Enticing Temptation

Chapter 19

Markham House, London

            “His Grace said he wasn’t expecting your return until sometime next week at the earliest,” Ainsworth told them when he opened the door to see the large group of people standing there. “His Grace is presently in his study.” The Markham House butler didn’t seem the least bit surprised to see the others as they trouped into the oversized entry.

            “How is my father’s health?” Trey asked the butler.

            “The doctor has made His Grace rest more since the Countess left,” Ainsworth replied. “His Grace will be very happy to see you have return, my lord, as are well all.”

            “For now, Ainsworth, we want our return kept quiet,” Trey said.

            “Yes, my lord, as you wish, I shall inform the staff.”

            Trey pulled Qiao, who was holding a sleeping Samuel, to his side. “This is my wife and son,” Trey told him. “We will need chambers for her cousin, Lin Mee as well. Mrs. Bishop along with her children has returned with us from India. The nursery will need to be readied for all the children.”

            “Yes, my lord, I'll see to it at once,” Ainsworth replied then turned toward Qiao. “We here at Markham House are very please to welcome you, my lady.”

            “Thank you, Ainsworth,” Qiao replied with a smile.

            Ainsworth snapped his fingers and several stout footmen appeared to see to their trunks and other belongings.

            “Let me have Samuel,” Val told Qiao smiling. “I’ll see him to the nursery crib and the children settled in while you meet your new father-in-law.”

            Qiao passed the sleeping child to her friend. “Thank you,” Qiao said. “Samuel can meet his grandfather in the morning.”

            Trey took his wife’s arm and led the way to his father’s study while Cat, Myles, Lin Mee and Quintin followed along behind them. Stopping just outside the door to her grandfather’s study, Cat saw her uncle squeeze her aunt’s hand before he knocked on the study door.

                                                                *                   *                 *

            “Enter,” the Duke of Markham said thinking Ainsworth was at the door wondering what his butler needed. What he needed was his son, he thought, as the door opened.

            “Father,” Trey said smiling.

            “Trey?” The Duke rose from his seat behind his desk as his son rushed forward. “Thank God you are finally home, son.”

            Tears threatened Cat’s eyes as she watched her uncle and grandfather embrace, Myles came to put his arm around her shoulders hugging her close to him as they stood there to allow father and son their reunion time together.

            Markham held on to his only surviving son relieved he’d finally returned home. He looked past his son to see Catherine, Twynforde, Radbyrne and two young oriental women standing just inside the door.

            “I have someone I want you to meet, Father,” Trey said as the two separated. Trey went to bring one of young oriental women before him. “This is my wife, Qiao, Father. Qiao this is my father the Duke of Markham.”