Megan's mate

It would be a pleasure.

Well, come on, bring her. Lived on cruise ships half my life or more, Colleen

began.

I'll wager I've seen more of the sea than you, boy.

I wouldn't doubt it, ma'am.

Nathaniel kept one hand on Megan and offered Colleen his arm.

With a trail of broken hearts in your wake.

She gave a hoot of laughter.

Damn right.

The dining room was full of the scents of food and flowers and candle wax. The moment everyone was settled, Trenton II rose, glass in hand.

I'd like to make a toast.

His voice was as cultured as his dinner suit.

To Cordelia,

a woman of extraordinary talents and beauty.

Glasses were clinked. From his spy hole at the crack in the doorway, Dutch snorted, scowled, then stomped back to his own kitchen.

Trent.

C.C. leaned toward her husband, her voice low.

You know I love you.

He thought he knew what was coming.

Yes, I do.

And I adore your father.

Mmm-hmm...

And if he puts the moves on Aunt Coco, I'm going to have to kill him.

Right.

Trent smiled weakly and began on the first course.

At the other end of the table, sublimely ignorant of the threat, Trenton beamed at Colleen.

What do you think of The Retreat, Miss Calhoun?

I dislike hotels. Never use them.

Aunt Colleen.

Coco fluttered her hands.

The St. James hotels are world-famous

for their luxury and taste.

Can't stand them,

Colleen said complacently as she spooned up soup.

What's

this stuff?

It's lobster bisque, Aunt Colleen.

Needs salt,

she said, for the devil of it.

You, boy.

She jabbed a finger down the

table at Kevin.

Don't slouch. You want your bones to grow crooked?

No, ma'am.

Got any ambitions?

Kevin stared helplessly, and was relieved when his mother's hand closed over his.

I

could be a sailor,

he blurted out.

I steered the

Mariner.

Ha!

Pleased, she picked up her wine.

Good for you. I won't tolerate any idlers in my family. Too thin. Eat your soup, such as it is.

With a quiet moan, Coco rang for the second course.

She never changes.

Lazily content, Lilah rocked while Bianca suckled hungrily at her breast. The nursery was quiet, the lights were low. Megan had headed for it, figuring it would be the perfect escape hatch.

She's...

Megan searched for a diplomatic phrase.

Quite a lady.

She's a nosy old nuisance.

Lilah laughed lightly.

But we love her.

In the next rocker, Amanda sighed.

As soon as she hears about Fergus's book, she's going to start nagging you.

And badgering,

C.C. put in, cradling Ethan.

And hounding,

Suzanna finished up as she changed Christian's diaper.

That sounds promising.

Don't worry.

With a laugh, Suzanna slipped Christian into his sleeper.

We're right

behind you.

Notice,

Lilah added with a smile,

the direction

is behind.

About the book.

Megan flicked a finger over a dancing giraffe on a mobile.

I've

made copies of several pages I thought you'd be interested in. He made a lot of notations, about business deals, personal business, purchases. At one point he inventories jewelry Bianca's, I assume for insurance purposes.

The emeralds?

Amanda's brow rose at Megan's nod.

And to think of all the

hours we spent going through papers, trying to find proof that they existed.

There's a number of other pieces hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth in 1913

dollars.

He sold nearly everything,

C.C. murmured.

We found the documents of sale. He

got rid of anything that reminded him of Bianca.

It still hurts,

Lilah admitted.

Not the money, though God knows we could have used it. It's the loss of what was hers, what we won't be able to pass on.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

Amanda rose to lay a sleeping Delia in her crib.

We're too sentimental.

I suppose we all feel such a close connection with Bianca.

I know what you mean.

It felt odd to admit it, but Megan was compelled.

I feel it,

too. I suppose from seeing the references to her in the old book, and having her portrait right there in the lobby.

A bit embarrassed, she laughed.

Sometimes, when

you walk down the halls at night, it's almost as if you could sense her.

Of course,

Lilah said easily.

She's here.

Excuse me, ladies.

Nathaniel stepped inside, obviously comfortable in a nursery inhabited by babies and nursing mothers.

Lilah smiled slowly.

Well, hello, handsome. What brings you to the maternity wing?

Just coming to fetch my date.

When he took Megan's arm, she drew back.

We don't have a date.

A walk, remember?

I never said

It's a lovely night for it.

Suzanna lifted Christian into her arms, cooed to him.

I have to put Kevin to bed.

She was digging in her heels, but it didn't seem to be doing any good.

I've already tucked him in.

Nathaniel propelled her toward the doors.

You put Kevin to bed?

Since he'd fallen asleep in my lap, it seemed the thing to do. Oh, Suzanna, Holt said the kids are ready whenever you are.

I'm on my way.

Suzanna waited until Megan and Nate were out of earshot before she turned to her sisters.

What do you think?

Amanda smiled smugly.

I think it's working perfectly.

I have to agree.

C.C. settled Ethan comfortably in his crib.

I thought Lilah had