Charming a Scoundrel (Novella) by Samantha Grace

Author:Samantha Grace [Grace, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Samantha Grace

seven

Alex sailed into the breakfast room the next morning for a quick bite before collecting Casper for the walk to the Bells’ town house. A high-pitched squeal caused him to jump.

“Alex!” His sister’s knife and fork clattered against the china plate in front of her, and she leapt from her seat.

Their mother frowned. “Eleanore, behave with some semblance of decorum.”

Elle skirted the table and threw her arms around him. “Thank God you are here,” she whispered in his ear. “Mother has been haranguing Jacob for the past twenty minutes. Please, help us.”

Alex peered over his sister’s head at the man who had upset the Barnaby grand life plan by eloping with Elle. Mr. Farrish’s forehead glistened with sweat, confirming Elle’s claim that Mother was putting him through the paces. Haranguing seemed mild compared to what their father would do to Elle’s husband once he realized Farrish was dining at his table.

Alex set his sister away from him, calculating how much assistance he could offer without upsetting their mother. “What are you doing here? When did you arrive in Town?”

He didn’t know if he should sit or stand to provide interference when their father came below stairs to break his fast.

“We arrived yesterday,” Elle said. “We are still settling into Mr. Farrish’s town house, but we thought it best to pay a call to Mama and Papa before word spreads that we have returned.”

Mother lifted a brow, her mouth tightly pursed into a circle, and dug into her eggs. “Rumors of your return are going to be the least of your problems,” she grumbled.

Alex didn’t envy his sister or her new husband what would surely be a tense audience with their parents. He escorted Elle back to her seat and exchanged a brief greeting with her husband before making his way to the sideboard to pour himself a cup of tea.

“I, for one, am happy to have you back in Town,” Alex tossed over his shoulder. “I wish you both nothing but the best.”

“Oh, Alex,” Mother said with a huff. “I am just as happy to see your sister as you are, and I have always wanted the best for you all.”

Alex returned to the table, kissed his mother’s cheek, and sat in the chair beside her. “I know you want what is best for us. You are the greatest mother anyone could have.”

Mother chuckled; her expression softened.

A corner of Elle’s mouth twitched, and she picked up her silverware to resume cutting the fat from her breakfast meat. “Mama, I realize this is late notice, but Jacob and I were hoping you and Papa would dine at our home this evening.” Her gaze cut to her husband, and her eyes widened as if trying to silently communicate with him.

“Uh, yes.” Mr. Farrish wiped his mouth with his napkin. “We would be honored if you would join us, my lady.”

“How kind of you, Mr. Farrish.” A glimmer of a real smile touched Mother’s lips as she addressed Elle. “It would be a

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