What the Fates Decree: The Caversham Chronicles-The Titans of the Revolution Read Online Free PDF Page A

Elise and her horses feel more alive.
    The boys would be away at their schools—her son Andrew at Eton, and Jonathan starting his first year at Oxford. She adored all three of her children. But admittedly, more time had been shared with Charlotte as she grew up. It was the reason they were so close. Her daughter had been educated in their home. They shared breakfast and dinner each day. Charlotte had inherited Elise’s love and way with horses, as had Penelope from Beverly, and Isabel from her father. Lia had decided long ago that she was not adept at riding horses and rode in carriages, with drivers and footmen to protect her, per her husband’s command.
    When it came to the safety of his family, her brother took no chances. So, if Lia was hoping to get her husband to agree to allow their two oldest children on such a journey, she would have to convince Ren that they would be safe. And even then, her husband would probably hire more guards just to be sure.
    For Elise, it would likely be the opposite. Michael would think that as long as Charlotte was protected by one of their footmen and properly chaperoned, it would be a wonderful idea for her to go with Beverly to Lady Fitzhugh’s event. He would see it as an opportunity for Charlotte to meet new people and have fun with her friends at the same time.
    She’d given it much consideration of late. Elise knew she was the one who had to get over the fear that someone might hurt her daughter. The fear was likely a remnant of her trauma all those years ago. It had been horrible, both she and Lia suffering at the hands of different men trying to hurt Ren by hurting them. Because of that, she knew her brother would take no chances with their safety. Elise wouldn’t even have to ask him to make sure there were enough guards. He would do it for his own peace of mind.
    She heard muted voices, then footsteps in the hallway. Michael being greeted by their butler. Her husband asked after her, and she smiled to herself. She loved him so very much. He was a wise man and much like Lia, in that he didn’t see the world as inherently evil. Whereas there were more days of late when she did. Especially since the recent attempts on the queen’s life.
    Elise gave her husband a little smile as he entered the room. His handsome face still warmed her from within. Her love for him had only grown deeper each year of their marriage. He came over to her and kissed the top of her head, a habit of his for as long as she could remember.
    “How are you my darling?” His voice sounded almost cheerful this afternoon.
    “Well, thank you.” Tilting her face up, she closed her eyes and waited for the tender kiss on her lips that came after the kiss on her head. He was a man of habit. Next, he’d pour himself a drink and ask if she’d like one. He always asked.
    Michael went to the sideboard and poured himself a half glass of whisky. “Would you care for a glass of wine?” he asked over his shoulder.
    “Yes, please,” she replied. “Tonight, I could use a glass. I might even need two before I come to a decision.”
    He handed her the wine glass and sat next to her in the matching wingback chair, his facing the unlit hearth. The weather had been warm enough lately to not require a fire until much later in the evening, if at all.
    “Tell me, my minx,” Michael said after taking a sip of his liquor, “what has you in such a cudgel? Does the milliner have a hat you fancy?”
    Elise gave Michael a worried smile, then told him about the invitation to Rathcavan and her concerns for letting Charlotte go without her.
    “I think they will be fine, as long as they each have a guard to accompany them when they are outside of the home.” He leaned back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other before taking another sip of the dark amber liquid. “I believe the girls will enjoy getting away from town for a while.”
    “I know they will enjoy and appreciate the time out of the spotlight.” She