Beresford's Bride. Margaret Way

yes.”

      “You haven’t fallen in love yet?”

      “One mildly passionate affair.”

      “So what happened?”

      “He got too possessive. I don’t like that. Besides, I’m not ready to settle down for a long, long time. When I marry I want it to be forever. Like you and Cate. I’m so thrilled for you, Kerry. It must be wonderful to meet that one special person who makes up your other half.”

      “That’s the way it’s always been with us,” Kerry said, a deep contentment in his voice. “I’ve always loved Cate. Even when we were kids. She feels the same way about me. We’ve always been sure of our feelings.”

      “Lucky you.” Toni felt a lump in her throat. “And it’s going to be a great big wedding.”

      “The wedding of the year.” He smiled. “It’s not every day a Beresford marries.”

      “And a Streeton. Don’t let’s forget that,” she said briskly.

      “You’re going to make a gorgeous bridesmaid.” Kerry spoke with pride. “In fact, you’re going to put Andrea Benton’s nose out of joint.”

      “Why’s that?” Toni felt uneasy.

      “Don’t you know?”

      “Nope.”

      “She’s got her sights set on. Byrne.” Kerry put his cup down and leaned forward confidentially.

      “Really? She’s a brave woman, indeed, to set her sights so high.”

      “Mad about him,” Kerry told her, nodding owlishly.

      “I thought every woman around was mad about him.”

      “True, but then Byrne has very exacting standards.”

      “Of course. I’m not that stupid I forgot.”

      “Had quite a crush on him one time, didn’t you?” Kerry teased.

      “You speak one word about it and I’ll kill you,” Toni threatened, spoiling it with a sweet, easy smile.

      “My lips are sealed,” Kerry said in a cheery voice. “I wish you’d stay, Toni.”

      Toni hesitated, shook her head. “Impossible, kiddo. Two’s company, three’s a crowd.”

      “I need you,” he said quietly. “I love Catherine, but I need my sister, too. My own blood.”

      “Understandable.” She felt warmed. “We don’t really have anyone, do we? The Beresfords have a whole army of relatives.”

      “Which reminds me. Joel’s quite mad to see you again.”

      “Good Lord, why?” Toni was disconcerted.

      “You can’t be serious?” Kerry stared at her, trying not to laugh. Toni never did have any vanity about her looks. Neither did their mother, for that matter.

      “Indeed I am. Joel was only a kid when I left. We always got on, but there was no great rapport, like you and Cate.”

      “The thing is, you’re all grown up now. So’s he.”

      “This has nothing to do with matchmaking, has it?” she challenged him, astonished.

      Kerry thought. “Something has to keep you home,” he said finally.

      Toni looked at her brother directly, holding his eyes. “I’m not ready for marriage, Kerry. Much less to a Beresford.”

      “What’s that supposed to mean?”

      “I wouldn’t care to have to dance to Byrne’s tune,” she said, with a slight flush. “He has a lot of power and influence over his entire family.”

      “So? He’s the best guy in the world, Toni. I know he can be pretty formidable at times. Believe me, he has to be, but you couldn’t ask for a better friend and supporter.

      Toni shook her head ruefully. “You haven’t had to ask him for money, have you? I know times have been tough.”

      Kerry sighed. “Mostly he gives advice. I have Jock, Drew and the boys to help me. They’re good cattlemen, and they’ve been with us forever, but they don’t have Byrne’s experience or business expertise.”

      “So he did loan you money?”

      “He’s helped out, yes.”

      “To the tune of what?”

      “A hundred thousand or so,” Kerry said, as casually as he could. “A drop in the ocean, really. He’ll get it back. Unlike us, the Beresfords don’t rely solely on the beef chain. They’re into everything. Byrne’s positively brilliant when it comes to making money. He’s way ahead of the field.”

      “I daresay, and it’s not at all unusual. They seem to pass the talent along, but it puts us under an obligation to him, doesn’t it?”

      “Toni, you heard him yourself. We’re family.”

      “You’re family. I’m not. I’ve been given the role of outsider. I suppose, as you’re getting married, we should talk about our affairs,” she said simply.

      “You don’t want me to pay you out, do you, Toni?” Kerry looked worried. “I understand the funny position you’re in, but right now it’s out of the question.”

      “No, that’s not it at all.” Toni shook her head. “But I’m thinking the Beresfords have a way of taking over. Byrne has already touched on the subject.”

      “In what way?” The look of anxiety remained in Kerry’s eyes.

      “Maybe you’d prefer to discuss it with him yourself. He suggested it, as a matter of fact.”

      “No. You tell me.”

      Toni studied her brother’s face. “He was thinking it might be possible for you to get a loan.”

      Kerry reacted swiftly. “Not the kind of money you’re entitled to. Not unless I had—”

      “A guarantor?”

      “Aha!” Kerry looked at his strong hands.

      “Byrne would want his sister to be sole mistress of Nowra. You do see that?”

      Kerry shifted in his chair. “Cate’s never said anything.”

      “I imagine she has plans to refurbish the house,” Toni said reasonably.

      “I’m not marrying her for her money.” Kerry brushed back his thick curly hair.

      “Good Lord, you don’t have to tell me that. I’m only saying that Cate is a very confident person. She’s coming from a very secure place. She’ll want to run her own home.”

      “I do know she wants to make certain changes,” Kerry admitted.

      “That’s okay by me. It could only be for the better. I know you like familiar things around you, Kerry—you’re a lot like Dad—but the house will be lovely lightened up. I never did go along with all the Victoriana. Neither did Zoe.”

      “She couldn’t change Dad there,” Kerry said almost with satisfaction.

      “I hope you’re not thinking of putting a brake on Cate,” Toni warned.

      “She wouldn’t let me.” He looked at her and grinned. “I make no bones about it. Cate’s the boss.”

      Which was probably true, Toni thought. Cate was a strong, positive individual who liked to take charge.-It was part of her attraction for Kerry. As he turned away from his mother, he reached out for a strong female figure. One who valued hard work, loyalty, love- Cate was a mother figure in a disguised form. Even as a girl she had been a very capable person, springing instantly to Kerry’s defense