Only a Viscount Will Do by Tamara Gill

Author:Tamara Gill [Gill, Tamara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-05-21T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The duchess gasped, tears springing to her eyes. “You found it where?” Their mama held out her hand, her face a mask of disbelief and happiness. “Let me see.”

Alice placed the little keepsake into the palm of her hand and smiled at the love in which her mama looked down on the brooch.

“I cannot believe I have it back.”

“We were riding home from Ashford and as odd as it is, Victoria and I noticed something glistening on the road. We stopped to see what it was and you can imagine our shock and delight upon seeing your jewel. We rode home as soon as we could, to tell you of our marvelous find.”

Alice caught Victoria’s gaze and smiled. On the way home, after they had changed in the hunting lodge a few miles from the estate, they had agreed on a story as to how and when they’d found the brooch. And if their mama’s overwhelmed happiness was anything to go by, she believed them.

Their mama pinned the brooch to her gown and eyed it lovingly. “I am overjoyed that I have it back. Oh, thank you, daughters. You’ve made me most happy.”

Alice sat, pouring herself a cup of tea. “It was a lucky find, Mama, and nothing more.”

“Even so,” the duchess replied, “I’m in mind to treat you both for your splendid service to me today. On the morrow, we shall travel to Ashford where I shall buy you whatever you wish. Victoria, I know you admired that pink shawl in La Mariette’s store.”

“Thank you, Mama. I would like that very much.” Victoria sat also, admiring the brooch as much as their mama.

Alice pulled her legs up beside her and settled back in her chair. “If you wouldn’t mind Mama, I would like for my gift to be held off until we reach Town. I haven’t found anything in Ashford that I desperately need.”

Their mama raised her brow in surprise. “Truly, daughter? Are you sure there is nothing you would like me to buy or help you with?”

Alice noted her amused tone and wondered at it. Was she teasing her in some way? “I don’t believe so.” She frowned, wondering what she was missing in the conversation.

Her mama laughed. “I merely meant that if you wished for help with the houses you’re refurbishing, I’m willing to donate. Just tell me what you would like me to do.”

“Truly, Mama?” Alice leaned forward, excited at the thought of what she could further do to improve the small homes. “Well, there is something that I think the cottages will need, but haven’t looked into it a lot yet, as we’re a little away from being at that stage of the build.”

“Tell me, and I will see what I can do.”

Her mother’s generosity was more than she thought returning a brooch deserved, but it seemed, when one did a good deed, sometimes good things happened in return. “As you know, the families who live there have very little, and I’m having the builders make all the beds in the cottages as a permanent fixture in the rooms, but I have no linen.

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