Page 76 of The Not So Perfect Duke

“And we have you, Uncle. As a reminder. And you also have moved on with your life.”

Her uncle nodded. “Aye, and I’m happy. I want the same for you, Althea. My bright shining star.”

Uncle Reece hadn’t called her that for many years. Tears welled in her eyes. Her uncle stood and opened his arms, and Althea stepped into them. He held her tight and kissed the top of her head. Not difficult to do since her uncle was quite tall.

“Embrace all life has to offer. If this complicated duke makes your heart beat faster, don’t deny your feelings. Live and love, Althea.”

She nodded.

Eleanora opened the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but everyone is here. The meal is ready.”

Uncle Reece held out his arm toward Eleanora. “Ellie, come join the hug. Just like when you girls were small.”

Eleanora smiled and came to them, and they all embraced. Laughing, they headed into the parlor. Althea led Uncle Reece directly to Damon. He looked splendid, as always. Tonight, he wore a black suit with a silver waistcoat.

“Uncle Reece, this is Damon Cranston, the Duke of Chellenham. Damon, my dear uncle, Reece Galway, Inspector at J Division, Bethnal Green.”

Damon extended his hand. “A distinct honor, sir. Althea speaks highly of you.”

Uncle Reece took his hand and shook it. “Does she, now? Well, Althea speaks highly of you, Your Grace.”

Small talk commenced among the guests until Corbett raised his hand. “Could I have your attention for a moment before we enter the dining room? Sybil has honored me by agreeing to become my wife. We are engaged.”

Excited chatter broke out as hugs and handshakes were shared by all.

“When is the wedding?” Eleanora asked.

“Not until next summer. We have to arrange a trip to Yorkshire to meet Sybil’s parents first,” Corbett replied. “And get their blessing.”

“My aunt and uncle will love you, Corbett. As we do,” Althea enthused.

“That will be one of many toasts we will make once we are seated,” Christian said. “To your happiness.”

Everyone headed to the dining room, and Althea took Damon’s arm.

“My God, your uncle is tall,” he whispered.

“Close to six and a half feet. My father was almost as tall as that. Look at Eleanora. Somehow, the tall height family trait just skimmed past me.”

“You are fine as you are.”

Once everyone was seated, Mrs. Bartle brought in the appetizers. As she served, the bell rang. “Who would come right at dinner time? I’ll go.” She placed the platter of clams on the table. “Serve yourselves until I return.”

The housekeeper scurried off, and while pitchers of water and bottles of wine were passed around along with the clams, the conversation remained lively.

Until everyone saw who had rung the bell. The discussion ceased rather abruptly.

Doctor Stevenson removed his hat. “I have disturbed a family dinner. My apologies. I stopped by your boarding house, Corbett, and the landlady said you could be reached here. I have news. Miss Althea, if we could speak privately?”

This is it. My future lay bare.

Althea stood. “You can speak freely. Everyone here knows about my condition, save Archie.” She turned toward the lad. “They found a growth on my leg, which has been biopsied.”

“Ah. The possible impediment,” Archie murmured, a worried expression on his face.

“Very well, I will speak freely,” the doctor said. “The tumor was benign.”

A whoosh of audible relief filled the room, with everyone exclaiming happily. Althea had to hold on to the table to keep from falling. Damon was at her side, slipping his arm around her waist. In essence, holding her upright.