Because the Baron Broods by Darcy Burke

Author:Darcy Burke [Burke, Darcy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781637261354
Publisher: Zealous Quill Press

Chapter 12

“And here we are!” Gwen said as she guided Tamsin into the sitting room where Pandora, Persephone, Min, and Ellis were seated, waiting. “You didn’t think we could pass up one last opportunity to be together before we go our separate ways.”

“Especially after our Weston holiday was cut short again this year,” Min exclaimed.

Tamsin was delighted to have her friends gathered, even if it would only be for a short time, as the wedding breakfast was winding down.

“We’ve a gift for you,” Persephone said. “The same one I received when I wed Acton.”

Pandora gave Tamsin a wrapped parcel.

“Thank you,” Tamsin said, sitting on the edge of a chair and placing the package in her lap. “Truly, having you all here is the best gift I could ever receive.”

Gwen sat down too. “Open it!”

Laughing, Tamsin, unwrapped the package to reveal a framed piece of embroidery. “The Rogue Rules.” She read them quickly, smiling, before turning it around and showing everyone. “Pandora, did you make this?”

Nodding, Pandora glanced at Persephone. “Just like the one I made for Persey. Well, not just like it. Tamsin, yours has shells in the corners.”

It did indeed, including a cockleshell. Tamsin hugged it to her chest and felt the slight weight of the cockleshell in her pocket, where she’d carried it during the wedding ceremony. “I love it.”

“Even if your husband isn’t really a rogue?” Min asked with a chuckle.

“We all need reminders,” Pandora said.

“I can’t argue with that, but you are right that Isaac isn’t a rogue. At least, not so far as I can tell.” Was he a rogue for declaring their marriage would be in name only? Better to communicate such things than not, Tamsin reasoned.

“Your father is the real rogue,” Pandora said with a knowing look.

“Why is that?” Gwen asked.

“Because he ignores her and puts his work above all else. And he sought to betroth her to one of his friends.” Pandora made a face.

Tamsin wasn’t sure “rogue” was the right description for her father, but he was something unpleasant. However, she didn’t want to dwell on that while she was with her friends for the last time for a long while. “He told me I could cry off, that no one here would judge me. He also shares your concerns about whether Isaac and I are a suitable match. But none of that matters now, since we are wed.” Tamsin gave them a smile that was perhaps overbright. She was really struggling with her optimism today. And it was her wedding day!

Min reached over and touched Tamsin’s arm. “Goodness, we did not mean to cast aspersions on your marriage. After what transpired in Weston, we just wanted to make sure you were confident in your decision. Because we care about you.”

Only Tamsin wasn’t confident, not since her husband had informed her their marriage would be in name only.

Temporarily, she reminded herself. She changed the topic to when they would next be together. Most of them would be in London in the spring, except Pandora.

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