Free The Cavendon Women by Barbara Taylor Bradford Page B

all? Why not just continue in the same situation? I think your actions might seem inappropriate to many people, especially your friends. You know how you loathe scandal touching the family.”
    The yellow drawing room went unusually quiet.
    There wasn’t a sound. Not one person said a word. No one moved, not even slightly. The stillness was overwhelming.
    Miles glanced across at his father, and saw at once how stunned Charles looked. He was about to get up and talk about the planned events, when Dulcie beat him to it.
    His sister sprang to her feet, flew across the room, and stood behind her father’s chair, one hand on his shoulder.
    She said in a cutting voice, “With all due respect, Aunt Lavinia, I don’t believe Papa was seeking your approval. What he chooses to do is none of your business … nobody’s business, in fact. He was actually being courteous. He wished to tell us he was getting married to Charlotte, and discuss the weekend events—”
    â€œAnd I’m in charge of those!” Miles exclaimed, also jumping up, taking over from Dulcie, seizing his chance to change the direction of the conversation. He said in a strong, determined voice, “Cecily has been helping me plan things. So let me proceed. Tonight it is the usual quiet family dinner, just Inghams present. But tomorrow evening will be a different thing altogether, an engagement party, a gala, in a sense, as engagement dinners usually are. Harry, Cecily, Mrs. Alice, and Walter will be joining Papa and Charlotte, and also—”
    Cutting across Miles in the rudest manner, Lavinia addressed her brother. “I assume you haven’t invited any of your friends, Charles. And perhaps that’s for the best.”
    â€œActually, a number of them wanted to come, but Charlotte and I have kept it to a minimum. We wanted a small family wedding, with just a few close friends. But we will be giving a party when we return from our honeymoon,” he finished, his blue eyes icy. Turning away from his sister, Charles said in a softer tone to Miles, “Please continue, Miles. Sorry you were interrupted.”
    â€œThank you, Papa. On Sunday morning, Charlotte and Papa will be married in the church on the estate. After the service, Cecily and I will host a luncheon. This will be in a buffet style, like we usually favored for the cotillions in the past. Of course, all of the Swanns are invited, as well as the Inghams.”
    Dulcie said, “The four Dees are going to be bridesmaids. Well, three of us. Naturally, Daphne will be the matron of honor.” She smiled at her great-aunt, and said, “And guess what? We are all going to be wearing blue frocks.”
    â€œWhy am I not surprised?” Lady Gwendolyn answered, laughing with Dulcie. “I shall wear blue myself, and bow to family tradition … blue dresses to match our blue eyes.”
    Daphne, relieved that Miles and Dulcie had stopped Lavinia’s idiotic chatter, stood and walked across the room. She said to Charles, “I think I should tell Hanson we are now ready for tea, Papa.”
    â€œWhat a good idea,” Charles replied. He was proud of his children for taking over, and so expertly squashing Lavinia, who had been unusually rude. She had overstepped the mark, and he would put her in her place later.
    Reaching the door, Daphne jerked it open, much to the surprise of Hanson, who was standing guard outside. “Goodness me, Lady Daphne, you really made me jump.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Hanson. And you can stand down now. His lordship has broken the news to his sisters and Lady Gwendolyn.”
    â€œHow did they take it, Lady Daphne?”
    â€œI must admit, Aunt Lavinia seemed utterly taken aback, but not Aunt Vanessa, who was lovely about it. As for Lady Gwendolyn, she seemed positively elated.”
    â€œOh yes, she would be, m’lady. She admires Charlotte. Mind you, she’s always been on the side of