Love Everlasting (Kingston Novel Book 3), page 3
Gustus raised a brow. “Being a Duke is rotten luck?”
“Well, I suppose not.” She laughed again. “They could have at least waited to inform him of his new status after we were married…then he could have taken me with him.”
“You…you love him?”
“Very much so,” she replied with a smile. “I never knew a person could love another this way…so much, so deep, and so everlasting.”
Gustus really wanted to hate the man, but he rightly couldn’t, not seeing how much the rotter meant to Toriana. Bloody hell! The smile she just gave was so filled with happiness it nearly brought tears to his eyes.
“That’s what we’re going to find for you, Gustus.” Toriana nodded. “We’re going to find you a woman who will love you as much as I love Drake.”
“I ain’t no Duke…or some baron’s son.”
“Maybe not, but you’re a good man. Having a good heart is more important than having a title or riches.”
To his ears, it sounded like the little girl was full of blimey. Men like him, didn’t find such treasures.
“You need a woman who is lovely, young enough to give you some children, but most of all…one who will adore you,” Toriana continued. “I might just have someone in mind. She’s not only lovely, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind leaving London behind to go live at Surrey Manor.”
“Lovely, you say?”
“Oh, yes. She would actually be quite an asset to you and to Alianore.”
“And who is this woman?” he asked with a raised brow.
“She works here in Town with a well known seamstress, but I don’t believe she’s treated very well, at least that’s my impression. If things work out, not only will you have a woman to love, but Surrey Manor would have its very own seamstress.”
Gustus’ eyes narrowed. “Who’s not treating her well?”
Toriana tried not to smile over his growl. The man didn’t even know the woman she was speaking about and yet he was already getting protective and possessive.
“Stop worrying,” she told him with a nod. “I’ll see to the matter straight away.”
“If you need my help….”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Toriana murmured. “I could use your help in another matter, but its one I would just as soon keep between you and me.”
Gustus came to a stop. “What matter?”
Toriana had given her idea much thought and still she wasn’t completely sure as of yet whether it was the right thing to do or not. The only thing she was sure of was that she had to see Drake.
Right or wrong…mattered little when it came to matters of the heart, she decided.
“I was wondering if you could gather some information for me…discreetly…and without telling my family.”
Gustus’ dark brows furrowed as he stared at her for a moment. “Just what kind of information do you need?”
“I would like you to find out where exactly Hertworth Manor is located…and how much it would cost to hire a coach to take me there.”
“No.” He shook his head. “What you’re talking about is dangerous.”
“Not if I take you with me,” she quickly stated.
Gustus again shook his head. “I’ll be busy courting this woman you’ll find for me,” he stated as an excuse.
“She could join us,” Toriana tossed out.
“I don’t like it none,”
“If you won’t help me, I’ll have to go about it on my own.”
With a scowl he glanced away. “I’ll give it some thought,” he muttered.
“Thank you, Gustus,” Toriana stated, softly. “I know I’m asking a lot of you, but I have no one else to help me.”
His gaze met hers. “Bloody hell!” he growled out. “And if I do this for you, you promise to take me with you and you’ll not attempt to go alone?”
Toriana smiled. “I promise and I always keep my promise. Besides, it’s you who will be bringing me the information.”
Gustus sighed. “I’ll give it some thought,” he repeated.
“I do thank you.”
“You could charm a hardened street thug with a smile.”
“You’re not a street thug any longer,” she told him, as she patted his arm. “You’re a good man, with a good heart.”
“You’ve charmed me enough,” he grumbled with a smile. “Now here comes my brother to join us.”
“I say, working for my brother-in-law seems to agree with both of you,” Toriana told him. “You both look much happier and more content with life.”
Gustus laughed.
Toriana smiled at his laughter. “I’m being serious,” she replied, before turning to greet Cyril. “Good afternoon.”
Cyril smiled and winked at her.
“Did you come to walk with us?” she asked linking her other arm with his.
“Nay,” Cyril replied. “Who have you been sassing today?”
Toriana laughed. “Not a single person.”
“Don’t believe her,” Gustus responded.
Toriana smiled at both men. “Come along my friends and we’ll see if Mrs. William has any of her sweet pastries left.”
A smile appeared on Gustus’ face. “I do like those.”
“Aye.” Cyril nodded. “The best I’ve ever tasted.”
“Before you return to Surry Manor, I’ll see if Mrs. William will send the recipe with Alianore,” she stated as they reached the back door to the parlor.
Cyril removed his arm from hers and opened the door. Like his brother, he liked all the young ladies in Lord Norbury’s family. Not one of them was the type to look down their noses at those who the rest of world considered beneath them. Nay, they were all tenderhearted lovelies.
Gustus also removed his arm from her clutches before she entered the house. There was no way he wanted her father, brother, or his new employer to think he was up to no good.
“Here we are,” Toriana called out. “Look who came to stand guard over me while I was walking the garden.”
Alianore smiled at the sight of both men hovering close to her little sister. “You can’t steal them from me,” she stated. “Cyril and Gustus are both valued members of my new family.”
“I don’t steal,” Toriana teased. “Besides, when visiting with us, you’ll just have to share them.”
Vance pulled his wife closer to his side. “Alianore is quite attached to all our staff now.”
Alianore nodded. “Family,” she corrected him.
“Of course.” Vance smiled.
Toriana made her way over to where her parents sat. None would think either of them was in their forties. Her mother, Kimbra, was gorgeous. She had married their father at sixteen and given birth to Logan at seventeen. Her dark hair showed not a single gray hair and only a few very fine lines could be seen at the corner of her eyes.
Then there was her father, Bartley, he had been nineteen when he married their mother. He was still tall, muscular, with blond hair and perhaps a few grays. In Toriana’s opinion, her father only grew more handsome with age.
It was the love which existed between her parents that inspired each of them. Only true love would do. They were not only fortunate enough to witness such a love between their parents, but also with their grandparents on their mother side, Criston and Francis Langston, The Marquess and Marchioness of Whadon.
All of them, even Logan, wasn’t about to settle for anything less than deep…breathtaking…love.
Leaning down she placed a kiss first on her mother’s cheek and then her father’s. Moving over to where Alianore sat, she kissed her cheek and then Vance’s.
“We missed you,” she stated, taking a seat across from them. “Boswick’s party just wasn’t the same without you.”
“What party are you attending this evening?” Alianore asked.
“Thankfully, none,” Bartley answered, with a wide smile. “Your mother and I, with your sisters’ approval, have eliminated some of the more tedious ones from our lists of rounds. We will be attending the Wesard’s party at the end of the week.”
“That gives us three days to prepare.” Alianore smiled.
“Prepare?” Kinsley asked.
“Well, this will be me and Vance’s first party since our marriage.”
Toriana laughed. “Planning on a grand entrance, are you?”
“Perhaps.” Alianore winked.
“We should have a party for the two of you,” Kimbra announced.
Bartley shook his head. “Why would you even suggest such a thing? We just had a party not too long ago. At the very least, I think we should wait another ten to twenty years before having another. The very thought of hordes of people descending upon us is enough to give me nightmares.”
Kimbra laughed. “Well, on that I agree.”
“There’s no need to do a party for us,” Vance told them. “We celebrated our marriage with those we love and that’s all that matters.”
“Vance is right,” Alianore agreed. “However, you could have Mrs. William make us some of her sweet pastries.”
“She made some just this morning,” Kimbra told her. “I’m sure there might be more in the kitchen and if not, she’ll probably make you some.”
“I knew we should have gotten here earlier,” Alianore whispered to Vance.
“We were busy,” he murmured next to her ear and then smiled when a blush quickly filled her cheeks.
“Speaking of Mrs. William’s pastries,” Toriana spoke up, “do you think she would be willing to send the recipe home with Alianore? Gustus and Cyril would be most grateful.”
“As would I,” Alianore quickly added.
Kimbra glanced over to where the two hulking men stood just inside the double doors leading out to the garden. Both men smiled at her.
“Actually, that recipe came from your Grandmother Francis’ cook. Now that you mention it, I believe the recipe should follow each of you when you set up your own households.”
Toriana sent a smile to Gustus and Cyril. “I told you so.”
Cyril, still smiling, nodded.
Gustus’ smile widened. “Aye, you did and we thank you.”
“I swear they’re besotted with you,” Vance grumbled teasingly.
“Nonsense, they’ve become my dear friends,” Toriana responded. “Which reminds me; today or tomorrow, I need to visit Madame Chelsea’s shop. I’m thinking of ordering a new riding habit.”
“What’s wrong with the one you have?”
Toriana smiled at the father. “Nothing, but a woman needs more than a few riding habits, don’t you think?”
“They do,” Kimbra quickly put in before her husband could comment.
Bartley’s gaze moved between his wife and his youngest daughter. “You know very well I would buy each of you girls anything within my power. I was merely curious as to why you needed yet another one.”
“The riding habit that was made for me at the beginning of the Season needs some alterations. It’s rather loose on me now.”
Kimbra’s gaze moved over Toriana. “That’s because you’re not eating like you should.”
Toriana smiled at her mother. “I’m eating fine.”
Knowing it was useless to argue the point with her, Kimbra sighed. “You’re to take Kinsley with you. A shopping trip will be good for her. Here of late it seems as if the blue devils have gotten to her.”
Toriana thought instead of the blue devils it was more along the line of the dazzling Lord Standale.
“Let me know when you’re going to go and I’ll join you,” Alianore spoke up.
Vance shook his head. “I think not. The last time you went shopping with your family you were kidnapped right off the street.”
Kimbra raised a brow at him. “Surely, you’re not blaming us for that are you?”
Vance scowled. “That’s not what I meant.”
“No one will bother us if we have Gustus and Cyril with us,” Toriana quickly stated.
“True…as they were the ones who snatched her from the street the last time,” Vance replied in a dry tone.
“Ain’t no need to bring up our past crimes,” Gustus mumbled.
Alianore nodded. “That’s right. They may have snatched me, but they also saved me.”
Vance scowled at his wife. “I believe they had some help.”
Bartley held up his hand to gain everyone’s attention. “Past deeds are just that…past. Rehashing it isn’t productive. If you worry about Alianore’s safety, then join them on their shopping trip. I’m sure between you, Cyril, and Gustus my daughters will be quite safe.”
“What a wonderful idea.” Alianore placed a kiss on Vance’s cheek. “I would so love to have you go with us.”
Vance smiled at his wife. “I suppose,” he conceded. “You need a new wardrobe anyways.”
“No, I don’t.” Alianore shook her head.
“You do,” Vance argued. “You’re a Viscountess now.”
“The wardrobe I have now will do until next Season or the one after. There’s no sense in spending good money for something I don’t need.”
“Why must you argue with me?” he muttered.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “To be honest, I’m not in the mood to stand around while I’m measured, pinned, and poked. Next year will be soon enough.”
“Whatever you wish, love,” Vance replied, before turning his golden brown eyes on Toriana. “So, elf, are you going to tell me about this man who has captured your attention?”
Toriana’s gaze moved from Vance, to her sister, and then back to Vance again. “So, why aren’t you and Alianore still on your honeymoon?” she countered.
“We can honeymoon anytime,” he replied with a slight smile. “Besides, Alianore missed all of you. When the rest of you retire to Norbury Manor, we’ll return to our home.”
Toriana nodded. “You’re a good man.”
Vance’s eyes twinkled with humor “And you’re evading my question.”
“What is it you want to know?”
“Tell me about this Drake Easton.”
Toriana wanted to laugh, but instead met his inquiry with a straight face. “How do you know about Drake?”
“Are you going counter every question with a question?” he asked with a raised brow.
Alianore laughed as she listened to them. “By now you should know better than to bait words with Toriana.”
“That goes with any Telford,” Vance muttered, before meeting Toriana’s gaze again. “If you must know, Kinsley sent a message to Alianore. It seems both of your sisters are worried.”
Bartley didn’t look at Kimbra when she laid her hand over his. Come tomorrow morning, he and Logan were going to make a trip to Hertworth Hall and find out what the bloody hell was going on.
He understood perfectly well that Drake was under a lot of pressure as he learned all that he needed to know in order to serve his title, but that didn’t mean the man couldn’t pick up a pen and write a blasted note.
Alianore leaned forward, her gaze intent on her sister. “Have you heard anything from him yet?” she asked in a worried tone.
Toriana’s heart swelled with love. From the time she was little she realized just how blessed she was to have such a loving family. “Stop fretting,” she replied. “Everything will work out as it should.”
“I know,” Alianore replied automatically.
Vance couldn’t voice his opinion about the situation for the simple reason he didn’t have enough details to have an opinion. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d still like to hear about this Drake fellow.”
If he thought it would be Toriana who told him, he was wrong. Instead it was Kimbra, Bartley, even Alianore who began sharing their details with him.
Toriana poured herself a cup of tea as she listened to her family. It was better this way, she thought, as she took a sip. She knew herself too well…if she started talking about Drake she was afraid she might say too much and inadvertently alert her family to her plans.
Vance listened, his gaze moving over the small group and always ending up on Toriana. One would think it would be her telling him about this man she loved…but instead Toriana was content to let the rest of her family do her talking for her.
Toriana and Drake’s story was a tale much different than his and Alianore’s. He had known Alianore since the day she was born. Toriana and Drake had, technically, only known each other for a matter of hours.
As silence fell over the room, Vance again glanced at each of them. To him, his ears, to be more precise, their story lacked details…details Toriana obviously wasn’t going to supply.
“Alianore also mentioned how women flock to this man. Is he truly that handsome?” he asked, hoping to get Toriana to respond.
“Oh, he is,” Kimbra stated without hesitation. “Even my mother practically drooled over him.”
“’Tis your mother you’re speaking about,” Bartley grumbled.
“Who, at the age of sixty-three, still knows a handsome man when she sees one,” Kimbra responded, ignoring his scowl.
Toriana leaned back and met Vance’s steady gaze. She knew her brother-in-law was waiting for a confirmation from her. Men were such funny creatures at time, she thought. Finally, she gave a nod of her head and smiled. “Drake is extremely handsome…and women do seem to flock to him.”
“Is that why you’re in love with him?”
Toriana’s light blue eyes sparkled, even as she gave a soft laugh. “You’ve known me all my life, Vance, can you ever recall me being the shallow type?”
“I get your point.” Vance conceded with a laugh of his own. “Though I don’t wish to ignite that Telford temper of yours, but being a former rake, I need to ask you if…if—”
“Not once did Drake take liberties with me,” Toriana interrupted. “Rake or not, he was always a gentleman with me.”
“Get your head out of your arse,” Bartley muttered with a scowl. “Do you really think I would let him get close enough that he might compromise her?”
“No…and I apologize,” Vance stated calmly.
Bartley nodded even as his scowl disappeared.
“You’re a good man…and brother.” Toriana smiled at Vance. “Have I told you how much I like having two brothers now?”
Vance’s laughter filled the back parlor. “Now you’re being an impish elf.”
