The Hawk and the Jewel (Kensington Chronicles 1)

by Lori Wick

  “Holly dreaded her debut. She was sick for days before,” Sunny reasoned.

  “But I survived,” Holly chimed in.

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  “You’re supposedtobe on my side, Holly. Tell your mother that no girl should ever have to go through all that.”

  “I thought it was a real learning experience,” Holly said innocently, and the table roared at Sunny’s howl.

  “I believe so. Chelsea told me she sent one to Bracken as well as London.”

  “He’s still in London?” Holly wanted to know.

  “I’m afraid so,” Rand answered cryptically, leaving the girls to stare at one another after he had gone.

  A month later Holly and Sunny practised for Sunny’s coming out. All the debutantes for that year were to go to the palace together. As each girl’s turn came, she was to stand alone before the queen, curtsy low, and receive a brief word of approval. Sunny was still dreading the event.

  “No, no, Sunny,” Holly told her as they worked in the upstairs salon. “You bow with your head down.”

  “But then I won’t be able to see her. What’s the point of finally being in the same room with the queen only to have to look at the floor?”

  Sunny’s look was so comical that Holly collapsed in a chair with a fit of giggles.

  “It sounds like a lot of work is getting done in here.” Rand spoke from the doorway of the gallery.

  “In a few weeks’ time I must go before the queen and make a fool of myself, and all Holly can do is laugh.”

  “And all Sunny can do is make jokes,” Holly put in.

  “Well, I think you’re^oing to do fine. Chelsea lived through it and so did Holly. I can’t see any reason for you to be upset.”

  “But Rand,” Sunny tried her last tack, “the whole point is to introduce me to suitable men for marriage. I’m not getting married, so why all the ftiss and expense?”

  “I guess because it’s tradition,” he said logically.

  “You’re also hoping I’ll change my mind.”

  “Actually,” Rand admitted, “I’m not. If you don’t care to marry, I won’t force you. On the other hand, it’s a state I highly recommend, and if you do find the man God wants you to spend your life with, I’ll be thrilled.”

  Sunny could hardly argue with that, so she and Holly continued their practice. Rand saw that he was not needed and headed toward the door. Sunny’s voice stopped him.

  “Did Brandon get my invitation?”

  Brandon stared across the candlelit table at his rather harsh-looking, dark-haired companion, and wondered when he would stop comparing all women to Dinah.

  She wasn’t on his heart constantly anymore, but then that was because he had finally taken her advice. He had faced the feet that Sunny was not his sister, and in so doing, saw that he had been keeping Sunny from his mind by dwelling on Dinah.

  After admitting this to himself, Brandon found he had several options. He could see more of Sunny, to prove one way or the other if she was in his heart the way Dinah had said, or he could put the whole business from his mind as being ridiculous. He found he could do neither.

  The thought of courting Sunny and seeing a look of revulsion cross her face over having a man who was like a brother to her acting in such a way was more than he could take. He decided to put her from his mind, but found that impossible as well. He’d moved into his London town house and immersed himself in his work. He hadn’t been to Bracken or Willows’ Encffor weeks.

  He had learned of Sunny’s salvation just days after Dinah’s departure. Thrusting his pain aside, Brandon had gone to see her, but that was before he had worked Dinah from his mind. Even though he praised God that Sunny was now a sister in Christ, at the time he could only see Dinah everywhere he looked.

  Now today, an invitation to Sunny’s coming-out ball had arrived. Brandon, who had been struggling terribly with his prayer life, found himself pleading with God for answers.

  He recognized that the first thing to be done was to face matters and stop hiding in his work. He must also get back to Bracken. Staying in London and avoiding the country, where he would certainly see Sunny, hadtocease.

  At times he was angry with Dinah. His life had seemed so well

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  ordered. Then she was gone, and he had found himself without a wife, as well as uncomfortable around a little sister he loved dearly.

  “She’s not your sister,” Brandon reminded himself quietly.

  “Who’s not your sister?** his dinner companion asked crossly. “Honestly, Brandon, I don’t think you’ve heard a word I’ve said.”

  “I apologize, Leslie. My mind was wandering.”

  “Well,” she said, still in a huff. “The Marks are over there, and I must speak to Karen. It is to be hoped that when I return, you’ll be in better spirits.”

  Brandon watched her stalk across the crowded restaurant, knowing he would cut the evening short.I’ve not been trusting Tou, Lord,he prayed, even as he nodded absently to some passing diners.But I need guidance so badly. I honestly can’t see Sunny and me as a couple. But Dinah was right, Lord, I’ve got to examine my feelings. I still hurt over her rejection, and I’ve never felt like this before. My focus has been only on my pain and not on You. Help me. Lord, to start again, and to glorify Tou in my life.

  “I actually survived it, holly,” Sunny said with glee. “I didn’t feint or trip and fell into the queen’s lap.”

  Holly laughed and hugged her for the fifth time. “Now you only have to get through the dance.”

  Sunny shrugged. “That’ll be a breeze. It’s only people we know and-” Sunny stopped at Holly’s look. “It will be a breeze, won’t it, Holly?”

  “Well, actually,” the older girl admitted, “you feel just a bit like a cow for sale on the open market.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. Every eligible male from 18 to 80 will be downstairs to look you over.”

  Sunny’s fece showed her chagrin and then new understanding. “That’s why you keep getting marriage offers from complete strangers.”

  “I’m afraid so, but I think you’ll do fine. You tender the most wonderful look when someone’s advances are improper. I call it your *empress’ look.”

  “What do I look like?” Sunny, who had been totally unaware that she’d ever done such a thing, was captivated.

  Holly tried to emulate her, and Rand and Chelsea entered to find both girls nearly hysterical.

  “Now just look at you both,” Chelsea remonstrated as she fussed with the lace on Sunny’s dress. “You’re so flushed, it looks as though you’ve been drinking.”

  The girls laughed all over at this, and Rand joined them. “You’re

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  a big help, Rand,” she scolded him, fighting her own mirth. “Now this is Sunny’s big night, and it’s almost time to go downstairs.”

  The family worked at controlling themselves, and within moments Sunny found herself alone. She took a deep breath and prayed. “O heavenly Father, this is not something I’m excited about, but so much work has been done and I want to please Chelsea and Rand. Please help me to honor You tonight with what I do and say. And please, Lord,” she added. “Please let me see a few friendly faces.”

  Sunny had prayed at some length before she suddenly realized she had lost track of time. Walking from her bedroom into the hall, she looked down the wide staircase and saw Rand anxiously looking up. Her fears were confirmed-she had kept them waiting. He smiled tenderly though, his heart swelling with love at the sight of her, and Sunny returned the smile and began her walk down to the dance.

  Christie had pulled Sunny’s hair up and piled it high atop her head. Her slim white throat was adorned with the amethyst necklace she had found in the jewel box from Darhabar; the matching earrings glistened on her lobes. Her gown was a deep purple with a tiered skirt. The neckline was rounded and frothed with cream-colored lace. The same lace hung in gentle folds from her wrists and over h
er hands. The tiers in the skirt were also lined with lace. When Chelsea had first seen it, she had commented that Madam Angelica had once again outdone herself. As with all her creations, the gown was perfect in style and color.

  Traditionally, the father of the debutante started the dancing with his daughter, but Rand, as Sunny’s oldest brother, was more than happy to fill in. He swung Sunny onto the floor in time to a waltz. Chelsea stood on the sidelines, biting her lip to keep from crying. Several minutes into the dance, Rand and Sunny were joined on the floor by other couples. Within moments they were surrounded by the crowd.

  “Well, I’d say you’re a success.”

  “I don’t know if I like all of this, Rand,” Sunny admitted in a small voice. “You’re not going to believe this, but I just realized why Holly keeps getting marriage offers.”

  “Ah, yes,” Rand spoke softly as they continued to dance. “You’ll be amazed at how many offers come from men you’ve not even met.”

  “But why?”

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  For the first time, Rand realized how their living in the country had sheltered her. “Because you’re beautiful, titled, and wealthy.”

  “Are there really so many men who would marry a woman they didn’t even know?”

  “Most would, my sweet.. .I’m afraid most would.”

  They finished the waltz in silence, and Rand ushered Sunny back to the edge of the floor. He had barely released her when she was converged upon by admirers. Sunny was gracious to the crowd of some 20 young men surrounding her, but as Holly had stated, she had a way of looking at a man that told him when he had pushed too far.

  At least six young men were vying for her immediate attention when a familiar face appeared on the fringe. Sunny looked up into Jordan’s beautiful blue eyes and gave him a special smile. Many a heart turned over with roaring jealousy when they saw that private smile, and some hearts turned to anger when Jordan extended a hand and Sunny moved toward him without being asked.

  “I asked the Lord to send me a friendly face or two,” Sunny remarked, smiling at him as they waltzed. “I believe the saying *you’re a sight for sore eyes’ would be appropriate right now.”

  Jordan laughed. “I could say the same about you, Sunny. You’ve never looked lovelier.”

  “Thank you, kind sir,” she replied primly. “I fear if this pace keeps up for the remainder of the evening, however, I’m going to greatly resemble a damp cloth.”

  “I sincerely doubt that,” Jordan told her, and could see by the face she pulled that she did not believe him. The dance with Sunny was over much too soon for Jordan, and only the knowledge that he was somewhat special in her eyes kept him from walking across the floor and cutting in on her next dance partner.

  Jordan glanced away from Sunny’s progress when someone jostled his arm. He brushed at his sleeve and in so doing, caught sight of Holly, lovely in a rose-colored silk gown, talking with a few other girls. He hadn’t danced with her all evening or told her how pretty she looked. As Jordan moved toward her, he was also faintly aware of the fact that she must miss Miles on a night like this, and told himself that the least he could do was fill in for her brother.

  “Excuse me.” Jordan’s manner was most urbane. “I wonder if I might interrupt you ladies in order to claim Miss Gallagher for a dance.”

  The others in the group dimpled at him, and his own smile was

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  charming as he swept Holly away.

  **Do you miss Miles?” Jordan asked after a moment.

  “Yes,” Holly said inadequately, knowing that he wouldn’t understand why his nearness made it so difficult to speak. To Holly he was by far and away the most captivating man at the ball. She had seen the look on his face when he had danced with Sunny in his arms, but even though she longed to be the one on the receiving end of that look, she wasn’t vexed with either of them. Sunny would keep her secret for life, and Jordan simply couldn’t see past the end of his well-shaped nose.

  “I failed to tell you when I came in earlier that you look wonderful tonight.”

  “Thank you,” Holly said shortly, wanting to pinch herself for her tongue-tied response.

  “Have you heard from Miles?” she finally managed. “Not for a month at least. Have you?”

  “Last week I think it was. He said that you had written to him about some land you wanted to purchase.”

  “The Bailey land. The deal is almost closed.” “A good buy, was it?”

  “Definitely,” Jordan replied with some pride. “I know a good thing when I see it.”

  Holly, quite angry all of a sudden, stopped on the floor so abruptly that Jordan nearly stumbled.

  “Jordan Townsend, you wouldn’t know a good thing if it bit you on the nose,” she said in soft anger.

  It was a relief to hear the music die down on that note. Holly knew she had done the unforgivable; they were both embarrassed. But at the moment she couldn’t stand near him for another second. With as much dignity as she could muster, Holly swept off the floor. Her Uncle Douglas was there to dance the next dance with her, and she was spared, at least for the moment, having to face the man she loved.

  Sunny tipped her head back to look up at Dexter, and he grinned,

  “You’ll hurt your neck that way.”

  Sunny shook her head. “How does Judith stand it?”

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  “Why, she’s madly in love with me,” Dex said with a cheeky smile on his handsome face. “And when you’re in love, what’s a little height difference, give or take a foot? Actually, you’ve no reason to complain-you’re quite tall.”

  “Compared to Judith I am, but next to you and Brandon I’m a stubby thing.”

  Dexter glanced down at her slim, graceful carriage and slowly shook his head. “You might not be up here with me, but by no stretch of the imagination would anyone label you stubby.”

  The tempo of the music increased, and Sunny was not able to make a reply. In fact she was completely out of breath when the dance ended and she found herself back next to Chelsea.

  “Well, you’re certainly having a horrid time,” Chelsea teased.

  “Oh, it’s been lovely,” Sunny returned, her eyes alight with happiness. “Thank you for all the hard work, Chelsea, and for pushing me to keep going when I wanted to quit.”

  Chelsea chuckled over the image her words evoked. Sunny had hated dance lessons and had begged with all her heart to get out of them. Rand had been insistent, however, and it had obviously paid off. Chelsea watched with a small smile as she saw Jordan claiming Sunny yet again.

  “Oh, Jordan-”

  “I hope you’ll pardon me,” a deep voice cut in before Sunny and Jordan could exchange another word or even take the floor. “I’m late, and I’ve not danced with the guest of honor. You will excuse us, Jordan?”

  “Of course, my lord,” the younger man replied and stood quietly as he watched the Duke of Briscoe swing Sunny onto the floor.

  “Hello,” she smiled up at him. Brandon beamed in return.

  “I’m sorry I’m late. How are things going? Did you see the queen?”

  “I did!” Sunny told him triumphantly, “and got a *very nice, my dear.’ I think she says that to everyone, but I was so relieved to have it over, I didn’t care.”

  “I knew you could do it.”

  “Did you? I wasn’t too awfully sure of myself I’ve missed seeing

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  you around Willows’ End, Brandon,” Sunny said, quickly changing the subject. “How have you been?” The last question was offered in such a way that Brandon knew she was speaking of Dinah.

  *Tm well, thank you,” he told her kindly. “It hasn’t been without its difficult moments, but God’s comfort is more than abundant.”

  Sunny gave him such a serene smile that Brandon felt something move within him. He was doing it again, comparing his companion with Dinah, only this time something was remarkably different. This time his companion measured up.

/>   He had realized some weeks ago that his love for Dinah had drastically waned, but she was still the godly example he held up whenever he considered getting serious again. Until tonight, when he danced with Sunny, he thought he’d never find her equal.

  “You’ve grown rather quiet,” she commented softly.

  “You’ve grown, period,” Brandon said smoothly, “into one of the most beautiful women in London,”

  “Thank you, Brandon. I’ve heard that and similar comments all evening, but coining from you, someone who has been like a brother to me, it’s somehow very special.”

  Brandon hid his disappointment at being referred to as a brother. “It’s rather hard to reconcile the little ragamuffin I took aboard my ship a few years ago with the woman you are today.”

  “Well,” Sunny spoke sincerely. “We can thank God for that.”

  Brandon smiled and refrained from arguing. The memory of that ragamuffin was very dear to him, and even though she’d had much growing up to do, Brandon had loved her at first sight, loved her as a sister. Now it was happening all over again, only this time the love was different, no less deep, but for more intimate. The new Sunny, this older, grown-up Sunny, was more captivating to him than any woman he had ever met. Even Dinah.

  As the dance ended and he was forced to turn her over to another partner, Brandon realized that the seemingly impossible had happened. The little girl had grown up, and even though just a month ago Brandon could not imagine them as husband and wife, he now found himself struggling with how delightful she had been to hold.

  The gaunt woman he had lifted into bed following her illness weeks ago was a distant memory. The Sunny in his arms tonight had been all woman, soft and lovely, and Brandon felt as though a precious jewel had been wrenched away from him as he’d watched her

  dance away with another man.

  “Has something happened, Hawk?” Rand’s voice came quietly

  for his ears alone.

  Brandon was glad for his company, but the emotions raging inside him were in such a turmoil, he didn’t know where to begin. “Something has happened,” he admitted finally, “but I’m not sure you’d understand.”

  Rand was quiet for just an instant. “IVe always known there was something very special between you and Sunny. If you’re thinking I would object to you because of your age or for any other reason, you couldn’t be more wrong. I think you’ll find I’m a most understanding man, if in fact you have fallen in love with my sister.”