Read Online Twice Upon a Time (A Danby Family Novella) by Samantha Grace - Free Book Online

worried for Julian, necessarily, but Danby was much spryer than she had imagined.
    Julian’s laughter eased her concern. When he too wrapped his arms around his grandfather and pounded his back as Danby was doing to him, Felicity looked away. She had never seen men embrace one another, and it felt a little too personal to witness.
    The men’s hug was brief, and Julian stepped aside to allow the duke to view her. His dark eyes fixed on her, his expression like stone.
    “Your Grace, I would like to present my wife, Mrs. Julian Beckford. Felicity, this is my grandfather, Duke of Danby.”
    She knew enough to curtsey in the presence of a duke and did so with her eyes downcast.
    “Milne, you may see to your next duty post haste,” Danby said.
    “Yes, Your Grace.”  
    Felicity watched the butler disappear through the doorway and wished she could follow.
    “Mrs. Beckford, please come forward.”
    She turned back toward the duke, her knees knocking together, and took a tentative step. Julian smiled reassuringly at his grandfather’s side.
    “You are the young woman who cared for my daughter in her illness?”
    “Yes.” She cleared her throat. “Yes, Your Grace.”
    The duke held his hand out to her, urging her to approach. “Alice was a sweet child who lost none of her kindness even as a grown woman. It was a shame she was taken from us before her time.”
    Felicity nodded and placed her hand in the duke’s. The threat of tears made it too difficult to speak.
    Danby lifted her hand to his lips to place a respectful kiss on her gloved knuckles. “I think you share a kindred spirit with my Alice. Tenderness flows through your veins.”
    “Thank you, Your Grace.” She lifted her gaze to his and her heart paused a moment in response to the brilliant twinkle in his eyes.  
    A smile softened his dignified face. “You are the perfect match for my grandson. There will be no more wandering from home for Julian now that he has a beautiful wife to provide him with a houseful of issue. Do you think you are expecting already?”
    “Grandfather!” Julian came to her rescue. “There are some things even a duke must not ask.”
    “I am a grandfather. I may ask anything I like.”
    Julian tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. “And as a husband, I can forbid her to answer.”
    Felicity’s spine stiffened. “Forbid me?” She vividly recalled their vows and never once did she consent to allowing her husband to forbid her from anything.
    Julian and Danby chuckled.
    “Ah, so she is a spirited one,” the duke said. “Just as you promised.”
    Julian winked at her. “As you said, she is a perfect match for me.” His compliment and loving gaze smoothed her ruffled feathers.  
    “I suppose I must summon Leander next,” the duke said. “Has he truly taken a wife?”
    “He has, Grandfather. A kind young woman with a voracious appetite for reading. She wishes to explore the Danby library.”
    The duke sighed. “Perhaps I should be content with the fact Leander is married. There will be plenty of time to badger him about an heir.”
    “He will be thrilled to hear it, Grandfather.”  
    A knock at the door interrupted their meeting.
    “Enter,” the duke called.
    Felicity turned in time to see the butler was back.
    “Your Grace, your honored guests.” He moved aside to allow two finely attired ladies to cross the threshold.
    Her eyes widened. “Mama! Meri!”
    Hurrying to hug one another, they all three spoke in excited half-sentences.
    “How did you—?”
    “His Grace sent a carriage.”
    “I didn’t expect—”
    “And there is a ball.” Meredith bounced on her toes, sending her chestnut curls into a lively spring.
    Felicity looked over her shoulder at her husband. “Did you arrange for Mother and Meri to come to Danby Castle?”
    “I did.” Julian joined their little group and put his arm around her. “You are pleased by your Christmas present, aren’t you?”
    Tears blurred her vision and no matter