CHAPTER FIFTEEN

For Daphne, the knowledge that she may have been taken from a ship with other children was nearly more than she could bear. Her world was turning upside down, and it felt as if a slow, burning spin was about to occur. Trying to remember her own parents' stories as children, she struggled to think of any tales regarding her mother and where she'd come from.

Her father had always been open about his upbringing. Given a tremendous opportunity to attend Oxford, he was proud of his hard work and the changes he was able to make for his family.

But when she asked her mother about her upbringing, her parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, she always brushed it aside, telling her it was unimportant. Something was there.

"Brix? Can we ask the team to investigate my mother's childhood and her family? I mean, her personal life before she met my father. She was never very open about it, and I feel like maybe there's something in her past we should know."

"Of course. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that they were already doing that, but I can send a message to the guys back home," he said, kissing her sweetly. "Is there something specific you're worried about?"

"Everything," she said, sounding exhausted. "I'm realizing how little I knew of my mother's family. I never met her parents. I never met anyone related to her. I knew my father's parents and his brother and sister, but none on my mother's side."

"That does feel suspicious," said Brix. "Let me get the team to take a look at all of it. What time do we have to be at the gala tonight?"

"It starts at eight, but let's plan to arrive a little later. On time is not fashionable with my mother," she frowned. "I think I'll take a long hot bath and try to relax before I have to face the beast."

"Just remember," he smiled, "you're not facing her alone this time. We'll all be there, and if Marshall is there, we'll handle that as well."

Daphne leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. She inhaled his calming fragrance, feeling his muscles flex beneath her fingertips.

"Have I told you lately how much I love and adore you?" she smiled.

"Nope. But I already knew it," he chuckled. "I don't need you to tell me, baby. You show me every single day, and that's all I need."

"No. I need to tell you. You're more than just my husband, Brix. You're my best friend, my lover, my confidante. You mean the world to me."

"I tell you what, why don't we take that hot bath together? I have a few ideas on how to relax you."

With the huge, over-sized tub filled with steamy hot water and bubbles, they soaked their worries and stressors away. At least for a few minutes. They didn't need to make love. They didn't need to have hot, crazy sex. They just needed to touch and feel one another to know that they were there for each other.

While the women fixed their hair, completed their makeup, and finished dressing, the men met in the library for a shot of whiskey and a bit of discussion.

"It all feels shitty to me," said Leif. "I think her mother has a whole lot of secrets. What bothers me is why her father hasn't dug in more. He's a smart man, but it's as if he's been completely blinded by his wife."

"I'm sure it was as simple as assuming everything was okay," said Zulu. "Think about it. We're all ridiculously busy all the time. I don't question Gabi on whether or not things are getting done, or how they're getting done. I love her, I trust her, end of story. I'm going to bet Lord Bishop felt the same way."

"I guess I understand that," said Leif, nodding at the older man. "But, man. If she was involved in the disappearance of forty-seven kids, that's pretty insane."

"You have to also remember that all these kids could have been ransomed off but weren't," said Major.

"They might have figured out that ransoming off forty-seven little kids was pretty damn risky. They would have exposed themselves a helluva lot if they decided to do that. Besides, Lady Bishop might have figured out where her cash cows were," said Tiger. "If Cassandra and Daphne were worth the most, she may have been holding out."

"It's all so twisted and scary," said Walker. "I'm trying to understand why the families didn't turn over heaven and earth to find those kids. I mean, even if you thought they went down with the ship, I would have hired every available agency, submarine, submersible, anything! I just would have wanted my kids found. Dead or alive."

"I think we're going to get some answers tonight," said Sebastian.

They turned, hearing the rustling of fabric and the tap of high heels coming down the steps. What they saw took their breath away. A group of the most beautiful women in the world, dressed in gorgeous designer gowns, their hair and makeup done to perfection, and each one wearing the wedding jewelry their husbands had bought them. Em, Maddie, and Mags were wearing the jewelry loaned to them by their mother.

"Ho-lee shit," whistled Forrest. "Now that's some serious beauty."

"Thank you, Forrest," smiled Gabi.

"All of you, babe," grinned Zulu. "You're going to knock the socks off the British aristocrats."

"Well, we can thank Heath for finding us a hairstylist and makeup artist at the last minute. We didn't realize how long it would take for all of us to get ready," she smiled. "Now, are we ready for this? Daphne?"

"I think so. I mean, I know I am. I'm just very glad that you're all with me tonight. Thank you for being here."

"Just remember, babe," said Brix. "Stay close."

Needing several limos to accommodate them all, they grouped together and followed one another to Bishop Manor. Daphne was surprised that she wasn't as nervous as she thought she'd be. With all the support around her, it was difficult not to feel protected and safe.

When they reached the long drive, it was lit up with lanterns along the way. Massive urns overflowing with flowers were on both sides of the drive. The house was lit up with its internal lighting, but also outside spotlights, hanging lights from trees and shrubs, and more lanterns. Everything was on a scale that seemed out of proportion for the purpose of the gala.

On the lawn were exhibits of sculptures, paintings, and other large items being auctioned off. As they exited the cars, each VG man secured the arm of his partner at his elbow.

"Remember, don't leave my side for a moment," said Brix.

"I know," she smiled. "Your mother gave me a knife to secure at my thigh. I really like her style. Besides, there's nowhere else I want to be, Brix. Nowhere."

Daphne felt the eyes of everyone turn toward the large group of people. Not just in number, but their overwhelming size and stature had everyone whispering. She took note of the appreciative glances from the women and the ogling eyes of the men.

As she stepped inside her childhood home, a feeling of dread and nausea swept through her. The sheer number of floral arrangements, hired servants, and trays of appetizers and champagne seemed overwhelming and unnecessary. There was no telling what her mother had spent on this event, but had she only just written a check to the charity, it would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.

"Your mother really likes to do things in a subtle manner, doesn't she?" whispered Brix.

"Subtlety was never her thing," said Daphne.

"Daphne!" said her mother from the steps. "I'm so glad you decided to come."

"I told you we would be here, Mother. All of us."

"Yes, I can see that," she said through a forced smile. She took the steps slowly and carefully, reaching the bottom and extending her hand. "Brixton, isn't it?"

"I'm sure you're well aware that my name is Brixton, Lady Bishop. After all, I'm the dreadful American that married Daphne." Her face pinched into a tight expression, and she turned to her daughter.

"Daphne, I need you to make the rounds and ensure that everyone sees that you've returned," she ordered.

"Mother, I will be mingling with my family. I have not returned. I've come home for a visit. That's it. I've come home to let you and everyone else know that I am married to this beautiful, amazing man. End of story."

"This really must stop, Daphne!" Lady Bishop said through clenched teeth. "You cannot stay married to this American!"

"I can and I will, Mother. If you say one word about him or any of these good people, I will make sure that we leave before anyone knows I was here. And if you force me, I will ensure that the aristocracy becomes aware of your pathetic secrets." Her mother stared at her as if daring her to back down. Daphne was no longer afraid.

"You know, I'm curious, Lady Bishop, why you sent your little lap dog, Marshall, to see your daughter when you knew he would be violating a restraining order," said Zulu. "We could have him arrested."

"Don't be foolish!"

"I assure you, ma'am, I am anything but foolish. Just try me," frowned Zulu. She had the common sense to swallow and take a step back.

"I was wondering, Mother. Do you have any information about your family history? I'd like to start a scrapbook for our children," smiled Daphne.

"You're pregnant?" she gasped.

"Not yet, Mother. But I will be soon. As I told you over the phone, there's nothing wrong with me or my ability to conceive." Her mother just stared at her, but Daphne could tell that she was seething on the inside.

"I've got to attend to my guests. Excuse me." She rushed off so quickly Daphne barely had a chance to catch her breath.

"Well, that was exciting. Let's see what's up for auction," grinned Hazel.

For the next hour, they moved from room to room, then out onto the grounds to inspect the items that were up for auction. When Sebastian walked toward Daphne and Brix with a frown on his face, they knew it wasn't good news.

"Daph? I think you need to see this, honey."

She nodded, following her husband's friend into the drawing room where a dozen paintings were on display. In the corner was one with a beautiful woman seated, her hands folded on her lap. In fact, she was someone very familiar.

"That's me."

"Look at the description, Daphne," said Sebastian

Mary Elizabeth St. Valary – painted six weeks before the sinking of the Costina

"Oh my God. That's my mother."