“And the wedding planning? If you’d cared to read the contract, every bride-to-be is supposed to be married within thirty days of signing the contract. That is not a lot of time to woo and train Ms. Dawson.”
I chewed on my bottom lip when the idea hit. “The governess will be tickled to plan a wedding. Though she’ll act exceptionally put upon. So much so, we’ll need to buy her a very expensive trinket in order to win her favor.” I smiled.
Nile finally grinned widely. “She would. Mother would have required her counsel on every last detail.”
I thought back to how close Mother had been to Ms. Bancroft. When she couldn’t be with her children, she entrusted the governess to take care of us. And she did. With her warnings, scolding, endless teachings, discipline, art and music lessons, and everything in between. Eudora Bancroft, “the governess,” was every bit the devoted substitute mother. And behind her prim and proper fa?ade, she held a huge piece of both Nile’s and my heart. She liked to pretend she didn’t have a softer side. But we had been rambunctious boys who got hurt, falling out of trees, skinning our knees, and getting bitten by bugs and animals we’d chased. It was often she who pulled us into her arms, wiped away our tears, gave us pep talks, and kissed away our fears. The governess was as important to our upbringing as our own parents had been. And while they were gone, she was still there.
“Mother absolutely would,” I noted.
“It’s settled then. When we get back home, we’ll schedule Ruby’s time. The night before the wedding, she must choose who she wishes to marry.” Nile’s tone was absolute. “No questions asked. Regardless of whom she chooses, we will respect her decision.” He cocked a brow and held out his hand.
A painful tightening sensation squeezed at my stomach, making me want to vomit at the thought of Nile being the man Ruby chose.
This was what I’d signed on for.
There was no going back.
I shook my brother’s hand, dread making my palm sweat. “Deal.”
The only thing left to do was get ready, join Ruby at the final meeting, and find a way to win her over. I had twenty-nine days to show my worth and make my claim on Ruby Dawson’s heart.
May the right brother win.
Episode 27
Madam Alana
MADAM ALANA
“Bonjour, chéri,” my husband rumbled against the side of my neck as his tan, muscular arms wrapped around my waist from behind.
I stood at the bathroom sink, putting on the final touches of my hair and makeup prior to the last official meeting with the newest candidates when I felt Christophe sneak up from behind. He loved to surprise me, and I was a woman who adored surprises of all kinds. Especially when it was my beloved husband making an appearance after a month living without him close.
Leaning back against his solid frame, I closed my eyes and soaked in his size and warmth as he held me. Tingles sparked against my lower spine as he ran his lips up the column of my neck teasingly.
I hummed and clung to his arms, letting him hold me, our bodies and energies greeting one another after such a long sojourn apart.
“Are you ready to go home, chéri?” he whispered against my skin .
“Now that you’re back from your project in Hawaii, oui, I am. This morning I have my final meeting with the current group, as you know.”
“Ah, that is why the sad face. Are you concerned for their well-being?”
I stared into Christophe’s warm hazel eyes and combed back salt and pepper hair through the mirror’s reflection, across from where we stood embracing. I couldn’t help but appreciate that he was every bit as handsome as when he’d purchased me thirty years ago. Since then, much had changed, but not my attraction to him, nor his absolute devotion to and obsession with me.
We became a love match after the auction. Which back then had been unheard of. In the business as I ran and owned it now, couples staying together was part of my own personal agenda. It wasn’t uncommon for my pairings to have very happy marriages with completely fulfilled lives after the three-year timeframe. I had a stellar rating as it pertained to my bidders being very pleased with their purchases, and vice versa for the candidates. I hadn’t had many complaints in the years since I’d taken over the same company that had once sold me.
I shrugged in reply to Christophe.
“Every time you let go of a group, you experience this let-down of emotions. Recognize it for what it is, Alana. Grieve if you must, but don’t let it worry you to the point of madness.”