Page 53 of The Rogue’s Offer

“Aye,” he said with a grimace before he grinned down at her. “But ye will have to think of something else tae make me promise after tonight, m'eudail.”

At the blush rising in his sister’s cheek, Percy experience a small wave of the an dara sealladh sweep through him and an image of Patience heavy with child brought a grin to his face. Almost as if she‘d read his mind, his sister’s gaze suddenly met his. Percy quickly nodded his understanding not to reveal what he’d seen. Instead, he simply beamed at her with pleasure.

“What are you looking so happy about, Percy Rockwood?” A suspicious note in Louisa’s voice made him look at his sister as he caught Rhea entering the room.

“The fact that my wife has finally arrived,” he quipped as he set his book aside and rose to meet Rhea halfway across the room. “Can a man not be happy to see the woman he adores?”

As he kissed his wife’s cheek, he saw Louisa frown slightly before the suspicion on her face was replaced with a haunted look that made him want to hug her tight. The instant she realized he was watching her, Louisa’s pain vanished. Rhea’s hand squeezed his arm, and as he met her questioning gaze, he simply smiled.

The sound of children’s voices filled the air as the youngest members of the Rockwoods swept into the room, followed by his aunt. A brief instant later, Sebastian and Helen arrived and the Rockwood clan was complete. Over the cacophony of voices, Julian cleared his throat loudly. It took several more times for the Scotsman to gain everyone’s attention. When everyone had turned toward them, he carried Patience’s hand to his mouth.

“I believe Patience has something she’d like to say.” Julian smiled down at his wife with a look of pride and happiness. His obvious adoration made Patience’s cheeks filled with color as she returned his smile. Still smiling, she turned her head toward the rest of the family.

“Julian and I intend to expand the Rockwood family ranks sometime next spring.”

For a moment, everyone stared at the beaming couple before the room erupted with cries of happiness and excitement. The family quickly gathered around the couple exchanging hugs and Sebastian shaking Julian’s hand. When he didn’t react with surprise, Rhea glanced at him with amusement.”

“You knew already, didn’t you?” At her question, he shrugged slightly and grinned.

“Actually not until a few moments ago.” His words made Rhea shake her head as she kissed his cheek. With hand in his, she pulled him toward the happy couple.

§ § §

Ophelia looked up from her needlepoint at the sound of voices in the hall. A moment later, her friends, the Viscountess Westbrook and the Countess of Lyndham entered the room. Although their visit was unexpected, she was delighted to see her friends. Louisa’s smile was cheerful as she moved forward to greet her with a hug. Constance quickly followed suit. As her friends seated themselves, Ophelia quietly asked Taggert to bring tea.

“Oh, no, we can’t stay long. We have an appointment at Madame Sabine’s, and I don’t want to be late.” Louisa waved her hand slightly as she rejected the offer. “Although I know Sebastian will chide me for the expense.

The mention of Sabine made Ophelia stiffen as she met her friend’s gaze, but there was nothing in Louisa’s expression to make her believe the viscountess knew anything about Mathias’s actions. Seated across from her sister, Constance laughed.

“I highly doubt that. Sebastian isn’t about to scold you as it’s been a long time since you visited Sabine.”

“Sebastian worries too much. All of you do,” Louisa said with a laugh, but the warmth in her gaze as she looked at her sister that said she appreciated how much her family cared for her. “Actually, I’m a bit worried Sabine will protest my lack of ball gowns, but I only have need of one for when Aunt Matilda hosts the gathering of the clans at the first of the year.”

“When are you leaving for Callendar Abbey?”

“Saturday, I hope. It will depend on Madame Sabine and how quickly she can have my new dresses ready. I only intend to order a few things, but I’ve a feeling she’ll insist on one or two more gowns than I really need, which the woman will know I’ll not be able to refuse.”

Ophelia smiled at Louisa’s rueful expression. Although it had only been a week since she’d seen her friend, the relaxed, spirited demeanor of youngest member of the Rockwood clan’s reflected the Louisa of their childhood. It delighted her to see her friend’s grief slowly lifting off of her.

“I think it unlikely Madame Sabine will override any objections you have, Louisa.”

“I agree,” Constance said with an unladylike snort of laughter. “Even as a child you rarely allowed any of us to hold rule over you.”

“Am I really that bad?” Louisa made a pretense of looking aghast before she laughed. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

“Lucien and I are attending the Sherrington affair this evening,” Constance said as she looked at Ophelia. “Will we see you there?”

“I had thought I’d stay home this evening, but Gid—Lord Chelmsford insisted I attend with him as my escort.”

“Constance tells me the man is quite enthralled with you. She says he’s always at your side.” Louisa tipped her head to one side and pinned Ophelia with a look of assessment. “He’s considered quite the catch.”

“I have no interest in catching anyone,” she said firmly as she met her friend’s curious gaze.

“I’ve a feeling Chelmsford might have something to say about that subject, Ophelia.” The teasing note in Constance’s voice made her smile.

“Lord Chelmsford is very charming, but as I’ve mentioned in the past, I’ll not marry again.”

“What about Mathias?”