I have to admit,” Wesley said as they stood on the passenger loading dock. “There were times when I wondered if I would ever see the back end of this place.”
“I wondered the same,” Lola replied with a smile. “Mostly, if I'd ever see another stage again, after burning down the last one.”
“I think that theatres around the world can agree that it's not your fault,” Enola smiled at her newfound friend. The Earl and Countess were waiting to board a passenger ship to take them back to Ireland.
There, the possibilities for their lives were endless. Although they weren't entirely certain what they would do when they landed, they were confident in their renewed love for each other. As soon as Wesley was properly recovered, Lola did intend to take up the switch and run Bamber Manor. Whether or not it would be permanent was yet to be determined, but she was excited to try.
“Although, I admit, I would be a bit nervous to come see a play of yours,” Holde answered.
“Now, now,” Lola teased. “The one play you ever saw in your life was not so bad, was it?”
“It was alright,” he admitted with a shrug. “I don't intend to make a habit of it though...unless something needs blowing up.”
Lola rolled her eyes, but Wesley grinned. “I'm certain Captain Halloway could have so many uses for you,” he said. “If you ever want to join us.”
“Maybe,” Holde answered. “Maybe one day. For now, I'm content here.” He swung his arm around his wife, who leaned against him. Lola thought that they were so perfect together; so flawless. It was such fate that brought them together.
“You must already have a show lined up?” Enola asked. “It does sound like a glamorous life.”
“I do, but in Ireland,” Lola said. “So I can come home every night. I think that will be nice.” She smiled at her husband as the ship blasted its horn. “It looks like that is our final boarding call. Now remember, my love. You are not in charge of this ship.”
“I think it will be enjoyable,” Wesley smiled. “Someone else can give the orders.”
“Right,” Lola looked doubtful that he would remain laid back, but turned back to Enola to give her a hug. “Until we meet again. And you must promise to come and visit.”
“Of course,” Enola promised, as Wesley shook Holde's hand.
“It was a pleasure, sir.”
“Aye,” Holde said. “I was a bit nervous when I saw that pirate flag, but now I am inclined to trust any pirate I meet.”
Wesley chuckled. “That could work in your favor. I'm sure we will cross paths again soon.”
“Give my love to the others,” Enola said. “And write me.”
“Every day,” Lola promised as they boarded.
Enola watched until they were both out of sight, after they’d ducked below into their cabins.
“Someday,” Holde promised her. “I will take you to the land of my ancestors. But for now, let us enjoy our time in yours.”
“Are you sure?” Enola answered. “I know we've discussed this already, but...”
“Enola, I told you, there is nothing but memory there for me now. Besides, your father has already given me a task list a mile long.”
“You don't have to listen to him!” she cried. He chuckled.
“As long as I am on leave, I have no issue with helping. He is family, after all.”
The words sent shivers down her spine. They were all family now; all connected. That was what the marriage had intended, of course. However, she’d never expected to truly feel it in her heart.
“And he already asked me why it was taking so long to produce an heir,” Holde said.
Enola turned bright red, looking away. “I can't believe you just said that in public.”
“You're my wife, love,” he kissed the top of her heart. “Now, since I am on leave, the day is ours. What did you have in mind?”
“Jacob,” she said, and Holde was momentarily distracted, until she realized that she was calling out to her best friend across the market. “Jacob, what are you doing?”
Jacob looked utterly lost, standing at a booth. His face relaxed when he saw both of them.
“Mary sent me to get turquoise flowers. Do you know what color turquoise is?”
Enola laughed. “I think I have a general idea. Why did she ask for them?”
“Something about a dinner party she decided this morning that we must have. You two are invited. If you are free.”
“I think we can manage it,” Holde said with a smile. “Although I don't know what color turquoise is.”
“Men,” Enola rolled her eyes, missing Annabelle and Lola already. She pointed Jacob in the direction of a multi-colored bouquet at one of the stalls. “There, that middle one is turquoise. Honestly.”
“How am I supposed to know that?”
“Because...” Enola shook her head. She decided to curb her tongue, because she really wasn't angry. This was normal life with Jacob, and she was glad that life was beginning to be that again. There was an end to the war in sight, and it made her shoulders lighter with every step. “She should have given you a color swatch example.”
“Probably,” Jacob answered as he went to buy the flowers, still looking confused. Enola smiled.
“Do you think we could get out to see my family before dinner then?”
“We could arrange that,” he said. “Did you want to invite them to dinner too?”
“All of them would hardly fit around Jacob and Mary's dining room table,” she answered. “I'm just reveling in the fact that we can visit him and not have to keep a secret.”
“Do you think that you'll ever tell him?” Holde asked. “The circumstances of our marriage?”
“I will,” she said. “Trust is a strong part of our culture. There is nothing shameful in the fact that we married to make an alliance.”
“You don't think he'll be upset?”
“I think he'll understand that we came to love each other,” she said with a smile as Jacob returned with flowers. “No, not those ones. Beside them.”
“You said these ones!” Jacob protested.
“Those are blue,” Enola replied. “Here, come with me.”
Patrick watched her go with a smile, her energy infectious. This was to be a normal day in their lives, and he couldn't be more grateful for it. Nor could he ask for a better partner to stand at his side; no matter what was to come.
It may have been a marriage that broke his heart, but it mended it at the same time. She had come into his life at the moment he needed it most, and she had stayed despite all that came before her. If there was ever a sign from a God he wasn't sure he believed in, this was it.
EPILOGUE
I think that you're making England seem more exciting than it actually is,” Patrick said to her as Enola hung on to the side of the ship, staring at the shoreline. They would be docked in a few hours, and she would finally get to see the world Patrick had grown up in.
It was only going to be a short visit, at the invitation of their dear friends. Nevertheless, she was excited to explore the world beyond their forest.
“I'm going to die,” Jacob said beside her as Mary rubbed his back. Enola rolled her eyes as she reached to get her smelling salts. Jacob was horrible with ships, it turned out. There was little chance he would ever cross the ocean again. Enola, however, couldn't wait to do it again and again. Her eyes were alight with excitement as they drew closer.
“If you die,” she asked casually. “Does Mary have your permission to remarry someone who isn't afraid of a little choppy water?”
“Absolutely,” Jacob glanced up at his wife, who smiled softly. “If she wants.”
“If you vomit on her shoes one more time, she might,” Enola answered. “Are you alright, Patrick?”
“Aye,” Patrick replied. “Especially now that we can see the land.”
Enola exchanged a glance with Mary, who shrugged. Sometimes, it was women who had to be the strong ones.
By the time they had docked, Jacob had rec
overed enough to manage walking off the ship.
Enola had dressed down, not wanting to startle people who might never have seen a Native, let alone a princess. Patrick had told her she could wear whatever she wanted, but she wanted to be anonymous; to enjoy her visit.
Apparently, the others hadn't gotten the message. Two carriages fit for royalty waited by the docks, and Enola watched as the doors opened.
Both of the women wore coronets, their dresses magnificent as they stepped out. The villagers waiting nearby clearly knew of the grand ladies, and dipped low.
Lola only smiled as she saw Enola's face, racing to her.
“Oh my, you are quite the spectacle,” Enola said with a smile as she embraced her. “I thought we were going to slip in unnoticed.”
“Not in this city,” Lola replied. “I lived in the grand mansion for so long, and I am a bit dramatic. These Irish country folk will never forget me.”
“They might if you stopped putting on plays in the middle of town square,” Annabelle said, joining her. “I hope you are hungry, there is a grand feast prepared.”
“Oh yes,” Enola said, taking Patrick's hand. “We are ready.”
“How is married life treating you?” Lola asked as they slipped into one carriage. Jacob and Mary took the second one with Annabelle, and they both started rolling toward the hillside.
Enola glanced to Patrick. She had been bursting with her secret since they had left the colonies and she couldn't wait another moment longer.
“We're enjoying our last few days alone,” she said, and Lola squealed.
“Are you expecting a child?”
“I am,” Enola answered, and Lola reached forward to hug her again.
“Congratulations!” she cried. “That's wonderful news. Congratulations, Patrick! When are you due to deliver?”
“Around Christmastime,” Enola said, squeezing her husband's hand. “I'll write you as soon as I can.”
“Yes, you must,” Lola said. “I will send presents; your child will never know anything but bright and colorful clothing.”
Patrick smiled as he looked out the window.
“Where's your more subdued husband, Lola?”
“He's at the house,” she replied. “All the men are. Of course, Aaron can't go into town much, and since he couldn't go, the others decided to stay with him.”
“And everyone is...well?” Enola knew that Wesley's recovery had been hard, and they had made the journey back on a hope and prayer.
“He is better,” Lola said. “He's already been into the office several times, and every time he comes back with renewed strength. I think we will be able to return to the city permanently soon. We were happy to wait until after your visit, of course.”
The manor soon came into the sight, and Enola could see the lawn full of friendly faces.
Aaron and Harold were outside, playing with the children. She saw a young woman with the stunning blue Bamber eyes that she realized must be Aaron's daughter, her dark hair a reminder of the woman who must be her mother. The two younger ones, Harold's daughter and son, giggled around their cousin as they ran through the flowers.
Wesley's eyes cast up at the carriage’s approach, and he stood, looking much stronger than when he had left.
Enola had thought they would never all be together in one place again. She had hoped they would be, but they had been through so much. Her world had changed, and changed again, and she no longer looked at things the same way.
She had thought they would always have war surrounding them, written on their faces and heavy on their shoulders.
Now, under the sun, they looked younger, happier; as if she had stepped back in time.
Even Patrick seems happier, basking under the Irish sun as he greets his friends.
Enola grasped his hand as the laughter of children surrounded them.
She had never been able to imagine such a future for herself, but now, looking around, she couldn't imagine it any other way.
Home wasn't in the colonies, in the forest, with the British or the Natives. Home was where Patrick was, and wherever he went, she would follow. Home was where the heart was.
A SURPRISE
A BONUS NOVEL
THE EARL’S ESPIONAGE
THE REGENCY RENEGADES - BEAUTY AND TITLES
BOOK DESCRIPTION
An Actress or a Countess?
Lola is Countess Rippon now, but she’d rather go back to being an on-stage actress with far fewer daily responsibilities in her life. Her duties as a member of the ton keep her so busy that she feels like she cannot enjoy life like she used to, and on top of that, she’s desperately lonely for her estranged husband. The pair rarely sees each other, especially while he’s away on his pirate ship, pillaging and raiding…
A Pirate or an Earl?
Wesley is Lord Pirate, but he’d rather be at home taking care of his duties as Earl of Rippon. Instead he must sail aboard his privateer vessel, dangerously close to home but still feeling so far away…until they decide on a most dangerous mission—sneaking home for a visit during the King’s birthday celebration.
Distant Relations
In addition to the chaos that ensues when they try to sneak some time with loved ones, they suddenly find themselves in a battle for all they hold dear when a distant relation decides that he wants to steal it all. They must find a way to work together against the evil Gilles—a relative of both Aaron and Wesley—before he robs them and their progeny blind!
Can the group overcome their personal struggles and the threat to not only their title, but also the city, before it’s too late?
How can the friends remain so when everything falls apart and they are more distant than ever—or so it seems?
PROLOGUE
Lola wasn't even fully awake yet when the information had begun being thrown in her face. All she wanted was a strong cup of tea and some quiet to fully awaken.
“Countess?”
“Just...can you give it to me?” she asked the footmen, trying not to yawn in his face.
He handed over the written schedule, bowed, and left her standing in the dining room with her now cooling up of tea.
Lola sank onto the couch, trying not to resist the urge to just fall asleep and try this again in a few hours. It was exhausting enough working her career as a glamorous stage actress. One would think that performing not a mile from her home would make it easier, and perhaps it would have been if she also wasn't the Countess of Rippon. Since her husband's previous disappearance to join his best friend on a privateer ship- pirate ship for those with not so timid tongues- it fell to Lola to uphold the duties of the family title, on top of the career she chose to keep.
It was more complicated than the story of an actress who had married an Irish Earl. She sometimes wished that it had been just that, but she knew their way of life was a choice to keep their friends safe.
Once upon a time, they had both been young and in love, the last of their friends to marry. Their peer group included Wesley's navy friends and their families of various ranks, both on and off the ship. They had met through their mutual close friend, Lord Aaron Bamber, who had grown up beside the already growing famous Lola. For awhile, all seemed well, easy and happy.
Then things came crashing down. Aaron had to fake his own death, a fate believed by his ill health, in order to save their friend and his brother-in-law, Harold Harper, from the noose. Harold had murdered their captain in a bid to save the ship from the old man's nonsensical mind. Everyone involved in the situation knew it had to be done, but the military court saw it in a different way.
Married to Aaron's sister, Harold had assumed the title, and Aaron had faded into the background, changing his name, hiding his wife and child away, and sailing under a different identity. Wesley, with a dark background already, had chosen to follow Aaron, depriving the navy of two of the greatest minds it had ever known. With Aaron undercover, and Wesley keeping a low profile, the decision had been made to switch grand mano
rs. Aaron's wife and child lived in the hidden hills of Ireland, where Rippon Manor lay, and Lola took up residence in Bamber Manor. Harold alternated between the two with Annabelle, trying to take care of both his sister-in-law and the house that was now his. It wasn't an easy way to live, but Lola considered their struggle fairly easy, given the undercover life that Aaron had to endure.
In order for all of them to remain alive, the sacrifices that had to be made were astronomical. Harold inherited a title and land he knew didn't belong to them. Lola upheld the Rippon family duties, even if it meant not sleeping much most days. Shauna and Gwendolyn lived in secret, pretending to be little more than peasants taken in to a grand house, when they should have been ladies of a grand manor themselves.
Annabelle had to pretend every day that her twin brother was dead, when she was used to being attached to the hip with him.
Lola knew it was worth the price of all of them being alive; but sometimes, it seemed too much.
The footman had handed her a document outlaying her duties as Countess for the next two weeks. There were appearances to be made, sometimes three or four a day, suppers she couldn't turn down, and a fair bit of traveling to do.
Of course, she wasn't giving up her shows either, which meant after all of this, she would still be working a few hours each night.
There were many who frowned upon the fact that the Countess Rippon was an actress, direct from the stage. However, Wesley's family was long dead, and so there was nothing to actually be done about it. She mostly rolled her eyes at those who stared at her, and offered unkind words if they were spoken to her.
Still, it meant enduring it, which sometimes gnawed on her soul.
This was going to be exhausting.
She groaned, closing her eyes for a moment, and then took a deep breath. She certainly was going to need another cup of tea if this was her schedule for the next bit. There was even a palace visit in there, which made her raise an eyebrow. She had never done that before, and she had no idea how to even enter the palace.
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