Page 68 of Unbound

Except she’s definitely better at it.

Pressing one hand against her lower back, I direct Sybil toward the garage door then help her maneuver into the passenger’s seat of my UTV. If we weren’t already a few minutes behind schedule, I would have taken my truck so she’d be less exposed to the elements. But we need to make up a little time, and cutting across the property will accomplish that.

The spring air is decently warm this morning, but I don’t want to risk Sybil getting chilled, so I grab the blanket I put in the backseat this morning and tuck it around her. Just to be safe. And then we’re off, sun streaming into the cab as we navigate to my aunt and uncle’s home.

I’m not thrilled we have to do this, but at least I’m not the sole man walking in alone this time. I might be the only person relieved to have her there, but hopefully no one says anything stupid about how Sybil came to be here in front of Constance. Because the old woman will probably have some choice words to say about it.

And I’d hate to call an old woman a bitch.

After parking in the spot I normally occupy, I get Sybil out, keeping my hand in hers for added stability as she navigates the walkway in her high heels. She’s almost always barefoot or wearing sneakers, but the woman can strut like nobody’s fucking business in a pair of pumps, and it soon becomes clear my assistance is not needed.

I continue to offer it anyway.

We reach the door and silently creep in. Sybil’s steps are quiet next to me, and I look down to see she’s walking on her tiptoes. I like that we’re both on the same wavelength, hoping to sneak in unnoticed and fly under the radar as long as possible.

In the name of stealthiness, I take us along a different path than last time, cutting to the front of the house so we can enter the dining room from a different door than I’d normally use.

Unfortunately for us, my aunt has Constance parked at the head of the table, and she just happens to be staring directly at the doorway as we reach the opening. Her hazel eyes narrow as they move from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. She must find my suit and tie acceptable, because she turns her attention to Sybil.

I hold my breath, knowing whatever happens next could end this brunch before it even gets started.

Constance scans Sybil just like she did me, only this time when she’s finished, her focus zeros in on where my hand still clasps Sybil’s.

The old woman sits a little straighter in her chair. “Hello, young lady.”

Sybil gives Constance a hesitant smile. “Good morning.”

“I suppose it is a good morning.” Constance looks between us again. “Apparently all my nephews have settled down.” Her eyes slide to where Aunt Deidre enters the room. “Not that anyone shared that information with me.”

Deidre plasters on an expression she probably thinks is a smile. “Like I explained before, the weddings were all very small.”

“And like I explained before, an announcement has no occupancy limit.” Constance lifts her chin, nose going into the air as my aunt pours coffee into the fancy cup at her place setting. “I would have loved the opportunity to send the brides and grooms gifts.”

Titus edges his way into the room, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here. “We don’t need gifts.”

“It’s not about what you need, darling.” Constance picks up her coffee, taking a small sip. “It’s about propriety.” After carefully returning the cup to its saucer, she gracefully folds both hands in her lap. “What kind of aunt would I be if I didn’t celebrate my great-nephews finding love?”

Probably one we’d all like a whole lot more.

Sybil suddenly steps forward, her hand sliding from mine before I can put a stop to whatever terrible decision she’s about to make. All I can do is watch in horror as she approaches Constance, completely unaware of the risk she’s taking. The danger she’s in.

Sybil reaches Constance’s side, and pulls out the chair next to her, carefully taking a seat. “Do you know a lot about etiquette?”

My aunt’s perfectly manicured brows lift. “Have they told you nothing about me?”

Sybil leans forward, giving Constance every ounce of her attention. “I’m actually pretty new here. In their defense, we haven’t had much time to really dig into extended family.”

Constance peers at Sybil. “I suppose that makes sense.” She gives my aunt a sidelong glance. “Though I would have thought they might have given you some sort of background considering my impending arrival.”

“I do know some things about you.” Sybil lifts one hand, ticking off along her fingers as she makes a list. “I know you live in New York City. That you are Ted’s mother’s sister. I know that you run Harrington Enterprises along with your five grandsons.” She gives Constance a grin. “I also know you are the reason Harrington is as successful as it is.”

Constance angles a brow. “How would you know that?”

“Maybe it was less knowing, and more guessing.” Sybil leans closer, lowering her voice. “But I did guess right, didn’t I?”

Constance stares at her for a second, clearly befuddled by the woman treating her like a normal person. I doubt something like that has happened in decades, so it’s understandable it could throw the old woman for a loop.

But instead of being offended or annoyed, Constance does something I’ve actually never seen her do before. She laughs. And not a small, ladylike huff of amusement. She drops her head back and cackles, the sound loud and unexpected. Unexpected enough my entire family stops what they’re doing and stares.