Wild, Wild Rake--The Cavensham Heiresses by Janna MacGregor

Author:Janna MacGregor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

* * *

A puff of wind would have knocked Devan over after young Lord Warwyk had proclaimed that he planned the entire night in the wine cellar so Devan would marry Avalon. The longcase clock in the room ticked like a hammer on a stubborn nail ad nauseam as he’d tried to think of an appropriate response.

Avalon’s cheeks flushed scarlet and her eyes widened at her son’s declaration.

Devan bit the inside of his cheek when the boy’s shoulders and head dropped at the confession. “Thane,” he soothed. “Your mother and I…”

Both Thane and Avalon turned their gaze to him. It could have been his imagination, but each had a hopeful glint in their eyes. He had little doubt that Avalon wanted him to disavow the boy’s wishes. But for the life of him, he couldn’t form the words.

“Thane,” Avalon murmured. “Just because you wish it doesn’t mean we’ll marry.”

“I know.” The young lord sniffed. “But you’ve been happy since the vicar moved to town, and the same for me. I thought we could always be that way if you married him. He’s the only man who truly takes any interest in us. I’m surrounded by women. It’s nice to have someone to ride with and learn things from besides you, Mother.” He bowed his head. “I love you, but I want Mr. Farris, too. Is that so wrong? Do I have to apologize for that also?”

“Here we are.” Mrs. McVey entered the room with the tea tray, then carefully set it down. “Oh, dear. I forgot the tarts.”

Disbelief had robbed Devan of speech. Thankfully, Avalon answered for him. “How wonderful. Thane, will you follow Mrs. McVey and bring back the tarts?”

The boy nodded, then stood and followed the housekeeper out of the room. When the sound of their footsteps quieted into nothing, Avalon collapsed against the back of her chair.

“I’m mortified at his confession. He told me he thought I should marry so I’d have someone.” Her eyes glistened with emotion. “I apologize, too. I had no idea that he wanted a father.” Her gaze darted to her tightly clasped hands. “Nor did I think he’d ever do such a thing. You must think I’m a horrible mother.” She shook her head slightly. “If it’s any consolation, based upon what Thane shared, I believe I’m a horrible mother, too.”

“Avalon.” He deepened his voice, wanting to comfort her. “What Thane did has no bearing on who you are or what type of a mother you are. He shared with me one day that you say kind words about his father. I know how difficult that must have been for you.”

“He’ll find out soon enough about his father from others,” she murmured. “He doesn’t need to hear it from me.”

“That’s a lovely gift you’ve given him, and it says volumes that you had him come to me today to apologize. It shows that you’re teaching him what’s morally right.”

“He wants a father.” The shock was visible on her face. “It’s just incredible.” She stood slowly.

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