Desert Song (DeWinter's Song 3) (33 page)

"Do you think long-dead DeWinters are smiling today, Michael?"

She held her hand out to him, and he clasped it tightly, then he softly kissed her cheek. "I'm sure of it—the line continues."

Epilogue

The reception the duke and duchess of Ravenworth gave to introduce their daughter-in-law to London society was held at Lady Mary Rindhold's spacious mansion. Hundreds of invitations had been hand delivered, and it was reputed that Queen Victoria, herself, would be making a brief appearance to honor Lady Mallory for distinguished service to the Crown.

The members of the DeWinter family were all present, and stood near the door to receive their guests. Lady Mary was first, and Raile and Kassidy were beside her. Mallory and Michael were next, with Warrick and Arrian standing at the end of the receiving line.

Michael looked at his wife with pride. Mallory looked beautiful in a shimmering blue silk gown trimmed with flossed silk fringe.

Mallory greeted each guest with a warm smile. So far, she had met a prince, three princesses, several dukes and duchesses, and numerous marquises and earls and their ladies.

Suddenly Kassidy took her arm, bringing her to the front of the line. "Mallory, your mother and father are here. I believe we should include them with the family. Do you have any objections?"

Mallory was stunned. "No, of course not." She hadn't heard from her parents since leaving Egypt, but then she hadn't expected any contact with them.

Her father awkwardly kissed her cheek, and her mother clasped her hand. "We had to come when we received the invitation from Her Grace," Lord Tyler explained.

"Thank you for coming," Mallory said, wishing she could feel warmth toward her mother and father, and wishing she could think of anything else to say to them.

Lord Tyler and Lady Julia stood at the end of the receiving line, knowing it was their fault that they would never be included in their daughter's life. They were aware that they had been invited only because the duchess of Ravenworth wanted to present a united family to the world for Mallory's sake. They watched Mallory as she was received by the elite of London society.

Warrick spoke to Lord Tyler. "What do you think of the baby?"

Lord Tyler looked puzzled. "What baby?"

"Your grandson. I can tell you, he's the pride of this family."

Lord Tyler looked at his wife. "A grandson. Imagine, one day he'll be the duke of Ravenworth."

Mallory's eyes lit up when she saw Cousin Phoebe enter the room. She rushed forward and embraced the little woman, and after introducing her to Michael, she insisted her cousin stand between them in the receiving line.

Phoebe was overwhelmed by the honor, and she beamed when Mallory introduced her to Raile and Kassidy. "I'd like you to meet my cousin, Phoebe. Actually, she's more like my mother, since she raised me."

Lady Julia watched Phoebe Byrd laughing up at her daughter, and she felt pangs of jealousy. It should be she who stood where Phoebe did, but she had given up that right. What a mistake they had made. She looked into her husband's eyes and knew he felt the same.

When there was a gap in the line, Phoebe leaned close to Mallory. "You cannot imagine what has happened to poor Sir Gerald Dunmore."

Mallory hadn't thought of that odious man in a very long time. "Something unfortunate, I hope."

"You might well think so. Poor man had an accident. He says he had a fall from a horse, but I heard he fell out of a woman's bedroom window when her husband came home unexpectedly and caught him."

Mallory smiled. "How dreadful."

"Indeed," Phoebe said, trying to look rueful, but her eyes danced with mirth. "Pathetic creature broke his back and is laid up for an indefinite time." She leaned in even closer and lowered her voice. "But don't be concerned for him, I understand he is receiving devoted care from his wife. It is said she is his constant companion."

Mallory met her cousin's eyes. "May she make his every day as miserable as he's made others."

"She's had years of neglect and mistreatment from that man, so I'm sure she shares your sentiments." She clasped Mallory's hand. "I can see that you are happy, child."

"Yes, I am."

"It shows. I am so glad, Mallory. Later, I want to see your son."

"Cousin Phoebe, are
you
happy?"

"I keep busy."

"How would you like to come to Ravenworth Castle and look after my son? He has a nurse and a nanny, but I would feel better if you directed his care."

Phoebe's eyes misted. She knew Mallory was only being kind, but she also knew she could be useful. If the child was anything like his mother, he'd need a firm hand to guide him. And he would probably have brothers and sisters who would need the same.

"We'll talk about this later, but I won't let you say no," Mallory assured her. "At Ravenworth, you won't be treated like a poor relation. Everyone will give you the respect you deserve as the woman who raised me, and as my only true family."

"I would like that above all things, Mallory. I've missed you. I would like to care for your son the way I cared for

you."

Michael took Mallory's elbow and turned her to face the door. "Here comes another surprise for you."

Mallory smiled in delight as she saw Prince Khaldun and Princess Yasmin, who were making their way slowly down the receiving line. The prince looked handsome in his white-and-gold uniform. Yasmin was dressed in a bright yellow silk gown and headcovering, with only her eyes showing behind the veil.

"I can't believe they are here!" Mallory exclaimed.

"Try to appear surprised when they present you with Egyptian medals from the viceroy," Michael murmured.

She clasped his hand tightly. "This is the happiest day of my life, Michael."

"I promise," he told her, "if it is within my power, you will always be as happy as you are today."

Author’s Note

Dear friends, I want to make an urgent plea for you to wear your seat belts every time you get into a car. Even if you are only going to the corner grocery store, strap up— it only takes a moment of your time, and it could save your life. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, my daughter, Kimberly, and my three granddaughters were in a terrible six-car pile up. All of them were wearing their seat belts. My daughter sustained only minor injuries. Caitlyn and Courtney, the three- and four-year-olds, had only burns from the seat belts, and five-week-old Cameron didn't have a scratch on her. The police informed my daughter, that had they not been wearing seat belts, they would have all been killed. So please, buckle up—it could save your life.