The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor) by Victoria Alexander

left completely homeless. Still, it was harder than she had expected to see her heritage go to someone she barely knew even if Simon was a decent enough sort. She studied her friend closely. “And you’re not bothered by all this?”
    “It has never seemed fair that we had to forfeit our home because we were born female but there was nothing anyone could do about it. I long ago accepted that, because Father had no sons, Millworth would end up in the hands of Cousin Wilfred’s son. It would have been quite distressing and very sad but it’s a fact of life.” She paused. “I will admit the idea of an American being the next earl was disconcerting at first but Sam pointed out that, as his father is English, he really would be considered more English than American. I thought that was an excellent way to look at it.”
    Teddy raised a brow. “Another compromise?”
    “So it would appear.”
    “What has happened to you?”
    “Apparently I have been quite thoroughly corrupted by yet another American.” Dee grinned, linked her arm with Teddy’s, and once again they started for the dining room. “Uncle Basil gathered us all together during the ball to announce, well, the birth of his son. But, as we were in the middle of Camille’s wedding celebration, we didn’t have a chance to do little more than meet the man and welcome—”
    Teddy stopped short outside the door to the dining room and stared at her friend. “He’s here?”
    “Oh my, yes.” Dee’s eyes widened. “Didn’t I tell you that part?”
    “No, you failed to mention that rather important point.”
    “Well, there were so many other important points.” Dee shrugged. “But yes, he was one of the Americans at the wedding and at the ball afterward. Although I don’t think he returned to the ballroom after Uncle Basil’s announcement. He and Uncle Basil and, oh, and they invited Sam as well, escaped to the billiards room and Father joined them after the festivities ended. Father is very eager to know his new nephew better and they stayed well into the night.” She sighed. “Entirely too long.”
    “And Sam discussed all this with you this morning?” Teddy asked with feigned innocence.
    Dee grinned. “Yes, let’s say that, shall we?” Dee shook her head. “It’s amazing how quickly things change. Barely a day ago I was quite miserable and now . . .”
    “Now, my dear friend.” Teddy took the other woman’s hands. “Now you have reconciled with the man you want to spend the rest of your life with.”
    “I know.” Wonder shone in Dee’s blue eyes. “And I’m happy, Teddy. Truly, truly happy.” She grinned. “I suppose it is astonishing at that.”
    “Not at all,” Teddy said staunchly. “It’s no more than you deserve.”
    “You’re absolutely right. I do deserve it.” Dee laughed and the women stepped into the dining room.
    The room was nearly empty. Colonel Channing and Sam sat at the table finishing their breakfast and engaging in quite an animated discussion about something. Probably Sam’s horseless carriage—or rather motorwagon —as that did seem to be the one thing that created such enthusiasm with nearly every gentleman who came near it. Although admittedly it was quite remarkable. As the colonel hadn’t arrived at the manor until the day before the wedding, he hadn’t seen the vehicle before Sam had had it transported to London.
    One of the American guests greeted them in the doorway, then continued on his way. Another man stood with his back to the door, filling his plate at the sideboard still brimming with breakfast offerings. Obviously the cook wanted to make certain the departing guests had no reason to complain as to the manor’s hospitality.
    “Mrs. Dooley has outdone herself yet again.” Dee’s gaze shifted between the sideboard and her new fiancé as if she couldn’t decide which to head for first. “I must say, I’m starving,” she murmured but adopted a pleasant smile and moved to greet