Free The Cavendon Women by Barbara Taylor Bradford Page A

was far too big, swam around him. Poor choice, Cecily thought as he kissed her quickly on the cheek, and then walked her along the terrace. She was going to have to take him in hand, do something about these awful clothes. Linen was not her favorite fabric. It creased in seconds.
    â€œWhat happened?” she asked as they sat down at the wrought-iron table in the center of the terrace.
    â€œIt went really well. Diedre, Dulcie, and DeLacy were thrilled about Papa and Charlotte, so no problems there.”
    â€œI didn’t think there would be. After all, my aunt practically brought them up.” Cecily sat back in the chair, put her hand in her pocket, and brought out the piece of bone, then quickly told Miles about her encounter with Genevra.
    After examining the bone, turning it around, he asked, “What do the little engravings mean?”
    â€œI don’t know. She never explains. I have a bone, so does Charlotte, and she made one for Daphne years ago. When Hugo was going off to fight in the Great War, Daphne begged her to explain the carvings. Sympathetic to Daphne’s worries about Hugo, Genevra finally gave in. She said Daphne would have five children. And she did.”
    â€œThe bits of ribbon I understand completely. They represent the House of Ingham. Scarlet and azure are our colors.”
    Cecily simply nodded.
    Miles said, “And you believe Genevra’s claim that she can see into the future, don’t you?”
    â€œI always have. I know she’s strange, and some people say she’s crazy, but I think she’s just different. And gifted in a certain way.” Cecily shrugged. “You’re to keep the bone safe. It’s a lucky charm, according to our gypsy girl.”
    Miles put Genevra’s gift into his jacket pocket, and murmured, “When you run into her again, thank her for me. If I see her I will do that myself.”
    â€œShe means well, Miles. And I mean well, when I tell you that you must not wear this suit ever again. It wrinkles quickly. It’s too big for you. And navy blue is not your color.”
    Miles started to laugh. “So I do matter to you, Miss Swann?” He raised a brow.
    Cecily felt the warmth on her neck, and she realized she was blushing. Swiftly, she said, “Clothes are my life, and I tell everyone if a garment doesn’t work for them.”
    â€œOh, so I’m one of many, eh?”
    â€œI wouldn’t say that. I do care how you look.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause you’re my friend.”
    â€œThank you, Ceci, for being my friend. And you know I feel the same way about you.”
    â€œI do. And I think we can manage to make this weekend work, if we’re cordial with each other, as we agreed to be earlier today.”
    He smiled at her, and stood up. “I think we’d better go inside; it’s teatime, and Papa is expecting you to join us.”

 
    Twelve
    â€œYou’re getting married!” Lavinia exclaimed, her incredulity apparent as she stared at her brother.
    â€œI am, yes,” Charles answered, sitting back in his chair.
    â€œTo whom?” Lavinia asked, “And when?”
    â€œI’m marrying Charlotte, of course, and then—”
    â€œThank heavens for that!” Lady Gwendolyn instantly cut in, detecting a critical nuance in Lavinia’s voice, wishing to avert any unpleasantness. “And it’s about time, too. I, for one, am thrilled to welcome Charlotte to this family.”
    â€œSo am I, Charles,” his younger sister, Vanessa, announced, smiling at him. Looking pointedly at her aunt, she then added, “But actually, Charlotte’s been a part of this family since we were all children, growing up together.”
    â€œThere might well be gossip, you know,” Lavinia interjected, focusing on her brother. “You’re marrying out of your class, for one thing, and you’re fifty-seven, Charles. Why get married at