Page 109 of Echo in the Wind

“I am of age, Brother,” she reminded him.

“Given all your protestations about the leg-shackled state, I thought you were loath to wed.”

“M’sieur Donet changed my mind. He can be very persuasive.” She winked at Freddie.

“Women!” Richard opened the letter and began to read.

Tillie took that opportunity to slip onto the terrace. She ran to Joanna. “Oh Joanna, it is so good to see you. The Season was amazing. I have much to tell you. I am in love!”

“That would make two of us,” said Joanna, hugging her sister. “You look happy, Tillie. We must have tea, so you can tell me all about the Season and I can tell you something of my summer.” She would never tell Tillie all, but perhaps enough to let her know to be happy for her older sister.

Richard looked up from reading the letter. “Your sister is married, Matilda.”

Tillie turned to Joanna, startled. “You are? To whom?”

“Jean Donet, the comte de Saintonge.”

Much to Joanna’s relief, Tillie didn’t appear at all disappointed that Joanna had managed to snag the man Tillie had adored. “The French comte? But how? When?”

“It’s a very long story, Tillie. He and his young niece, Zoé, who is now our ward, will be down momentarily.”

“The comte is upstairs? In your bedchamber?”

“Well, yes.” Joanna felt rather proud of the fact now that they were wed.

“Enough of that, Matilda,” chided Richard.

Joanna met her sister’s startled gaze. “I also acquired a French maid in France. Gabrielle is a sweet girl of an age with you, Tillie. She is with Nora meeting Cook and the kitchen servants.

“What will happen to Nora?” asked Tillie.

“She will have a choice, to come with me or to stay, as she likes.”

“This is all so sudden,” remarked Tillie.

A dark figure appeared at the door to the terrace, the look on his face telling her he was uncertain if joining them would be wise. Joanna’s heart leapt at seeing him. It reminded her of all those months ago when she had first glimpsed him at the door to their parlor.

“Jean, come greet the family.”

He walked straight to Joanna and kissed her, his midnight eyes glistening with mirth. “Bonjour, ma chérie. Are you surviving the onslaught?”

“Barely, but reinforcements are welcome.” She turned to her brothers and sister. “Dearest siblings, say hello to my husband, M’sieur Donet.”

“Good morning, Brother-in-law,” said Tillie, her eyes sparkling.

Donet dipped his head to Joanna’s sister. Then he reached out his hand to greet her eldest brother.

Reluctantly, Richard took it. “We have much to discuss, Monsieur.”

“Oui, whenever it pleases you. I am at your service.”

Richard gave Donet a stern look. “Now would be good. I will have coffee and some rolls served in the study.”

Joanna caught the flicker of amusement in her husband’s eyes. He despaired of English breakfasts. To Richard, he said, “As you wish, Lord Torrington.”

After the two men left the terrace, Freddie suggested Joanna and Tillie retire with him to the dining room where a breakfast had been laid. “We might as well eat.”

In the dining room, Joanna accepted a cup of chocolate from the servant and took her place at the table. “I want to go into Chichester today. I must look in on Polly Ackerman. How is she doing, Freddie?”