Cavendon Hall by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Author:Barbara Taylor Bradford [Bradford, Barbara Taylor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781250032331
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2014-03-01T08:00:00+00:00

Thirty-two

They walked around the rim of the lake, not speaking, lost in their own thoughts, but compatible in their silence.

Charlotte knew that Charles was troubled, at a loss, and so she remained quiet for the moment, wanting to give him time to think. In her heart of hearts she believed that Hugo’s arrival was a godsend, and that his falling in love with Daphne had been a miracle of sorts.

However, she wasn’t sure Charles would see it that way. She could only hope he would understand the sense a liaison between Hugo and Daphne made. Marriage would protect his daughter.

As two swans floated by, Charles said, “The Inghams have swans because of the first earl, Humphrey.”

“Yes, and I know why,” she answered. “Do you?”

“Because my ancestor wanted to honor your ancestor for his loyalty and devotion, and he promised James the Inghams would always have swans on this lake, to commemorate their name, ‘Swann.’”

“And ever since, the Inghams and the Swanns have been intertwined, involved with each other in a variety of ways, because of the friendship of our founding fathers,” she remarked. “It’s a bond no one can break, you know … it’s lasted far too long now, over one hundred and sixty years.”

Charles nodded, paused, and looked at her. “Ask anyone around here, ‘What do the Swanns know about the Inghams?’ And they’ll all answer, ‘What don’t they know?’”

“Yes, we do know everything, I’ve been led to believe.”

“You have the Swann record books, Charlotte, don’t you?”

“I do. Because I am the senior member of the family.” She peered at him quizzically. “But why are you suddenly bringing this up? You don’t want to see them, do you? Because you can’t, you know, it’s never been allowed.”

“I’d never ask that of you, Charlotte. No Ingham has the right. But I was just thinking how much the Inghams have relied on the Swanns over the generations. And how I always depend on you. I usually come to you when I have a problem, I always have. Naturally, I discuss things with Felicity, seek her advice, as she does mine. But it’s your judgment I do really depend on, and I think that’s because my father did.”

Charlotte did not reply to this comment, although Charles was right.

He glanced at her. “Well, he did, didn’t he?”

“Quite often, but not always.” She gave him a small smile. “Sometimes he thought he knew better. And, of course, that was true, he was a very smart man. And wise. But let’s talk about Hugo and Daphne, shall we? That’s why we met this afternoon.”

“You’re absolutely correct. So tell me, what do you think about the situation? Should it be considered? Would it work?”

“I think it could work … providing Daphne is willing. We know exactly where Hugo stands, his intentions, but what about her? It has to be her decision. She has to be happy with it,” Charlotte responded.

Charles exclaimed, “I wouldn’t have it any other way! I don’t think she could possibly be in love with him.

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