by Lori Wick
"Angry with me, Sunny?" His voice was soft.
Sunny turned to him immediately, her chin raised indignantly. She glared in his direction and then yanked at the fabric of her sleeve. The small bruise on her bare arm was revealed for just a moment before she adjusted the sleeve and flounced toward the door in a huff.
Brandon stayed in repose until Sunny was just past him. His arm shot out and caught her around the waist. Before Sunny could draw a breath she was deposited neatly beside him. She turned on the seat in outrage, ready to burn his ears with angry words, but stopped at the look of regret on his face.
"Fm sorry it left a mark." Brandon's voice was deep with intensity. "You have more control than some adults I know, but there is a time for crying. Last night you were nearly ill for holding in your emotions. I knew that nothing I said would have the slightest effect. I am sorry I had to pinch you, but I'm not sorry that you cried."
"I didn't want to cry," Sunny admitted.
"Can you tell me why?"
Sunny's chin rose, and she looked away from him. "Crying is a sign of weakness. I'm not a weak person."
That's trueyBrandon thought, but said, "I've seen grown men cry."
He didn't miss the look of revulsion that crossed her face, but he continued, "In fact, I've cried myself."
Sunny's head turned back to him, her eyes searching his face. She had such admiration for this man and considered him one of the strongest, most honorable men she had ever met. Where she had grown up, however, crying was considered shameful, especially for a man.
"Where were you today?" Sunny neatly changed the subject; Brandon decided to let her.
*I went to see my mother and grandfather."
Sunny was surprised. She had assumed that when he went to see
i, she would accompany him. Brandon correctly read the look ['on her face and quietly continued.
Td like to tell you about them when we go riding in the morn-ling. And then, if Heather has no other plans, my mother is expectingus for lunch the day after."
Sunny was so pleased that she didn't say anything for a moment. Her face gave none of her thoughts away. I "Is there some reason you'd rather not go?"
"Oh, no!" Sunny was horrified at the very thought. "Iwanttomeet your mother; I want to meet her very much."
Brandon smiled. She had gone from being practically expressionless to a state of near panic at not being understood. Brandon thought wryly,There's never a dull moment when you're with tbisjjM.
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sunny's first madam angelica was indeed a feast for the eyes.] Perfectly suited for a girl of 14, the pink silk creation with pi sleeves, a simple lace bodice, and full skirt was presented to Summ with a flourish. Unfortunately, Sunny was too upset over her underclothes to take much notice. She had already surprised Sally into] retreat by refusing to wear all that was required of her, and now she] stood facing her sister.'
"Why do I need this other petticoat when I have a shift?" Sunny, was standing in bloomers and a camisole, a linen shift dangling from her fingers.
"Sunny," Heather's voice was calm, but just barely. Didn't her sister realize the work involved for her to have a complete ensemble in one afternoon? Heather took a deep breath. "You can't go around half-naked beneath your clothes." This might have been an exaggeration, but Heather meant to have her way on this. "You need a petticoat that goes to the floor. It gives proper fullness to your skirt and keeps you warm and well covered."
"But Heather," Sunny too was running out of patience, "I'm nearly suffocating in what I have to wear now." These words had barely escaped Sunny's mouth when there was a knock on the door. Heather went and found Brandon in the hall. She told him with the move of her eyes that it was not going well.
Heather would have been surprised to find that Brandon was pleased with such news. That Sunny was not walking around like a perfect statue,
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i had been just 24 hours previously, was good news indeed. Heather
. Sunny her robe and allowed Brandon entrance. *Tfou never said my underclothes were wrong." Sunny wasted no in accusing him. "Heather wants me to wear this," Sunny held the shift, "plus that thing." She pointed in disdain to the bed
Heather had placed the voluminous petticoat. Brandon made himself comfortable by the fire and spoke calmly. >u need to bow to Heather's judgment on this. Not being mar-Fm not familiar with everything you need to wear. Heather Idn't ask you to put those things on unless it was necessary." This was clearly not what Sunny wanted to hear. She looked
:n the two adults and then spoke to Brandon. "What if I refuse?"
Brandon silently applauded Heather when she answered for him. *m hoping that you won't, but if you do, you'll not come down-fbr supper. I'll not allow you to be out of your bedroom unless )u're properly dressed."
This was all stated very calmly, but Heather was trembling in-ie. Sunny looked back to Brandon, but he didn't so much as blink.
Sunny, clearly angry with both of them, retrieved the petticoat I' and disappeared behind the screen.
"It's all very well and good for you to tell me / have to dress this way, when you can sit there in simple pants and coat."
Brandon didn't acknowledge the caustic remark that came from behind the screen, but he did give Heather an encouraging smile. He would have to meet with her again and tell her that this was yet another good sign. An angry,talkingSunny was infinitely better than a quiet one. With a quiet Sunny, you never knew where you stood or what damage she was doing to her own emotional state by bottling everything inside.
Brandon let himself out of the room before Sunny emerged from behind the screen. He was hi the drawing room with Foster when the women appeared. Sally had gone to work on Sunny's hair the moment she was dressed. The simple style, pulled back at the sides and left long down her back, along with the lovely gown she wore, made Sunny look as she should-like a young lady on the threshold of womanhood.
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Brandon rose when Heather and Sunny entered and went directly to Sunny. He lifted her hand within his own, bent low, and kissed it ever so softly. Still holding her hand, he lifted his eyes to hers.
"You look enchanting this evening.**
Sunny couldn't help but smile. Brandon's eyes were brimming with merriment, and after grinning at him Sunny almost giggled.
"You're not angry with me?" she asked suddenly.
"No, Fm not. But as you can see, Heather's word is law around here, and you had better get used to it."
Looking very resigned, Sunny nodded reluctantly. Brandon's heart turned over, but he said nothing. The sooner she became accustomed to obeying Heather and dressing like an English girl, the better for all concerned.
"Do you really like the dress?" Sunny's question cut into his thoughts as she looked down and inspected herself for the tenth time.
"Very much.**
Sunny smiled again, looking very pleased. "Foster and Heather are buying me new dresses for my birthday.** As had become Sunny*s habit when she was lost for words, she lifted her grandmother's ring on its chain and fingered it for a moment. Brandon smiled at the act.
Just moments later supper was announced. Feeling tired but peaceful, and sitting at the end of the table opposite her husband, Heather felt a bit awed over the feet that Sunny had only been with them for one day. It had not been the easiest of days, but she praised God for all that was accomplished and for His will in the days to come.
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raise before she bid him goodnight. He bent close and spoke into her now-composed features.
"Do I need to pinch you again?**
Sunny's shoulders slumped, and she shook her head. There was no fooling this man. Brandon bid his host and hostess goodnight before slipping his arm around Sunny's shoulders.
"Walk me to the door," he bade her.
Sunny did walk with him to the front door and found she felt better. Brandon ki
ssed her cheek before he left and reminded her that he would be there promptly at 10:00. Sunny had almost forgotten about their ride in the park. She went to bed nearly singing with anticipation.
"But I thought you'd be here,** Sunny told Brandon as he made his goodbyes that evening.
"I'll be back in the morning for our ride, but I have a town house here in London, and that's where I'll be tonight. If you need something, Foster and Heather are right here, and if you must see me, Heather can send word.**
The words did not completely comfort Sunny. She knew that Brandon was not going to be around forever, but she had somehow envisioned his presence for some time to come. She reminded herself then that he wasn't going away for good, and that she was acting like an infant. Brandon watched her shoulders straighten and her chin
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brandon and sunny had been on their ride for only ten minutes, when Sunny blurted out what was on her mind.
"Is this animal ill?"
Brandon kept his face averted until he stopped laughing and was able to control his features. He knew when the groom helped her into the saddle that she'd been disappointed. She watched Nick, his own high-spirited gelding, with envy as they rode from the Jamie-sons' toward the park.
Sunny had told him that she was used to horses, but Brandon had not been willing to take a risk without first seeing how she handled one. As they now rode side by side, he could see that he had underestimated her. She commanded her mount with a skill far beyond her years. His own sister, Chelsea, preferred a spirited mount and had the skill to handle one. On the other hand, Chelsea's daughter Holly was afraid of horses, and she was a year older than Sunny.
"Brandon," Sunny was not going to let the matter drop. "Why was I given a horse that's still asleep?"
"Because your telling me you had spent time around horses did not tell me you really knew how to ride."
Sunny scowled at him, but anything she might have said was cut short by the approach of another rider. The other rider, whose mount was lathered with exertion, was Lord Lindley, Duke of Colton. He'd been a friend of Brandon's father for years before his death.
"Good morning, Hawk," the older man greeted him.
u '
"Good morning, sir," Brandon returned. "Lord Lindley, I'd like you to meet Lady Sunny Gallagher. Sunny, this is Lord Lindley; he's 'teen a friend of the family for years."
Brandon watched the older man's eyes light with admiration and amusement when Sunny nodded to him like a queen on the throne and then spoke as though addressing a lowly subject.
"You've ridden this animal hard. It is to be hoped that you had a good reason."
It was obvious that Sunny did not expect an answer since she heeled her mount forward, leaving the duke nearly laughing and Brandon ready to wring her slim neck.
Brandon opened his mouth to apologize, but the duke stopped him.
"It's all right, Hawk. You forget I knew her grandmother. She is just as I'd expected her to be-beautiful and nobody's fool."
Brandon relaxed visibly. "Thank you, sir. You're very understanding."
"Not at all. She amuses me, and at my age," the older man went on good-naturedly, "I find little that does."
The duke, having had his say, moved on, and Brandon heeled his horse to Sunny's side. He was ready to launch into an hour's lecture on manners, but Sunny stopped him with the first question out of her mouth.
"Brandon, why did you introduce me as Lady Sunny Gallagher? And why do Sally and Martha call me 'Lady Sunny' or 'my lady'?"
Brandon reined Nick to an abrupt halt. Sunny had never questioned her title, so Brandon had assumed she understood. It was a cold morning but not raining, and Brandon made an instantaneous decision to explain things right then. He swung off Nick's back and approached Sunny's horse.
"I realize we haven't gone far, but I'd like to walk while I answer your question."
Sunny looked a bit surprised but didn't resist when Brandon reached for her waist. After walking a short distance, they turned off onto a side trail and Brandon began.
"How much do you know about our royalty, Sunny?"
"I've been taught all about England. You have a queen now, Queen Victoria, and she's married to Albert, who is the Duke of Saxony."
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"That's right, but below our royal ranks, England has other titles. Dukes, marquesses, earls, barons-have you heard of those?"
Sunny looked incredibly pleased. That very morning she had been reading in an English history book and had seen titles of this type everywhere. Duke was the highest title; in feet, there were less than 40 dukes in all of England, and Sunny could see that this rank was of considerable importance. After duke came marquess, then earl, viscount, and baron. She explained what she had read to Brandon, who looked relieved over her understanding.
"But Brandon," she went on before he could, "I still don't know what that has to do with me."
"Your father was the Marquess of Woodbum,** he explained, "and your mother, as his wife, was the Marchioness. Thus, as his daughter, you are Lady Sunny."
Sunny's eyes widened at this, but Brandon kept talking.
"The oldest male in the family inherits the title, so your brother Randolph is now the marquess. His son will have the title someday, but for the time being, Miles is an earl."
Sunny's eyes continued to grow, and Brandon found himself uncomfortable. He didn't want to sound like a braggart when he came to his own position, but he wanted to dear all of this up immediately.
"Your brother Douglas is also an earl and so is Foster. An earl's wife is a countess, so your sister is the Countess of Penbrook.
"I am a marquess, but as oldest male, when my grandfather dies, I will assume his title of duke.**
Sunny suddenly looked shocked, and Brandon was more uncomfortable than ever. "Lord Undley," she whispered. "The man you introduced to me. Is he a duke?"
"Yes," Brandon answered with great relief, seeing he had been too full of himself to think that she was going to be the least bit impressed with his title.
"I told him he had been too hard on his horse. That was rude, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was." Brandon's voice was gentle, but he was also tempted to laugh-"His horse was quite blown, but itishis animal and none of our business. I've also known nun for years, and he's a very decent chap."
"Did I embarrass you?"
Brandon shook his head. "He was most understanding, but next time you might not get off so easily. You're going to need to learn to keep your opinions to yourself, especially where your elders are concerned.
"You're in an unusual position, Sunny, because your age and generation don't really go together. At times you're going to find yourself surrounded by your brothers and sisters, but feeling like their child instead of their sibling. For the time being, just keep quiet unless you're spoken to, and you'll get along fine."
Sunny was still taking all of this in as they finished their ride and headed back to the house. Lunch was being served and as was the pattern, the twins joined them. The meal was just ending when a messenger arrived looking for Brandon.
The news was not good. Brandon's grandfather had taken a turn for the worse, and Brandon's presence was requested immediately. He left with just the briefest of thanks, and Sunny was left feeling nearly bereft. She was back in her room, feeling very much at loose ends, when she finally realized what Brandon had said about his own title. His grandfather was a duke and he would inherit the title. Brandon would be a duke someday!
Then Sunny thought about the feet that someone you love must die in order for that to happen. It was the same in Darhabar. Ahmad Khan would need to die before his oldest son could take the throne. The thought gave Sunny mixed emotions. A feeling of despondency stole upon her and lingered for most of the afternoon.
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brandon watched the motionless face of his grandfather and thought of the precious years he had known him. He let his mind retrace the years to his first remembrance of t
his man. Brandon had been four at the time, lively and precocious, a trial to nurse and nanny alike. He'd just escaped his nanny, making a clean getaway from the nursery only to charge into the hall and run directly into the long, darkly clad legs of the man now lying in the bed.
Brandon remembered looking up into his face, expecting to see anger and seeing only unspeakable delight. Brandon's face mirrored the joy when he was then scooped up into his grandfather's great arms and carried into the library.
An hour of pure bliss followed as Brandon was able to ask all the questions he wanted and touch everything within his reach. But the memories he savored most from that hour so many years ago were his grandfather's eyes and the love he had seen there.
Those eyes still held love when they looked at Brandon, but now Brandon couldn't see them. Three days had passed since Brandon had been summoned to Bracken, his grandfather's home-three days of not seeing the love in his grandfather's eyes. The sudden thought of never seeing those loving eyes again was so painful that Brandon felt tears fill his own. Brandon prayed as the pain squeezed around his heart.
Tour timing is perfect, Lord, and if You're taking him today; You'll give me strength. Ithank You for the years we've had and that he
knows Tou. Give each of us the comfort we need to face the days and hours ahead.
Brandon finished his prayer by petitioning God on his mother's behalf. His mother, Lady Andrea, was in a chair by the window. She was closer to the duke than anyone else on earth, and losing him was going to affect her deeply. As she stared out the second story window at the winterscape below, her eyes were dry but sober at the thought of losing this man who had been more like a father to her than a father-in-law.
With his chin resting on his steepled fingers, Brandon let his gaze roam the room. It was a beautiful suite, not depressing like so many masculine rooms, but manly nonetheless with its heavy, carved furniture and deep green decor. Brandon's eyes had just taken in the white marble fireplace when something made him look back at his grandfather. The old man was staring at him, his eyes tired but filled with the unwavering love that Brandon had missed so desperately. When Brandon could speak, he did so softly.