Isobel waited with poorly concealed excitement. How had both of them managed to keep such a secret for so long?
Amusement danced in her mother’s eyes. “My husband couldn’t bear to have his brother outdo him, so when he got wind of the game, he added his entry too. I think it was the beginnings of a reconciliation between them. Sadly, the issues that parted them originally were never fully overcome by the time your father died, Andrew.” Her smile reflected sadness. “Every so often my husband would inquire about the treasure hunt. I didn’t have knowledge of your lives but told him that as far as I knew it remained hidden.”
“How sad.” Isobel shook her head. “All of that stops now, do you hear me, boys?” She made certain her gaze landed on each of her cousins and her brother. “I’m tired of not having family around me, especially now.” She couldn’t help but look at her mother. “Put aside your differences, stop acting like pompous men with inflated egos, and start enjoying what we all have here. It’s beyond time.”
“Hear, hear!” The agreement came from Doctor Marsden. “Well said, Miss Storme. Jolly good show. There is no one more stubborn than a Storme, I’ve found.”
A few chuckles circled about the room.
Heat infused Isobel’s cheeks. “It’s the truth. The choice is yours—ours. There is a saying which says in part that not all storms come to disrupt our lives. Some come instead to clear our paths. It would behoove us to heed that advice.”
Finn grinned as he glanced at her. “Have you always been such a managing baggage, Cousin?”
Feeling very much like a child again, she pulled a face at him. “Do shut up, Finn.”
Andrew held up a hand, but the corners of his lips pulled upward with the beginnings of a smile. “Good advice, Cousin Isobel, and indeed we’ll do just that. Which is essentially why I invited everyone here.” He peered at William. “Perhaps you should read your letter. There’s no better way to spend a snowy evening than with a bang-up game.”
Isobel wanted to bounce about the room, so great was her enthusiasm. “Yes, do hurry. The sooner you read the clue, the sooner we can start.”