She hadn’t written a note to Jacob, so she had no idea if he’d even notice she was gone. She was that inconsequential to him and the estate, but Sandy would definitely be missed. His presence was too vital, and they’d debated whether Jacob might chase after them if he ever deduced their intent.
She truly didn’t think he would, but then, what did she know about her brother?
He’d incensed Sandy to such a high degree that Sandy wouldn’t continue working for him. They would leave Ralston Place immediately. Sandy had a bit of money saved, so he could rent them a house, then begin applying for jobs. He was renowned for his expertise with animals, and he was positive he’d be offered a better position elsewhere.
She was positive too, and she refused to believe otherwise.
She heard the boys before she saw them. They tromped in the front of the building, the door slamming after them. They were like a force of nature: serious, tough, loyal, smart. In other words, they were possessed of their father’s best traits.
They were such physical beings. They pushed, shouted, and punched. Their boots were always scuffed, their elbows always scraped, and their trousers usually had a hole in the knee by the end of the day.
Life with them was exciting, loud, and exasperatingly splendid, and she couldn’t figure out how she’d endured so many quiet years with Mr. Howell. How had she survived all that festering silence?
They blustered in and marched over to where she was alone in the corner and finishing her tea.
“We have a surprise for you,” Tom said.
“I love surprises. What is it?”
Tim had his hand behind his back, and Tom nudged him. With a flourish, he whipped out a bouquet of wild flowers. “We didn’t pick any for you for the wedding. Pa was regretting that you had to marry without flowers.”
“Oh, you two . . .”
Tom added, “Pa says we’ve been bachelors for too long, that we have to get accustomed to having a lady in the house again. We can’t forget things like flowers.”
She pulled them close, one in each arm, and gave them a tight hug. It only lasted a second before they squirmed away. They didn’t like to be cuddled or have their hair ruffled, but she did it anyway.
“We decided on an important issue too,” Tom said, “and we’re hoping you’ll like it. You see, we’ve been wondering what we should call you.”
“It doesn’t seem appropriate for it to be mother,” Tim explained. “We had a mother, and we miss her very much.”
“I understand perfectly,” she said, “and I wouldn’t expect to take her place.”
“You’re not Mrs. Howell anymore, and it would sound odd for it to be Mrs. Sanders. Or even Mrs. Sandy, so we’ve agreed on Mother Margaret. Would that be all right with you?”
Tears flooded her eyes. She couldn’t help it. “Yes, Mother Margaret would be marvelous.”
At witnessing her wave of emotion, they were horrified, and Tim asked, “Have we upset you?”
“No, I’m happy.”
They cocked their heads as if she was a very strange creature, and Tom asked, “You cry when you’re happy?”
“Yes. It’s another thing you bachelors will have to learn.”
She hugged them again, and the instant they grew restless, she released them and said, “Find Sandy and check if the carriage is harnessed. Fetch me when it’s time to depart.”
They stamped out, and she listened to them go, chuckling at the ruckus they made. They were handsome and polite, so no one minded the commotion they generated. When they went by, people smiled.
The front door opened again, and she glanced up, assuming it would be Sandy, but when she realized who’d arrived, she scowled so ferociously she was amazed her face didn’t crack.
“What are you doing here?” she said to her brother. “And if you imagine you can stop me, you’re too late. I’m married.”
She held up her hand to show him the gold band on her finger. He smirked, then staggered over and plopped down on a chair. He appeared weary and spent, as if he hadn’t slept in days.
There was a basket of scones on the table, and he grabbed one and gobbled it down. “Where is Sandy? Has he abandoned you already?”
“Very funny. If you must know, he’s out in the barn, renting a carriage. His sons are with us too, so if you’re about to cause a scene, I wish you wouldn’t. I can’t have them watch their new uncle being an ass.”
He didn’t respond to her taunt, but seized her teacup, gulped the contents, then put down the cup with a hard smack. “You asked what I’m doing here, and I have absolutely no idea.”
“You . . . what?”
He looked to be at a loss for what had to be the first time ever. “After I discovered you’d eloped, I was so angry. The hideous traits I’ve inherited from Mother surged to the fore, and I left home, hell-bent on catching you, but it’s a long way to Scotland. I had many dull hours to ponder my intentions.”
“What have you determined?”
“I’d just like you to be happy, and I’ve always liked Sandy. He’s steady, reliable, and accursedly loyal. Who wouldn’t choose that type of man as a husband for his sister? If he loves you as much as he claims, why shouldn’t I let him have you? I’m too . . . too British, I guess.”
She sputtered out a laugh. “I guess you are too. We both are.”
“When he asked to wed you, I was focused on problems that don’t matter. I was contemplating bloodlines and class distinctions, and he was offering to cherish you forever. You had a rough experience with Mr. Howell, and I probably could have prevented the betrothal, but I didn’t. I’ve always regretted that I didn’t protect you.”
“I don’t blame you for it. You remember what Mother was like. It was so difficult to stand up to her when we were younger. It was easier to capitulate than to fight.”
“Yes, and you paid
