Free Who Brings Forth the Wind (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick Page A

joy lasted until right before she fell asleep;
    right up to the moment when she realized she wouldn't be
    seeing her grandfather in a few days as planned, and she
    would probably never live in his home in Middlesbrough
    again.
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    the next morning, before the wedding agreement could
    be drawn up and signed or the banns posted for the coming
    wedding, Stacy went in to see Aunt Lucinda. Lucinda was at
    her writing desk in her bedroom, already making a list for
    Madame Angelica concerning Stacy's wedding trousseau. She
    had been half-expecting her niece, so as soon as Stacy appeared,
    Lucinda put her task aside.
    "Aunt Lucinda, may I speak with you?"
    "Of course, my dear."
    Both women made themselves comfortable in chairs by
    the window.
    "I'm trying to write to Papa, but I just can't find the words,"
    Stacy began. "I love Tanner, but I feel as though I've betrayed
    the man who has loved and taken care of me since I was a
    child"
    Lucinda rose and went back to her writing desk. She
    opened the top drawer and withdrew a letter. Returning to
    Stacy, she opened it and began to share.
    "This arrived just a week after you did, my dear, but there
    has never been a reason, until now, for you to see it. I shall
    read it to you.
    Dear Lucinda,
    I know that Stacy must be well ensconced in
    your care by now, and I wish you both a wonderful
    io
    summer. As you may or may not realize, Stacy is the type of girl who would gladly lay down her life for
    someone she loves. There have been times over the
    years when this has not been an asset; now is just
    such a time.
    I told Stacy that no one would push her into a
    marriage and I meant it, but I also fear that Stacy
    might deny her heart if she fears hurting me or
    missing Morgan. I want Stacy to follow her heart. I
    trust you to judge the type of man who might show
    interest, and if you find him worthy of my precious
    girl, then act in wisdom.
    Stacy works hard to see that those around her
    are happy. Above all else, Lucy, see to Stacy's happiness,
    for there are times when she does not look
    after it herself. Give her my love and to you also.
    Andrew
    Stacy was not a woman given to tears, and in fact none
    filled her eyes, but her heart was so full she could not speak.
    "I will ask you what your grandfather would at this moment."
    Lucinda gazed at her tenderly.
    "Are you happy, my dear?"
    Stacy could only nod.
    "Then I will write Andrew and tell him all that has transpired.
    I will also say that you will be writing soon to give him
    the wedding date and details."
    Stacy's answer to this was to throw her arms around her
    aunt. Lucinda laughed as she embraced her, thinking she
    would topple a smaller woman.
    "You run along now, dear; I've got things to do."
    Stacy was more than ready to comply now that her mind
    was set to rest. Returning to her room she sat down at the table
    by the window, now knowing that she could write that letter. It
    wasn't as easy as she believed, however. Before she'd written
    two words, her mind began to wander. The quill was set aside
    and soon forgotten. Stacy never even noticed the cool breeze
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    coming in the window and moving her hair. Her mind was
    wholly taken up with Tanner and what he might be doing at
    the moment.
    'Price," Tanner bellowed The servant appeared at the top
    'the stairs as if by magic.
    "Yes, your Grace."
    "Riding clothes. And order my horse saddled." His reply
    curt, but he simply had no time to be civil. He had to see
    icy, and now. There was no other help for it.
    Stacy might have been pleased to know that Tanner was
    thinking of her, except that his thoughts were turning rather
    pensive. His breakfast sat growing cold as he let his mind
    dwell on the night before.
    Dinner had been a delight, and Lucinda, with a few suggestions
    from Roddy, had been more than reasonable concerning
    the marriage contract. Not that Stacy's dowry mattered to
    Tanner in the least. She could come to him with nothing more
    than the clothes on her back, and he