Free An Unexpected Love by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Page A

arched her brows. “You might change your mind if you were required to spend much time in her company. I find that those beyond the age of thirty quickly tire of her puckish behavior.”
    “An interesting observation, Mrs. Broadmoor.”
    Victoria had hoped to ascertain Mr. Hedrick’s age, but he’d carefully avoided being trapped by her question. She didn’t believe for a moment that Mr. Hedrick was under the age of thirty. After all, he appeared to be a longtime acquaintance of Lord and Lady Illiff, who were near her own age. She would inquire of Lady Illiff when they were alone.
    Lord Illiff took a sip of his port. “I do wish Jonas could have traveled with you, Victoria. The man works far too hard.”
    “I did my best to convince him, but to no avail. Unless his plans change, he will join us in London, although I believe time in the country would have proved beneficial to rejuvenate him both body and soul.”
    Wesley leaned toward her, his eyes reflecting concern. “I trust your husband isn’t suffering from a medical condition, dear lady.”
    “No, but I fear that he will soon exhaust himself. Since his father’s death, poor Jonas has been forced to take on the added burden of handling the estate as well as the guardianship for his niece. Taking responsibility for the entire financial aspect of such a large estate has caused no end of difficulties.”
    “I can only imagine,” Wesley replied. “Choosing wise investments for family members is a grave responsibility. I’m sure your family is thankful for his skill.”
    Victoria brushed the folds of her skirt and shook her head. “Until one is faced with the challenge, it is difficult to cope with the conflicts that arise—especially within the family.” She sighed. “I must say, I was completely aghast when distant relatives appeared on our doorstep expecting to receive a portion of Hamilton’s estate. Their very presence was most distressing.”
    “I can only imagine,” Lady Illiff said. “ ’Tis truly sad how someone’s death can bring out the worst in people, isn’t it?”
    Wesley concurred, his eyes filled with sympathy. “Greed. Pure and simple. I can understand your need to come abroad and escape the turmoil.”
    Victoria sunk back against the cushioned chair, thankful for these friends, both new and old, who understood and willingly offered her peace and solace. If only Jonas could be present to experience the healing effects. He was the one who’d been forced to bear the brunt of hostile relatives and daunting decisions. A wave of guilt assaulted her, for instead of offering her husband the understanding he so richly deserved, she’d acted the shrew when he’d been forced to remain in New York. She silently vowed to beg his forgiveness and offer an understanding spirit in the future.

5
    Tuesday, November 2, 1897
    Per their agreement, Sophie made her way down the long terraced back gardens the next afternoon to locate Wesley. She felt her heart skip a beat when she spied him near the fountain. Just as he said he would be. Goodness, but he was dashing. The dark blue suit hugged his well-formed frame, causing him to appear even more muscular than she’d earlier thought. He turned and smiled at her in such a way that Sophie actually felt faint. She’d never known such excitement from simply being in the presence of a man.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Broadmoor,” he said and gave a little bow. “I trust that you enjoyed your morning.”
    “It was boring, to be quite honest.”
    He chuckled at this. “I must say I appreciate such truthfulness. Whatever did Lady Illiff find to occupy your time?”
    “She took us on a carriage ride around the grounds. We visited several of her tenants and learned more about yew trees and their ill effect on livestock than I would ever care to know.”
    Wesley laughed heartily. “I do not suppose I would have cared for such an adventure, either.”
    “And what of you? Did you enjoy your morning?”
    “I