Miss Hastings' Excellent London Adventure (Brazen Brides Book 4)(65)

 

Emma stepped closer and pressed her lips to little Randolph's cheek, then to her mother-in-law's. "The pleasure's mine. I'm so happy to be a part of your family."

 

Adam moved to his wife and draped his arm around her shoulders. "My wife was an only child."

 

"I feel sorry for only children," his mother said, looking down at Emmie, who clung to her skirts. "Emmie needs brothers and sisters."

 

Emmie's eyes widened. "I should love to have a sister, or even a brother."

 

Smiling broadly, Adam shook his head. "Methinks my mother has grown exceedingly fond of being a grandmother."

 

"So I have." She walked off.

 

* * *

 

In the same large inn where Emma had been abducted, the entire family gathered that night to share a meal at one long trestle table that ran parallel to the chamber's tall brick fireplace. There was so much warmth in the room, Emma could no longer recall the feel of her icy limbs the previous night.

 

Lord Agar favorably impressed Emma, largely due to the tenderness his wife evoked in him. Even though he was born to enormous rank, Lord Agar had much in common with the sons of an uncouth businessman. They were all devoted husbands.

 

Emma detected a faint resemblance between Lady Fiona and her brother, but it surprised her that he was not nearly as handsome as the Birmingham brothers. Because Lady Fiona was so lovely, Emma had expected Lord Agar's appearance to be considerably above normal.

 

"Where is Mother?" Emma asked. It was the first time in her life she'd addressed a woman as mother, and she rather liked the idea of it, even though Adam's mother had not been overwhelmingly friendly to her. She took no offense because Adam had stressed that his mother's lack of warmth was only equaled by her lack of manners.

 

"She refused to allow us to bring little Randolph's nurse," Verity said. "She adores taking care of him—with help from Emmie!"

 

"Our daughter is baby mad," Lady Fiona said.

 

How touching that Lady Fiona thought of Nick's little daughter as her own.

 

"Mother may never return to Great Acres," Adam quipped.

 

Lady Sophia shook her head. "I believe you're wrong. Once Lady Fiona or I—or Emma—has a child, your mother will rush back down south. She's as baby mad as little Emmie."

 

Emma bubbled inside at the thought of having Adam's babe.

 

Adam eyed Nick. "Has it occurred to you that another person, a benevolent woman, has taken possession of our mother?"

 

They all burst out laughing.

 

William and Nick both nodded.

 

"How did the electioneering go?" Adam asked.

 

Lady Fiona's gentle expression turned to excitement. "Oh, you should have heard Nick! He was magnificent."

 

Though every woman at the table was madly in love with her husband, Emma believed Lady Fiona's adoration of Nick topped all of them.

 

William nodded. "I think everyone was impressed."

 

"Indeed," Lord Agar added. "Lord Petersham said Nick could speak to the people better than anyone he's ever heard." He eyed his sister. "And without sounding too much of a braggart, I must say my sister was perfectly charming. After the speech when everyone began to mingle about the assembly rooms, she personally served punch to every man in line and was most impressive, asking each man about his family."

 

"Yes, I think half the men in the room fell in love with her," William said.

 

"You all are making me blush," Lady Fiona said. (Though Emma saw not a particle of blush on that lady's creamy face.)

 

His dark eyes shimmering with love, Nick met his wife's gaze. "And you blush most beautifully, my love."

 

"You must not forget how gracious Verity was," Lady Fiona said. "She's the one who knew nearly every man by name."

 

Lord Agar beamed. "I am always proud of my wife."

 

Unlike Lady Fiona, who only spoke of blushing, Verity actually did blush.

 

Emma could sigh. Just being surrounded by so much love made her happy. Perhaps her delight was somewhat coloured by her own husband's affectionate attentions throughout the day.

 

Emma eyed Lord Agar. "So it's looking as if Nick will win?"

 

"I believe so," Lord Agar said.

 

Nick held up a hand. "You all are over confident. My opponent is highly qualified."

 

Lady Fiona pouted. "He doesn't hold a candle to you!"

 

"Spoken like a loving wife," Nick said, reaching to stroke her cheek affectionately.

 

Lord Agar went to rise. "I hate that we must leave. We had tried this morning to procure rooms here, but the inn is full, likely of Birminghams! We've got a two-hour drive which won't put us home until after midnight."