead grasses. Everything was in hibernation, asleep. Its entirety waiting for the warm breath of spring to gently stir the cycle of rebirth. Imogene was like that for him. Before her, his life was static, unchanging in its bleakness. He moved through the daily requirements, but was waiting for something yet to come. He had been asleep. Now he was awake. Her arrival into his world now brought purpose. He had a reason for walking the earth. Life had bestowed great responsibility, and great privilege upon him. He intended to accept both in full measure.
Making his way up the path to the stone house, he thought of her, the way she looked that first time. The pain came again. He had such longing for her.
After being admitted by a servant, Graham announced himself, calling out as he walked toward a large, open room at the rear of the house. Many windows facing east provided beautiful light that warmed the room.
“You’re back. Such a long time since setting my eyes upon you.” His friend stuck out his hand and Graham shook it warmly.
“I am.”
“You look different. That long hair suits you in a brooding, lordly way,” he drawled. “Oh, and my sincerest congratulations as well. She appears very lovely.”
“Well, you look exactly the same, my friend, and it is good to see you after so long a time, and I thank you.” Graham gave a nod of appreciation for the salutations. “You have been in receipt of my letters, and the items have made it safely?”
“Yes, of course.” He walked over to one wall and lifted the cloth covering.
Graham approached it reverently, breathing in long and hard at first sight of the image. “It is spectacular.” He eyed his friend with determination. “I have a new priority for you though, and you’ll be kept very busy. I will even have to help you.”
“Let’s hear it.”
Graham tapped his forehead. “I have it here. It’s all here, every detail, and we don’t have much time.”
His friend swept out his arm in a slight bow. “Shall we get to it then?”
THERE were so many things requiring his attention, but Gavandon Manor was not one of them. Fortunately Mrs. Griffin had charge of the house. It had not suffered from his absence even slightly. She ran her domain with efficiency and fairness, demanding hard work and loyalty in those under her, but organizing everything as if it was no effort at all. Graham could not have done without her. Mrs. Griffin had been with the family for twenty-five years. She had been the one to tell him he had a baby brother on the day Colin was born.
He awaited her in his study. She had been brought to tears upon hearing his news. Both of them likely thinking the same thoughts so there was no need to speak them aloud.
Your mother and father would be so happy for you.
Her soft knock touched the door, and at his call, she entered his study. “Lord Rothvale, how may I serve you this day?”
“Mrs. Griffin, I have need of your sensible mind in a matter that I fear has been left for far too long. It concerns the lady’s chamber,” he trailed off. “I need,” he took a deep breath, “I need your help in readying that chamber for my bride. I know it cannot be left as it is but I am at a loss as to what should be done. What are your thoughts?”
“My lord, I am happy to be of help. May I suggest we go there and discuss? I
Imogene was touched by his kind gesture. Colin was such a gentleman, just like his brother. “You are both so kind in embracing me, and in putting me at ease. I feel as if I am getting more out of this than is Graham, however. I am gaining not only a husband but his wonderful family as well. I think it’s safe to say I have made a good choice.”
18th December, 1811
GRAHAM walked his property at Gavandon. He took in the winter fields, the trees, the dead grasses. Everything was in hibernation, asleep. Its entirety waiting for the warm breath of spring to gently stir the cycle of rebirth. Imogene was like that for him. Before her, his life was static, unchanging in its bleakness. He moved through the daily requirements, but was waiting for something yet to come. He had been asleep. Now he was awake. Her arrival into his world now brought purpose. He had a reason for walking the earth. Life had bestowed great responsibility, and great privilege upon him. He intended to accept both in full measure.
Making his way up the path to the stone house, he thought of her, the way she looked that first time. The pain came again. He had such longing for her.
After being admitted by a servant, Graham announced himself, calling out as he walked toward a large, open room at the rear of the house. Many windows facing east provided beautiful light that warmed the room.
“You’re back. Such a long time since setting my eyes upon you.” His friend stuck out his hand and Graham shook it warmly.
“I am.”
“You look different. That long hair suits you in a brooding, lordly way,” he drawled. “Oh, and my sincerest congratulations as well. She appears very lovely.”
“Well, you look exactly the same, my friend, and it is good to see you after so long a time, and I thank you.” Graham gave a nod of appreciation for the salutations. “You have been in receipt of my letters, and the items have made it safely?”
“Yes, of course.” He walked over to one wall and lifted the cloth covering.
Graham approached it reverently, breathing in long and hard at first sight of the image. “It is spectacular.” He eyed his friend with determination. “I have a new priority for you though, and you’ll be kept very busy. I will even have to help you.”
“Let’s hear it.”
Graham tapped his forehead. “I have it here. It’s all here, every detail, and we don’t have much time.”
His friend swept out his arm in a slight bow. “Shall we get to it then?”
THERE were so many things requiring his attention, but Gavandon Manor was not one of them. Fortunately Mrs. Griffin had charge of the house. It had not suffered from his absence even slightly. She ran her domain with efficiency and fairness, demanding hard work and loyalty in those under her, but organizing everything as if it was no effort at all. Graham could not have done without her. Mrs. Griffin had been with the family for twenty-five years. She had been the one to tell him he had a baby brother on the day Colin was born.
He awaited her in his study. She had been brought to tears upon hearing his news. Both of them likely thinking the same thoughts so there was no need to speak them aloud.
Your mother and father would be so happy for you.
Her soft knock touched the door, and at his call, she entered his study. “Lord Rothvale, how may I serve you this day?”
“Mrs. Griffin, I have need of your sensible mind in a matter that I fear has been left for far too long. It concerns the lady’s chamber,” he trailed off. “I need,” he took a deep breath, “I need your help in readying that chamber for my bride. I know it cannot be left as it is but I am at a loss as to what should be done. What are your thoughts?”
“My lord, I am happy to be of help. May I suggest we go there and discuss? I
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