Forever My Love (Historical Romance) Read Free Page B

but I'll take pleasure in taming you."
    Royal gripped the back of her chair so tightly that her knuckles whitened. "That you will never do, Simon Bradford!" Sickened by the confrontation, her eyes locked with Victor's. "You are not yet my guardian," she said haughtily. "My father's wishes shall be made known this afternoon, when Mr. Greenburg reads the will. Until that time, I hope you will all remember you are guests in this house, and behave accordingly."
    Angry red streaks ran up Victor's thick neck. "Don't take that tone with me, missy. Who else would be your guardian, if not the oldest living male Bradford?"
    Suddenly the dining room door was thrown open, and like a whiff of fresh air, Arabella Bradford swept forward. Even dressed in black satin out of respect for her brother's death, she appeared beautiful and elegant.
    "I came as quickly as I could, my dearest!" she cried, holding out her arms to her niece. When Royal flew across the room, Arabella gathered the young girl to her, while her cold glance went to Victor. "Do not worry, Royal, you will not have to marry anyone. It seems I arrived just in time. I have come to take you back to France with me."
    Royal closed her eyes and rested her head against her aunt's shoulder. Now, everything would be all right—her aunt would see to that.
    Victor came to his feet, his face red with rage. "I may have something to say about your taking Royal out of the country, Arabella."
    There was an air of superiority about Arabella, as if she were dealing with an underling. "I do not believe for one moment that my brother meant for you to take possession of this dear child. I can imagine you were hoping I would not come at all, Victor," she said, nodding in Simon's direction. "I can assure you that neither my brother nor myself would approve of a match between your son and Royal."
    "You always thought you were better than me," Victor stated, unable to hide his anger. "But you have looked down your nose at me and mine for the last time."
    Arabella slipped her arm around Royal's waist and guided her toward the door. "Where else would one look to find a snake, Victor?" she threw over her shoulder.
    Arabella did not stop until she had drawn Royal into the formal sitting room. Once there, she seated her niece on the sofa and sat down beside her. Raising Royal's head, she brushed away the girl's tears with a gloved finger. "There, there," she crooned. "You are trembling, dear. I am grievously sorry that odious man frightened you." A bright smile curved her mouth. "Don't pay any attention to Victor. I can assure you no one else does."
    Royal felt all her hurt and anger melt away when she looked into her aunt's compassionate eyes. "I am so glad you have come at last."
    "You knew I would, dear child."
    "Yes, I knew, Aunt Arabella."
    Arabella hugged her niece. "I am sorry I was not here for you when your father died, Royal. But we shall never be parted again. How would you like to go to France with me?"
    Royal's eyes brightened. "Oh, yes, Aunt Arabella, I would like that above all else!"
    ***
    The atmosphere in the library was strained. Everyone waited while Mr. Greenburg shuffled through several official-looking documents. Finally, glancing over the rim of his glasses, the attorney spoke. "I'm sorry for the delay, but we are waiting for one other party."
    Royal was seated next to her aunt, while Victor and his family were huddled on the leather sofa. At the attorney's request, Alba and Tobias were present. The two servants stood near the door, feeling out of place among the family members.
    "Who else could possibly be concerned with this afternoon's proceedings?" Victor demanded in an agitated voice. "We have no other family."
    Mr. Greenburg merely turned his professional smile on the man. "I'm merely abiding by Douglas Bradford's wishes." The attorney suddenly glanced out the library window, which gave a broad view of the front of the house. "I believe the person I have been expecting has