by Lori Wick
Sunny's eyes followed him, and she decided in an instant that she liked what she saw. He was tali and lean and his face was open with kindness. Sunny watched as Foster and Heather smiled at each other. Unknown to them, their action did more for her heart than anything else she had seen or heard since arriving.
The evening progressed, and beyond a comment here or there, no attempt was made to draw Sunny into the conversation. Wanting very much to be left alone, Sunny did not complain. Not long after they'd moved into the drawing room, Brandon suggested that she might want to turn in early.
Sunny's features were as composed as ever as she thanked him and bid everyone goodnight. She was pleasantly surprised over not being handed over to a servant at that point. Both Brandon and Heather escorted her upstairs to her room.
"I'm in the room next door if you need something, Sunny,** Brandontoldher as soon as they were inside.
"And I'm across the hall and two doors down," Heather added. A maid had pulled the bedcovers down and laid out a nightgown. Heather called her over and introduced her to Sunny. Her name was Sally. Thinking that she might not have understood, Heather told Sunny once again where her room was.
"It doesn't matter what time it is, just come and get me if you need something," Heather added.
*Tm sure I'll be fine," Sunny told her easily. "Thank you for everything.'*
It was dear that she wanted to be left alone. Heather wasn't sure what to do, so she took Brandon's cue and bid her sister goodnight. Shutting the door behind them, Brandon told Heather he would talktoher and Foster in the library in ten minutes' time.
* * *
Sunny turned slowly and took a long look around her dark, rather depressing bedroom. Thinking she was alone, she nearly jumped from her skin when she turned to find Sally near the door.
"Can I help you with your dress, Lady Sunny?"
Sunny was about to decline, but then remembered the row of tiny buttons down the back of her dress. She turned obediently for Sally's assistance, but just as soon as the maid had the dress unbuttoned, Sunny stepped away from her.
UI can manage now, thank you."
Sally, an experienced servant of many years, did not let her surprise show. She bid her mistress goodnight and left the room on silent feet.
Brandon, just coming out of his room, was surprised to see Sally in the hall. He knew she hadn't had enough time to settle Sunny for the night, and he almost questioned her. She curtsied to him as she passed, but Brandon stayed silent. He stood in the hall for some moments, indecision riding him. Sunny wanted to be alone, and he knew how she felt after being cooped up on ship. But with everything she'd seen and heard today, should she be left to herself?
He decided not to step in right then and moved toward the stairway. Halfway to the library, however, he changed his mind. He went ahead to tell Foster and Heather that he was going to be delayed. He honestly hoped he would find Sunny sound asleep, but either way he was not going to do another thing until he checked on her.
The windowpane was cold against Sunny's cheek, but she was glad.You almost broke down,she castigated herself and knew she deserved much worse than to shiver on the window seat. The bed looked so inviting, but she was not in command of her emotions just yet. She knew the feel of that mattress and the softness of the pillow would destroy her control.
She glanced over at the fireplace where the flames danced invitingly, making the window seat even colder. She began to shiver then, but not just with the cold. Never had she felt so frightened and
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alone. London was so huge, and she was living in a houseful of strangers. So deep in her misery, Sunny did not hear the knock or the opening of her door.
When a shadow fell across her face, she started and looked up to see Brandon standing beside her. He reached for her, but she shrank away from him like a wounded animal. If he touched her, she knew she'd be lost.
Brandon, his face in the shadows, could hardly deal with the emotions running through him at the sight of her. That he had actually considered leaving her alone was now abhorrent to him. As he studied her trembling form, she fought desperately for control.
"Stand up, Sunny," he told her suddenly, using a voice he would employ aboard ship.
Sunny did as she was told, standing straight as a line, her chin raised with effort.
Brandon glanced around him and saw Sunny's nightgown on the bed. He went to the bed, scooped it up and took it to the dressing screen. After tossing it across the top, he turned back to Sunny and leveled her with a look.
"Get behind the screen and get into your nightgown." It was a command and Sunny obeyed without hesitation.
Some minutes passed, and Brandon heard the rustle of clothing as Sunny worked. Heather came to the door, a questioning look on her face. Brandon did not speak to her but motioned her to a chair by the door, one that sat in the shadows. Heather no more than sat down when Sunny appeared, her hair down and her nightgown in place.
"Now, would you like Sally to come in and brush your hair?"
"No," she told him emphatically.
"Would you like me to brush your hair?"
Sunny shook her head. The now-tender tone in his voice made it impossible for her to answer.
Brandon sighed mentally. "Sunny," he began. "You've had a long day, and you must be feeling frightened and alone. 1st yourself have a good cry; it's what you need."
**I don't need to cry," she told him, her voice wooden.
Brandon saw no help for it. He stepped close to her and before she could guess his intentions, he reached for her forearm and pinched a small piece of skin with enough force to leave a bruise.
Sunny's mouth dropped open with surprise and pain. Tears flooded her eyes.
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"You hurt me," she accused him, sounding much like a small child. A torrent of weeping followed, and Sunny buried her face in her hands.
Brandon immediately lifted her into his arms and laid her in the bed. Heather, so wanting to be of help, could only stare as her sister curledintoa ball and sobbed harshly into her pillow. Brandon sat beside her, one arm around her, and one hand smoothing the hair from her face. He told himself he was going to stay here all night if she needed him. He didn't speak, and neither did she, but Sunny knew that if Brandon moved from her she would cling to him with all her strength.
Heather, still sitting by the door, suddenly felt Foster's presence by her side and, turning her own face into his waistcoat, let her own tears flow.
Nearly half an hour passed before the sobs abated and the last shudder ran over Sunny's frame. Brandon rose and adjusted the bedclothes around her before blowing out the lantern. Sally, not needing to be asked, came in with her knitting and settled next to the fire. Brandon and the Jamiesons made their way from the room.
It was a silent threesome that entered the library moments later. Foster had called for tea, and when everyone had refreshed themselves, Brandon began to talk. He told of his first meeting with Sunny and progressed through the story, sparing no detail. Dexter had seen Judith home, but he'd come back in time for tea and was now listening to the story with Heather and Foster.
"You can't mean," Heather stopped Brandon at one point, "that Sunny literally jumped overboard and began to swim."
Brandon didn't reply; his serious look of regret told her it was all too true. Heather looked at her husband, her eyes wide and unsure. Foster wanted to offer some words of reassurance, but found he had none.
"I can see Fve shocked you, but if you stop and think about some of the stunts that Chelsea's pulled over the years, it might help."
"Not to mention Grandmama Sunny," Dex inserted, and everyone smiled.
All the grandchildren knew the first Sunny Gallagher as a wonderful, caring grandmother, and all of them missed her even now. But whenever she had talked of her past, it was evident to all listening that she had been as independent and adventurous as any girl could be.
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Brandon finished his story a
bout the voyage, making a point of telling everyone how different Sunny had become from the first part of the voyage to the last. Both Foster and Heather looked greatly relieved when he was finished. Before Dexter left for the night, the four adults spent some time in prayer. They petitioned God for wisdom in dealing with Sunny and the chance to build a relationship with her, one that was filled with love and trust.
when sunny was still asleep at 9:00 the next morning, Heather decided to wake her. She entered the room quietly, and with Sally's help, opened the heavy drapes on all the windows.
The girls had been nearly frantic at breakfast to see her, but Heather had told them their Aunt Sunny needed her sleep. She promised they would all have lunch together. But before then, Heather had much to talk over, and do, with her sister.
Her sister. How long had she wished for a sister? It was true that she and Chelsea were very close, but Heather had always missed having a sister of her own. Of course, there were 14 years between them. As Heather settled onto the edge of the bed, she prayed that this would make no difference to Sunny.
Sunny woke up when she heard her name called and squinted against the light in the room. She blinked at the person sitting on the edge of her bed and then saw that it was Heather-Heather garbed in a beautiful dress.
"Good morning," the older woman greeted her.
"Good morning," Sunny returned, feeling like a new person after her night of sleep. "Your dress is beautiful," she commented softly as she looked at the pale green day dress.
Heather beamed. "Would you like one of your own?"
This question brought Sunny bolt upright in bed. "You have another one?"
"Not one that would fit you, but the dressmaker will be here in an hour, and we can tell her you like this fabric."
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"I'm to have a new dress?"
"Many new dresses.**
Sunny looked very pleased, but then uncertain. "Brandon told me I have money to take care of myself, but I don't know where-"
Tour wardrobe is a birthday gift from Foster and me. He told me at breakfast you were to have a complete winter wardrobe. He's coming home for lunch and will certainly want to know what you picked out, so we'd best get started."
Heather crossed to the first wardrobe and opened both doors. Sunny's eyes widened to see that all of her clothing had been hung within.
"I think this one will do for the day. The others are not quite your coloring."
Heather had pulled out the dark velvet with the satin collar and cuffs Sunny had worn on her birthday. Sally was laying out her underclothes and clucking under her breath over missing items.
"Did some things get left aboard Brandon's ship?" Heather asked her.
"I don't think so," Sunny answered as she climbed from the bed.
"Well, no matter, we'll order as much as you need. Get dressed now, and I'll send Martha in with your breakfast.*' She was at the door and paused. "After lunch, Sunny, we'll decide how we're going to redecorate this room."
Sunny was left in the middle of the room, gawking at the closed door. If Sally hadn't been on hand to prompt her, she wouldn't have been dressed before noon.
Never in her life had Sunny seen so many fabrics. The clothes she'd worn in Darhabar had been colorful, but most were sheer silks and some satin.
An hour ago, Sunny had barely finished her breakfast when she'd been hustled down the hall to Heather's room, sent behind the screen, and told to strip down to her underclothes. Minutes later a parade of women had entered. Under the direction of a petite woman with a beautiful head of gray hair, the fitting began. Sunny was introduced to Madam Angelica, london's premier dress designer. Madam Angelica, although pleasant, was all business. She directed the proceedings expertly and with a majestic air.
Heavy wools to the sheerest of linens were brought forth and considered. Still in her underclothes, Sunny was measured and then directed to sit on a stool. Bolt after bolt of fabric was placed beneath her chin. She understood most of what went on, but was confused by Madam Angelica, who came repeatedly to stand before her. She would gaze into Sunny's eyes and then say something in a language Sunny did not understand.
Sunny looked to Heather each time it happened, but her sister only smiled at her. By the time they all left, Sunny was feeling hungry and a little cold. Heather buttoned the back of her dress and just as she was finishing, Madam Angelica returned. She had forgotten something and was bustling her way out the door when she spied Sunny in the velvet dress.
Her hands rose to heaven as though supplicating someone above, and then she moved toward her.
"The color is good, but the fabric and style are much too old. She is but 14," Madam Angelica stated as if this explained everything. "Tonight," she spoke dramatically as she went out the door, "tonight she will wear her first Madam Angelica creation." She looked at Sunny again, repeated the foreign words one last time, and went out the door.
"What did she say, Heather?"
Heather's smile was very amused, which only added to Sunny's confusion.
"I won't translate word for word, but Madam Angelica is quite taken with your eyes.**
"My eyes?" Sunny asked, still uncertain. Heather smiled at her lack of artifice.
"They're quite an unusual color, and she's looking forward to dressing you."
Sunny nodded, still not sure what all the fuss was about. They were just eyes, like anyone else's. She had moved to the fire to warm her hands when she remembered she hadn't seen Brandon all morning.
"Where is Brandon?"
"He had some pressing matters to attend to this morning, but he left you this." Heather retrieved a folded note from her writing desk and handed it to Sunny.
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Dear Sunny,
I'm sorry I missed you this morning but trust you slept well. I hope to return for supper, but if Pm delayed, will you please go riding with me at 10:00 tomorrow morning?
Until then, Hawk
"He signed it Hawk. I never call him that."
"I think it's habit. What did the note say? Will he be here for supper?"
"He's not sure. He asked me to go riding with him in the morning, though."
"Oh, we'll have to come up with a riding habit for you between now and then." Heather eyed her critically. "I think I know just the person."
In keeping with the pace of the whole morning, Sunny found herself scurrying down the hall behind her sister. Questions ran through her mind, and her head moved from side to side in an attempt to see things she'd only had time to glance at, but she kept up with her sister, thinking she'd never had such a busy morning in her whole life.
"I took your advice," Heather whispered to her husband, catching him before they were joined by the rest of the family. "I've kept her so busy she hasn't had time to think. I wish you could have seen her face when Madam Angelica was here; her eyes looked like moons."
Foster smiled and kissed her. "Has she missed Brandon?"
"She asked about him, but he left a note. He asked her to go riding with him in the morning. I sent word to Margaret Arenas just an hour ago to see if Sunny could borrow one of Katie's habits."
Husband and wife, still as much in love as they were the day they were married, would have stood and talked all afternoon, but they knew their daughters and Sunny were waiting. They moved into the dining room for a delightful meal with the newest addition to their family.
That afternoon Heather included the twins when she and Sunny talked about redecorating the bedroom. The girls were full of ideas, all a bit young, but Heather easily steered the conversation back to Sunny's tastes. Before long, and with a little coaxing on Heather's part, they had some ideas.
Sunny had been hesitant at first, but the more time she spent with her family, the more she saw that they were people like everyone else. It also looked like they were going to keep her. If they were going to send her away, why would they buy her clothes and spend money on her room?
In the
late afternoon, the twins were allowed to see more of their aunt, and the three of them played a game on the nursery room floor. Diane and Louise loved this aunt because she was young and got right down on the floor to play with them.
Sunny was growing more relaxed as the day progressed, her only nagging worry being Brandon. He was still the most solid person in her world, and not having seen him for hours bothered her whenever she thought of it. She was also angry with him and decided she had a bone to pick with the man. Despite her anger, she very much wanted to see him again.
At the moment Brandon was in the same frame of mind. He had seen his mother and grandfather and was now rushing back to London so he could see Sunny. She'd been on his heart most of the day, and it had been a revelation to him how attached he'd become to her. Sunny and the girls were still on the floor when he walked into the nursery and quietly took a seat without their notice.
Sunny, in her best dress, was sprawled on the floor in a most undignified manner. Her shoes had been kicked off and were two feet away from her, and strands of hair were Ming in her face as she bent over the game. She looked like she was having a wonderful time.
Diane was the first to spot her uncle, and she jumped up from the game to greet him. Louise was fast on her heels, but Sunny, after pushing to a sitting position, stayed on the floor. Upon sighting him she broke into a huge grin, but then she reminded herself that she was annoyed with the man, and the smile disappeared.
The girls' nanny, Miss Charlotte, interrupted them just after Brandon arrived, and after the game had been put away, took the girls to wash for supper. Sunny left the nursery without speaking to Brandon and headed toward the library for a book on English history,
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one that Heather had mentioned to her. Brandon followed slowly, Sunny's shoes in his hand.
Sunny was scanning the rows of shelves in the library when she heard the door open and close behind her. She knew exactly who it was, and other than a brief pause, decided to ignore him. Brandon took all of this in stride and settled himself onto the davenport, his long legs stretched nonchalantly out before him. After a moment he spoke.