Wren agreed at once.

    "Sure, our family needs to stay connected; we can''t let distance grow between us."

    Robert nodded, speaking with real sincerity, "Exactly, and I''d also like to sit down with Nathaniel and the others, offer a proper apology."

    "We''re all family. You''re Nathaniel''s uncle; whatever happened is behind us."

    Wren had always been a peacemaker; all he wanted was harmony and never felt his brother had crossed any lines.

    "I hope Nathaniel thinks so too."

    Robert sighed again, wearing an expression full of worry.

    Seeing that, Wren asked, "Robert, is something wrong? You look really troubled."

    Robert waved a hand. "It''s nothing much, just a few problems with thepanytely. Don''t worry, I may be getting on in years, but I can still hold the fort."

    Wren pressed, "Tell me what''s really happening. We''re family; let''s sit down together and work it out."

    Only then did Robert admit that business was poor, hinting between the lines that the trouble might somehow be connected to Nathaniel.

    Wren found that hard to believe.

    "Nathaniel would never do that. You''re his uncle. Why would he target you?"

    "I feel the same. Maybe someone under him is acting on their own," Robert said.

    "When I see him on New Year''s Day, I''ll ask."

    "Good. Just speak to him gently. I don''t want him thinking I''m picking a fight. I''m his uncle; I only want peace."

    Robert struck the patient pose of a concerned elder.

    Wren, true to form, epted every word without doubt.

    On New Year''s Day, Cecilia and Nathaniel finished getting ready, picked Jonathan up, and the three of them went over to the Rainsworth residence.

    Inside, Wren was still directing the household staff, making sure everyone stayed busy.

    Originally, one simple family table would have sufficed, but with Robert''s whole familying, he wanted everything fuller and finer.

    He sighed. "Why is everyone moving so slowly? I gave clear instructions, yet it''s taking forever."

    A housekeeper, unafraid to speak

    her mind, replied, "Mr. Rainsworth, you first said only the immediate family, now you say Mr. Robert''s

    side ising too. We''re doing what we can."

    Wren had indeed forgotten to mention the change until lunchtime was almost upon them.

    Robert''s party arrived early and tried to reassure him.

    "It''s fine, Wren. We can eat a bitter," Robert said.

    Holding Felix''s hand, Miranda added, "That''s right. We''re not in a hurry."

    She nced around. "By the way, why aren''t Nathaniel and the others here yet?"

    Felix also looked around, spotted a pile of toys off to one side, and dashed over to tear into the packaging.

    A housekeeper hurried after him. "Mr. Felix, those are gifts Mr. Rainsworth bought for Mr. Jonathan and Mr. Elliot!"

    At her words, Miranda''s voice rose sharply.

    "Felix, what do you think you''re doing? Put Jon and Eli''s toys down. You''re far too old for this."

    Felix refused to let go.

    He owned every one of those toys already, but other people''s things always seemed better.

    Wren had bought the toys to win his grandsons'' favor; Elena was right-he had never spent enough time with the boys.

    Yet, when he saw Felix clutching the packages, pride made him say, "It''s all right. If Felix likes them, let him

    have them. I''ll buy new ones for Eli and Jon next time."

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!