Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Eight

New Family Bonds

When Talia and Roman arrived in the dining room, she saw her mother and father seated by Jamison, who sat at the head of the table. Gordon Thanturnam sat across the table from her parents. Everyone was enjoying their afternoon cocktails as the young couple approached.

"Father, I would like you to meet Talia Huntley, daughter of Gerald and Geneva Huntley," said Roman graciously.

Gordon stood up to greet Talia.

"I am so happy to meet you," said Gordon.

Talia extended her hand and looked into his eyes. She did a double take as she looked at Roman and again at his father. The likeness was uncanny.

"I am pleased to meet you, also," said Talia as she curtsied to the tall gentleman. "Roman has told me so many things about you. I look forward to also meeting your wife. Please send her my warmest regards."

"I will do that," said Gordon. "Thank you."

Rupert stepped in front of Roman and took ahold of Talia's face with both hands. He pulled down her jaw to look at her teeth as if he were examining a thoroughbred horse.

"What are you doing?" asked Roman as he shoved his brother aside.

"Just checking," said Rupert.

"Talia, this is my uncouth brother, Rupert," said Roman.

Talia laughed and shook Rupert's hand.

"This is my brother, Reggie," said Roman.

Reggie reached across for Talia's hand and kissed her fingers.

"It is my pleasure to meet you," said Reggie, noticing she wore the Thanturnam ring on a ribbon around her wrist.

"Likewise," said Talia as she giggled.

Roman ordered two whiskeys from the servant.

"All of her teeth and she drinks whiskey," said Rupert. "Some men have all the luck."

By now, everyone was laughing at Rupert's witty remarks as he teased Talia. She smiled, looked at Rupert, and shook her head in disbelief. Everything Roman had told her of his brothers was true, except for the striking resemblance of these handsome men.

Jamison stood up and asked everyone to take their seats.

"First, I would like to thank the Thanturnam men for their help today. It has been a tough day, and thank you all for your help," said Jamison.

The dinner guests applauded politely.

"I also want to extend my sincerest apologies to my uncle Gerald and his new wife, Geneva," said Jamison. "I am so relieved that you both are safe, and I promise no more harm will come to either of you. You have my pledge and my word as a gentleman."

"Here, here," said Rupert as he raised his glass. "To Jamison."

"Here, here," echoed the guests as they raised their glasses and toasted the man at the front of the table.

As the guests took their seat, the servants carried in trays with platters full of ham and sliced roast beef, roasted potatoes with glazed carrots, and baked squash. They placed small crocks of butter and pitchers of maple syrup on the table, along with baskets of freshly baked rolls. They offered cranberry sauce for the ham and roast beef gravy to the guests.