Page 141 of Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal

“Not at all.”

She gestured at the footman, who retrieved a lumpy, paper-wrapped parcel from the sideboard and set it next to Percy’s plate. In truth, she had forgotten. Well, not so much forgotten as thought that she’d have more time to get him a gift, as he was supposed to be in France for weeks yet. But Candace was nothing if not resourceful.

“You truly remembered?” Percy blinked at the parcel as if he were touched.

“Of course. You’re my only brother. But you musn’t expect too much. I plan on getting you something else in addition once we return to London.”

Percy tore off the paper, revealing a porcelain stack of bright fruits. He blinked at it for several moments.

“Thank you, Candace. Er...what is it?”

“Turn it around.”

“Ah! It’s a clock. I think it should go right there on the sideboard. How nice.”

“Very colorful,” Adelaide agreed, her eyes twinkling.

“His Grace the Duke of Canterbury,” Benson said from the doorway.

“Don’t bother with the honorifics, Benson,” Percy said. “He’s soon to be my brother-by-law.”

“And yet he will always be the Duke of Canterbury to me, my lord.” Benson gave a respectful bow and departed before Percy could make additional demands against his propriety.

“Good morning.” James crossed the room in great strides to press a kiss to Candace’s cheek.

His warm lips left a blush in their wake.

Percy sat straight in his chair. “Now hold on. I gave you permission to marry her, but that doesn’t mean you can slobber over her whenever you want, right in front of me.”

Adelaide looked heavenward. “Really, Percy. The dramatics.”

“It isn’t right.” He thumped the table, setting the silver jangling, as James calmly took the chair next to Candace. “Not in my own house. Show some restraint.”

“Restraint?” Candace arched an eyebrow. “Is it restraint that brought you back early from your honeymoon, brother?”

Percy reared back as if an invisible horse beneath him had bolted. Adelaide gave a tinkling laugh; James hid a smirk behind the glass of orange juice a footman set before him.

Percy spluttered, looking back and forth between his sister and wife, color staining his cheeks. Finally, he fixed upon Adelaide. “Did you tell her?”

“No, my love. I was going to do so this morning.”

“Congratulations,” James said. “Best wishes for a healthy baby and mother.”

Beneath the table, Candace reached over and squeezed his knee. She knew, better than most, how sincerely he offered those words, how much past pain was tied up in them.

Percy jabbed a finger in her direction. “Keep your hands where I can see them.”

Adelaide broke into great billowing laughter that crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Percy, leave them be. They’re in love, as we are. You’re going to have to get used to them sitting next to each other.”

“They aren’t married yet.”

“I aim to rectify that as quickly as possible.” James turned to Candace. “The vicar’s available later this morning. Are you?”

Her eyes went wide.

“Today?” she squeaked.

“The point of an engagement is to get married, Candace. I wish to be wed with all haste. If we do it now, several of my closest friends can attend. Forgive me—I know your sister is in Paris. Would you like to wait and see if you can summon her back?”