“Mother,” he said, “you know you are welcome to come with us. There is more than enough room in the house and we would be happy to have you and Lucy there.”
Caroline nodded. “You are easy company, Gertrude, and we’re not best pleased at the thought of leaving you alone here.”
“It is exceedingly kind of you both, but you need time to establish your household. I will visit, of course. I need to see your school and finalize arrangements with my solicitor.”
“You must come soon,” Caroline said, “and we’ll take you about London.”
“Oh, yes.” Pen nodded. “I know a milliner’s shop that has the most splendid dresses.”
“And in addition to the school I would also like to see the—”
“Don’t spoil the surprise, Mother,” Alex said. He took a last gulp of tea, then stood. “I’m going to check on the luggage. Come out as soon as you’re ready.”
Caroline finished her toast and again assured Mrs. Trentham of a warm welcome any time she chose to visit. “And I’ve no doubt we’ll return to Raven Hall as often as we can. I’ve come to love Yorkshire—and not only because I married your son here.”
Gertrude smiled at that and the two of them, followed by Pen, proceeded to the front doors. Caroline stepped outside, blinked at what she was seeing, then blinked again.
There was the coach ready to take them to London, but behind it were two wagons, heavily loaded and covered with thick canvas.
“What is this?” She looked from the wagons to Alex.
He was grinning—a most unusual expression on his face. “The furnishings and equipment for the dispensary. I will need them if I am to return to the practice of medicine.”
“You’re…” She looked again and felt a bubble of happiness form in her chest. It was…he had brought… The bubble expanded, rose, carrying her words with it. “Your clinic? You’ve packed up your entire clinic?”
“And am transporting it to London. If you still need a physician, I would be honored to offer my services.”
She flung her arms around him, for surely her lightness of spirit would otherwise carry her off, buoyed as she was by joy.
“Oh, Alex!” A moment later she stepped back to study his face. “Are you certain?” It had been a topic left unsaid between them. She had not wanted to press, and it seemed too demanding, the potential for reopening old wounds too great. “I did not expect—”
“No, you did not, which is most satisfying, since it was meant to be a surprise. I am choosing this freely, Caroline.” He snared her gaze. “What are we here for, after all, if not to make life easier for one another?”
EPILOGUE
London, September 1848
The gardens at their new home were nearly overflowing with people. Caroline took another sip of lemonade and shook her head.
“What is it?” Pen glanced curiously about. “Did someone come who was not invited?”
“No, it is the number of invited guests I find amusing. I had envisioned something, well, something much smaller.”
“Hmm.” The girl’s voice was matter-of-fact. “Who would you have left out? The headmistress and faculty of the school? Alex’s new assistants? Your brother and his family?”
Caroline’s gaze sought James, standing near the rose arbor with Lily, their three-month-old son cradled in his arms. The babe lay quietly, watching the proceedings with large eyes.
“You’re right, Pen. There is no one here I would wish uninvited. And how fortunate that Maggie has returned for a visit and brought her captain with her.”
“It’s very romantic, their surprise wedding in Spain.” Pen twirled her parasol, still reviewing the guests. “Of course, Mrs. Trentham and Lucy—and how grand that Alex’s brother was able to come.” She nodded to the tall, dark-haired gentleman.
Percy seemed to share the same serious nature as Alex, from the few conversations Caroline had had with him. The brothers had made their peace, and Percy’s forgiveness had erased the last shadows from Alex’s eyes. Percy, having lost a daughter, had not wanted to lose his brother forever into the bargain, despite the pain they shared over Arabelle’s death.
Caroline glanced over the crowd. “There are a few people I am frankly relieved are not here.”
Thankfully, though she was half expecting to glimpse Reggie skulking in the shrubbery, he was not able to attend. Uncle Denby had bought him a position with the East India Company and had sent him away. H’d been gone by the time she and Alex returned to London, and good riddance. A part of her hoped he contracted malaria in India, or some other vicious disease.
“I hear Viscount Keefe has taken an extended tour of the Continent,” Pen said.
For a moment the afternoon darkened and Caroline repressed a shudder. “Good riddance. I’d be happy never to hear that name again.” She had no sympathy for the man, or the weakness that had led him to such abominable behavior.
Servants moved to light the lamps scattered about the garden, and in one corner the string quartet resumed playing, the graceful strains of Haydn drifting into the evening air. Caroline let out a breath. Everything had ultimately come out right, and she could only be thankful for it.
Who would have thought being thrown from a horse would have resulted in such a happy ending? It had certainly seemed unreasonable at the time. She smiled, remembering her first view of Alex—all stormy and forbidding male in the flickering torchlight.
But they had met their match in one another.
As if her thoughts had summoned him, Alex strode onto the terrace and came directly to her side. He slipped an arm about her waist. “Are you pleased with your party?”
“Yes.” She leaned against him, and he dipped his head, pressing a gentle kiss on her neck, just behind her ear. A shiver ran through her at the caress. Ah, the rogue—he knew her sensitive spots all too well.
“I’ll just…um, go and fetch more lemonade then,” Pen said brightly. “You two seem well occupied.” A knowing glance, and the girl took herself off.
“Wasn’t her glass mostly full?” Alex asked.
“Perhaps she was overcome by a raging thirst.”
“She is not the only one.” His other hand came to rest on her hip and he pulled her lightly against him. “It’s cool inside the parlor. And…private.”
She laughed. “You are incorrigible.”
“I am also married. Why not take advantage of the fact that a brief absence on our part will not cause a scandal? One kiss Caroline, that’s all I ask.”
“Only one?” She raised her brows. “Then it’s hardly worth the bother.”
“A dozen then.” He was already leading her inside.
Two steps into the quiet parlor and they were in one another’s arms, silently affirming the vows between them, the promise of two lives twined together. And a dozen kisses, twelve thousand kisses, more kisses than the petals in the fields would not be enough to express how deeply she loved him, her thunderstorm, her husband.
Deep indigo eyes met hers. “Caroline. I love you more than night loves the day.” He kissed her then, so sweetly, so perfectly that she felt her heart would break from it.
A million years, a heartbeat later, a discreet knock sounded at the door.
“The toasts are about to begin.” James’s voice, amused. “Perhaps the happy couple—incidentally the subject of those toasts—would like to join us?”
“Ah, yes,” she called back. “We’ll be right there.” She smoothed her skirts, then turned to Alex.
He smiled and held his arm out to her and together they went, out of the shadows and into the sunshine. Forward. Into life.
Don’t miss the adventures of James Huntington and Lily Strathmore in FORTUNE’S FLOWER, Book 1 of the Passport to Romance series!
Ready for more Victorian-set romance from Anthea Lawson? Pick up the award-winning SONATA FOR A SCOUNDREL today!
OTHER WORKS
~Find all Anthea’s books at KOBO~
Discover more RITA-nominated Vi
ctorian romantic adventure from Anthea Lawson! SONATA FOR A SCOUNDREL
Life in London’s poorest quarter is hard, but gifted composer Clara Becker scrapes a living writing music under her brother’s name. When celebrated musician Darien Reynard notices her work, it seems fortune is smiling on the Becker siblings at last. But Clara must keep her distance from Darien if she hopes to protect their secret—and her heart.
Set against the glittering backdrop of 19th century celebrity in the courts of Europe, Sonata for a Scoundrel is the first in the Music of the Heart novels from award-winning author Anthea Lawson.
NOVELS
Fortune’s Flower
To Heal a Heart
Sonata for a Scoundrel
Mistress of Melody
COLLECTIONS
Kisses & Rogues
Regency Sweets
Music of the Heart boxed set
SHORTER WORKS
To Wed the Earl
A Countess for Christmas
A Duke for Midwinter
Five Wicked Kisses
Maid for Scandal
The Piano Tutor
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
~USA Today bestselling author and two-time RITA nominee~
To Heal a Heart was co-written by Anthea and Lawson, a husband and wife creative team, and was their second published book, originally released under the title All He Desires in 2009 from Kensington Publishing. They are delighted to re-release this second book in the Passport to Romance series.
Since then, Anthea has gone on to pen many more award-winning books on her own. Anthea's books have received starred reviews in Library Journal, and Booklist named her "one of new stars of historical romance." She lives with her husband Lawson and their daughter in the Pacific Northwest, where the rainy days and excellent coffee fuel her writing. In addition to writing historical romance, she plays the Irish fiddle and pens award-winning YA Urban Fantasy as Anthea Sharp.
Visit her at http://anthealawson.com plus join her mailing list for all the news about upcoming releases and reader perks! http://tinyletter.com/anthealawson
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