The Reluctant Bride by Beverley Oakley

Author:Beverley Oakley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Beverley Oakley

A light mist swirled through the churchyard and collected like dew on the black gauze of Emily’s veil.

Dew? Or tears?

She shed none, however, as she lay her little posy upon her son’s grave then straightened to read the inscription:

Jack McCartney

Less than an hour old but how lucky she was that kind Jonathan had organised the transport and burial of her little darling so Emily could visit him with ease.

The soft damp earth muted the sounds of approaching footsteps so that she turned with a gasp to find Caroline nearly upon her.

Her sister-in-law smiled as she placed her own flowers beside Emily’s, squeezing her arm. The touch was comforting. ‘Are you all right, Emily?’ She led her away, back to the waiting carriages. ‘I hoped you’d offer me some tea while I tell you that all the ladies invited to your tea party have accepted. They are so looking forward to meeting you.’

Emily smiled. ‘You’re very kind, Caroline,’ she said. And meant it.

Tea was served in the drawing room. The day was gloomy and the light dim so they sat near the large French doors that opened onto the garden and enjoyed the open vista of sweeping lawns.

‘Angus chose well.’ Emily made a sweeping motion of the lovely room, determined to speak highly of him to the sister- in-law who championed him so fiercely.

Fixing her with a level look, Caroline chose to misconstrue her meaning. ‘He thinks he did, Emily. Once you allow yourself to move past your grief, you’ll both be very happy.’ Emily put her hand to her heart. ‘There will always be a little piece of me that grieves, but you’re right, time is healing my sorrow. Angus is a good man. I am looking forward to his return.’

She directed an expectant look at her sister-in-law, but Caroline looked unimpressed.

‘I’m glad of it. A passionate heart does not shrivel and die at the first tragedy and you have a passionate heart. As does Angus. I think you are well matched.’

‘I respect my husband,’ Emily murmured.

Caroline took a sip of her tea before setting down the cup and levelling another of her famous frank looks upon Emily. ‘It’s a good start, but he deserves more than that.’ She paused, adding, ‘Like the pure and honest love of a woman worthy of him.’ She cleared her throat then added, ‘And not too proud to show it.’

The soft falling rain overlaid by the sound of carriage wheels on gravel sounded in the silence.

Before she could stop herself, Emily said with a half-smile, ‘If I didn’t know better I could almost think you were in love with him, yourself.’

To her shock Caroline’s porcelain skin took on a fiery hue. ‘Oh my goodness,’ her sister-in-law gasped, laughing. ‘I’m glad Jonathan isn’t here to witness my discomposure. What must you think of me?’ She stopped, gathered herself, then spoke carefully. ‘I am five years older than Angus and a good fifteen years older than you, Emily. I am well versed in the ways of the world and I can honestly say that I would strive for contentment over passion any day.

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