Page 84 of The Untamed Heart

“Oh,” he said, turning to Eustacia and Marcus. “Goodbye,” he said cheerfully, and walked away.

Sheringham sighed and rolled his eyes heavenwards. “I swear it’s like I’ve been left in charge of a badly behaved toddler.”

“You don’t have to look out for him,” Marcus pointed out in amusement.

Sheringham watched the earl as he studied a wonderful watercolour painting of the Ypres Tower in Rye by J W Turner, that Hawkney had recently bought as a present for his grandmother. It was a beautiful piece of work and was his grandmother’s pride and joy.

“Yes, I know, but then I worry what trouble he’ll get into if I don’t,” Sheringham said helplessly, and reached for another glass of champagne. “It’s a curse.”

“He’s a lucky fellow to have you,” Marcus said, smirking.

Sheringham scowled at him. “Funny, Marcus. Very droll,” he groused, and then muttered an oath and hurried away as he saw Darenth reach to take the painting off the wall.

“Poor Sherry. I fear he’ll never forgive Hawkney for introducing them,” Marcus said with obvious amusement.

“Nonsense. You are all great friends. Anyone can see how deeply you care for each other, despite all the squabbling.”

“We do not squabble,” Marcus said indignantly. “We discuss things like rational men.”

“Yes, my love. Of course you do,” Eustacia said soothingly, and smiled to herself as they continued their rounds.

Finally, they were ready to leave, not that they had far to go.

Marcus guided Eustacia out to the carriage where Sebastian was waiting for them.

“Don’t worry, I packed all my stuff yesterday while you two lovebirds were occupied. Hawkney was very generous and had a couple of his servants bring the lot down to the cottage for me. It must be nice to be a duke,” he said with a chuckle.

“Indeed,” Marcus replied, holding out his hand to Sebastian. “Remember, it will always be your home too. There will always be a room for you, and a warm welcome.”

Sebastian nodded, looking pleased by the sincerity of the offer. “I won’t forget. But you look after that sister of mine. You may have survived a war, but you’ve never lived with Eustacia. It’s not easy, brother mine,” he said with a martyred expression.

“You rat, Seb. I’m an absolute dream to live with,” Eustacia retorted crossly.

“Yes, a nightmare,” Seb laughed and then skipped backward, out of reach, before she could hit him.

“Beast,” she said, though without heat. Suddenly her throat was tight. Everything was changing, and as happy and excited as she was for her future, she did not want her brother to be on his own. She worried for him. “Seb—”

“Oh, no!” he said, looking appalled. “No tears. Run along now and… no, I can’t say enjoy your honeymoon. It’s too much. Just… be happy.”

With that, he blew them a kiss and hurried away.

“Oh,” Eustacia said, frowning with concern.

“He’ll be fine,” Marcus said, putting his arm around her. “And we’re only up the road. You can pop in on him to your heart’s content. He’ll hardly know the difference.”

She brightened at that, for it was true. She could be in the village in no time.

“Well, Mrs Hamilton, are you ready to begin married life?”

Eustacia gazed up at her new husband, and her heart gave an erratic thump at the look in his eyes.

“I am,” she said, suddenly finding her attention far more firmly fixed on her own future and her wedding night.

Chapter 24

Unveilings

Seagull Heights, Little Valentine, East Sussex, 8th October 1816