The Five Kisses by Karla Darcy

Author:Karla Darcy [Darcy, Karla]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 15854004
Publisher: Glades Publishing
Published: 2012-08-10T16:00:00+00:00

The Fourth Kiss

“Don’t tell me you are breeding again,” Gillian cried when Nelda had removed her fur cape. “How perfectly wonderful!”

“It is, isn’t it?” Nelda folded her hands complacently atop the magnificent bulge at her waistline and smiled beatifically. “It’s something I seem to be particularly good at. Three children in less than three years should gain me some sort of award. My darling husband is strutting through London, quite the cock of the walk.”

“Well, if Robbie gets too full of himself just remind him that if he hadn’t been so slow in offering for you he could have had four by now.” Gillian hugged her friend and led her over to the silver and blue striped sofa in the drawing room.

Nelda shook her head. “I’d better not sit there. It looks entirely too soft and you will have to call for help to pry me out of the cushions. Here would be better.” Once she was settled comfortably in the armchair, she looked across the tea table, her face set in somber lines. “My dearest friend, I cannot tell you how distressed I was not to be here when your father passed away. It was such a shock when I received your letter.”

“Never fear, Nelda. I know full well how fond you were of Papa. It was very sudden. He did not seem to be ill but he just kept getting frailer. Then one morning I found him in the library. I thought he had fallen asleep reading but when I touched his shoulder I knew he was gone.”

At her words, tears rose in Nelda’s eyes, overflowing and running down her cheeks. It was Gillian who found the handkerchief in her reticule.

“When I’m increasing, I am a veritable watering pot,” Nelda said, dabbing at her eyes with the scrap of lace. “Pray forgive me. It is I who should be comforting you.”

“In the last two months, I have cried enough tears. I’m only glad that you’ve returned in time for Christmas. I was not looking forward to it this year.” Gillian crossed to the bell pull. “Can you stay for tea?”

“My dear, I live for teatime,” Nelda drawled, patting her stomach. “And lunchtime. And suppertime.”

“How are the children?”

“Little Rob is a hellion and naturally the pride of his father. Olivia is absolutely exquisite. Even though I risk your thinking I am biased, I tell you she is the sweetest most adorable child in the world. You will love her.”

Gillian beamed across at her friend. It had been apparent from the moment of their marriage that both Nelda and Robbie were supremely happy. It was a pleasure to be in their company, because their joy in each other spilled out to enliven every occasion. For Gillian it had been that much more special since she had kept them as friends.

“I fear you will find us all deadly dull,” Gillian said. “Your children will keep you from getting bored now that you are away from the excitements of London.”

“Piffle!” Nelda said. “London can be boring.

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