One month later…
“This is your last chance to change your mind, Benjamin.” Thomas uncorked a decanter, pouring the amber liquid into four glasses. “In less than one hour, you will no longer be a free man.”
Benjamin snorted, selecting a glass from the tray. “I have been married over a month.”
Leaning forward, Thomas hissed around his hand, “That is a secret.”
Rolling his eyes, Benjamin took a sip. His gaze flicked to the study door as it burst open. Edward entered, carrying a small box. Turning, he closed the door, locked it behind him, then spun around, his face blank, and crossed the study.
“In a few minutes, you will become my brother-in-law officially. With your recent injury, I could not have bestowed you the gift you deserve for stealing my sister’s hand.”
“Edward!” Thomas set the decanter down, sliding in front of Benjamin, raising his left fist. Even with his arm in a sling, he could best Edward. “Would you truly hit an injured man”—he gestured to Benjamin’s right arm, also wrapped in a sling—“on his wedding day?”
“He has already had his wedding day and night,” Edward growled, his hands clenched, darkness passing through his eyes. Then a smile cracked Edward’s face, and he laughed, bending at the waist and howling until the tears streamed down his face. Wiping his eyes, he straightened, clapping his hand on Thomas’ shoulder. “This recent experience has destroyed your sense of humor, Thomas.”
Turning his gaze back to Benjamin, Edward held out his hand. Benjamin set his glass on the tray, accepting the small box. He flipped it over, inspecting it, then glanced up at Edward. “What is it?”
“It’s from Samantha and me, as a thank you for everything you have done for our family.”
Setting the box on the desk, Benjamin lifted the lid, placing it next to the box, peered inside, and gasped. Tipping the box on its side, Benjamin tapped the edge. A golden flash raced across the desk, then a watch tumbled out. Plucking it from the desk, Benjamin inspected it, his eyes lifting to Edward, holding out his hand. “I cannot accept this.”
“Please.” Edward stepped around Thomas, clasping Benjamin’s hand and folding his fingers around the watch. “We want you to have it as a wedding gift. As of today, you are family.”
“Does that mean you cannot strike me?” Benjamin grinned, tucking the watch into his vest pocket.
“Today, I will not hit you.” Edward leaned around Benjamin, taking one of the untouched glasses of brandy. He lifted the glass, saluting Benjamin, then replaced the glass on the tray without taking a sip, nor did Thomas expect him to. Edward hadn’t had a drink in years, but he enjoyed the civility of the gesture. “Tomorrow, I have a grievance to settle with you.”
“Would you really hit the father of your nephew… or niece?” Benjamin tilted his head.
Edward purpled, choking, his fingers tightening into fists, then using more self-control than Thomas thought possible, the anger melted from Edward’s face, and a smirk appeared. “You don’t have to fear my ire, Benjamin… You have to tell Wilhelmina.”
Thomas wedged himself between Edward and Benjamin, clasping Benjamin to his chest. “I think you should run,” he murmured, his eyes gesturing to the door.
Laughing, Benjamin pulled away from Thomas. “Mrs. Hastings already knows.”
“She does?” Twin faces of shock turned toward Benjamin.
“Of course.” He smiled. “Do you remember when Samantha fell ill shortly after the night of Morris’ death?”
Thomas and Edward nodded. Miss Hastings had been bedridden, violently expelling food and liquid to the point of starvation. The doctor attending Benjamin and Thomas had examined her as well. He pulled Mrs. Hastings aside, murmuring specific instructions in her ear before departing.
“Mrs. Hastings suggested a remedy she believed would ease Samantha’s suffering.” Benjamin lifted his glass, taking a sip.
“She asked Mrs. Brown to make up that tea,” Edward said, gesturing impatiently. “Samantha loves that tea. She drinks it all the time.” Groaning, Edward smacked himself in the face, dragging his fingers down to his chin. “When is the baby expected, Benjamin?”
“A respectable enough period from our wedding date,” he replied, an easy grin on his face.
“What about you?” Edward turned to Thomas, his eyes narrowing.
“Me?” Thomas stepped backward, his face paling. Had Aunt Abigail put Edward up to this line of questioning? He’d certainly taken an interest in Daphne’s welfare once he learned of her engagement to Thomas.
“Yes. Do you have the same difficulty with your fiancée?” Edward jerked his head toward Benjamin.
“I do not.”
Edward folded his arms. “Will you by the time your wedding date arrives?”
“Possibly…” Thomas winked at Benjamin. “It is several months away.”
“The two of you are incorrigible!” Edward snarled, throwing up his hands. The doorknob rattled. Stomping over to the door, Edward unlocked it, flinging it open.
Asher waited on the other side. Hesitantly, he peeked his head into the room, nodding to Benjamin. “Please excuse my tardiness. There was an issue with the governess this morning, and unfortunately, she is no longer in my employ.”
“What did the boys do?” Thomas asked with a snicker. He lifted the final untouched glass from the tray, holding it out to Asher. His relationship with Asher had been frosty for almost a month. He could not fault Asher since Daphne had refused his hand in favor of Thomas.
Asher crossed the room, accepting the snifter, his gaze on Thomas. “Apparently, she doesn’t like tadpoles in her tea.”
Edward snorted. “Neither did my girls’ previous governess; she lasted less than a fortnight. They must have given your boys the idea.”
“Do you have any suggestions on how I can retain one?” Rubbing his forehead, Asher dropped into a nearby chair, setting his glass on a table beside him. “I have lost three since we returned to Wiltshire.”
“Not the slightest,” Edward claimed the chair across from him. “Wilhelmina may have some recommendations. I’ll have her send you a list.”
“Would she be willing to assist with the interviews as well?” The eagerness in Asher’s voice was hard to ignore. He seemed lonely and a bit lost.
“I’m certain she would enjoy the task. However, that will have to wait until after we return,” Edward replied kindly. He, too, must have recognized Asher’s melancholy.
“Where are you going?” Benjamin twisted toward Edward, his eyes narrowing.
“With you and Samantha traveling to Greece, Wilhelmina decided to forgo the remainder of the season and stay in the country. We will head to the manor tomorrow; the girls are looking forward to swimming in the lake, and Marie has expressed an interest in learning to fence.” A proud grin split his face.
“Will you be returning to town?” Asher asked Thomas. His quiet question held a wealth of misery. With Benjamin and Edward departing tomorrow, Asher would be left with only his boys, and the ghost of his wife, for company. No better than Mr. Flannery, with his children chasing him across the countryside.
Thomas set his glass on the tray with a thunk. “Aunt Abigail prefers the country; she claims the weather is good for her health. Since she is remaining at Westwood Estate, I have decided to stay on and sacrifice my social obligations.”
“You mean, you have no desire to leave your fiancée for a stuffy ballroom,” Benjamin said, saluting Thomas with his half-filled glass.
“If my staying in the country results in more time spent with my fiancée, I have no cause to complain,” Thomas replied, unperturbed by Benjamin’s teasing.
Mrs. Hastings appeared in the doorway, her eyes skipping over the room. When she spied Edward, she smiled, her face glowing. “My dear, may I have a moment? I have something important to discuss with you.”
“Is Sammie alright?” Edward leapt from his chair.
“Samantha is fine,” Mrs. Hastings replied, a tight smile on her face. “She is dressed and impatiently pacing the room… This involves a matter between you and me.”
“Perhaps she is in a delicate condition,” muttered Benjamin: Thomas chortled.
“That would be an intriguing bit of news, would it not, my Lord?” Mrs. Hastings replied, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she glanced at Benjamin. “However, today would not be the day to make that announcement as it is your wedding day.” Her eyes returned to Edward. “It will only be one minute.”
Nodding, Edward followed her from the room. Mr. Davis appeared in his stead. “My Lord, the carriage is ready to convey you to the chapel.”
“Has Aidan arrived?” Benjamin asked, placing his glass beside Thomas’ snifter.
“Yes, my Lord, he is waiting in the parlor.”
“Please inform him I will be there shortly.”
“I have taken care of the other matter already,” Mr. Davis answered Benjamin’s unasked question, bowed, and retreated from the room.
Benjamin embraced Thomas, hugging him tightly with one arm. “No one could ask for a finer brother than you. Thank you for everything you have sacrificed,” he whispered in Thomas’ ear, his voice fierce.
Returning Benjamin’s embrace, Thomas grinned. “Yes, you are extremely fortunate.”
Benjamin laughed, releasing Thomas and turning to Asher. “Do you believe me fortunate?”
“Had I a brother,” Asher replied, his gaze sliding to Thomas, “I’m certain he would be exactly like Thomas… which is why I don’t.”
Snickering, Benjamin shook his head and crossed the room, passing through the doorway. Thomas waited for Asher to stand, then followed him toward the exit. When Asher reached the doorway, he turned, blocking Thomas.
“Do not think me unhappy for your engagement; you and Miss Clemens are well suited. I’m merely saddened by my position and quite aware of how much I miss Eleanor.” Asher sighed, sadness leaking from his eyes. “Simon and Lucas need a mother.”
“Don’t let Aunt Abigail and my mother hear that confession. They have run out of lives to meddle with now that Benjamin and I are matched.” Thomas placed a hand on Asher’s shoulder, squeezing gently.
“I may need their assistance,” Asher said reluctantly.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Reid.” Daphne appeared behind Asher, curtsying.
He spun around, bowing. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Clemens. I’m pleased to see you have recovered quite well from your adventures. Have you stopped falling off of things?”
“I have redirected my attention to something less dangerous,” she replied smoothly.
“Which is?” Asher asked, his voice curious.
“Shooting.” Her gaze skated over Asher’s shoulder, landing on Thomas. “Good afternoon, Thomas.”
Her voice curled around him, winding through his mind and igniting his blood. His name on her lips, the word rendered him senseless. He stepped around Asher, lifting Daphne’s hand to his mouth, pressing his lips to her wrist.
“Daphne,” he murmured, enjoying the light pink blush that dusted her cheeks.
“Are we riding in the same coach?” she asked breathlessly.
“No, but I intend to give you a riding lesson later this evening.” Thomas winked, encouraging her blush to darken to deep scarlet.
“Considering her past injuries, perhaps it best you allow me to give Miss Clemens her lesson.”
A dark cloud passed over Thomas’ face, his hand tightening possessively around Daphne’s wrist. “I am the only man who will give her a riding lesson… ever.”
“It was merely a suggestion.” Asher held up his hands, backing away from Thomas’ ire.
“Thomas.” Daphne touched her finger to his cheek, turning his head toward her. Her eyes, soft and round, locked on his face. “There is no need to threaten your cousin. I would never accept another riding instructor.” She cupped his cheek. “You are the only man I want.”
“Are you saying you love me?” Thomas tilted his head.
“Have I not told you that this morning?” Grinning, Daphne bumped her forehead against his.
“Not in the last two hours.”
“I love you, Thomas Reid.”
“And I love you.” Thomas leaned down, pressing his mouth to hers. His body caught fire, desire flooding his veins. He pulled away reluctantly, lifting her hand to his mouth once more. “I only have one more request of my fiancée today.”
“Which is?” Confusion passed over Daphne’s face.
“Will you help me find Asher a wife?”
The End
Thank you for reading A Perfect Deception. If you enjoyed the love story between Daphne and Thomas, please consider leaving a review wherever you purchased the story, it really does make a difference. If you are interested in hearing about new releases, behind-the-scenes author secrets, sales, and giveaways, sign up for my newsletter.
Extend your stay in Wiltshire with the Flannery family, and experience love on the high seas when Alana Flannery’s ship to America is attacked by pirates in An Imperfect Scoundrel.
Find out in A Perfect Recluse, featured in the boxed set, Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction.
♥Alyssa