The Spinster
Page 10
“There is no curse!” Colin insisted before she could finish. “What happens happens. Unless you pull the trigger or slip poison into someone’s drink, you do not have the power to end another’s life, do you hear me? Owen and…Brendan did not die because they were betrothed to you, but because…they took a wrong step, as tragic as it was. What happened was neither their fault nor yours. And I need you to believe that right now!”
Jo felt her jaw begin to quiver as though that part of her that still wanted to live life to the fullest was fighting its way to the surface. “I want to,” she whispered, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw his answering smile. Joy stood in his eyes, bright and clear and for all to see, and Jo wondered if all this overwhelmed her so because joy had been all but absent these past few years. Was she truly to continue like this? Or did she dare reach for something more?
“I can see that you want to,” Colin teased, his hands tensing on hers as he waited.
“Of course, I want to,” Jo snapped. “That was never the question. It’s only−”
“No!” Colin cut her off. “If you love me, then say yes, and to hell with everything else.”
Laughing, Jo felt tears run down her cheeks for the thousandth time in the past few days, and yet, these tears felt different. Her heart thudded with excitement, and her whole body hummed with expectation. Oh, how she wanted this!
“Yes.”
Colin’s eyes went wide. “Yes?”
Grinning, Jo nodded. “Yes.”
In the next moment, he pulled her into his arms and swung her in a wide circle that had Grandmamma Clarice jumping back lest she be knocked to the floor. Still, a deep smile stood on her face, and Johanna knew how truly happy her grandmother was for her. Deep down, Jo had no doubt who she had to thank for this. Somehow or other, Grandmamma Clarice had brought them all here together, forcing Jo to face her fear and dare to be happy again.
“Then let’s get started.”
Frowning at her betrothed, Jo teased, “Why the rush? Are you afraid I’ll change my mind?”
Colin’s brows quirked upward. “Can you blame me?”
A moment later, they all stood in their assigned places, their eyes aglow and smiles lingering on all their faces. Pastor Banning began his usual litany, and although Jo could not believe that this was indeed her wedding day, all her attention was focused on the man beside her.
With their eyes locked, they breathed as one, their hearts falling into a matching rhythm and their hands holding on to the other, a promise to share life’s trials from here on out.
For one dark moment, Jo wondered if perhaps something might happen after all to prevent their wedding from taking place, and in truth, she would not have been surprised if the earth had opened up to swallow Colin whole. But nothing happened. The world did not end. The house did not collapse on top of them. And neither did Colin trip and break his neck.
He still stood smiling before her when the words that bound them together flew from Pastor Banning’s mouth. In a moment, it was done. They were husband and wife, and Colin pulled her into his arms for a thorough kiss.
Well wishes flew from her family’s lips, and Jo turned to hug her grandmother. “Thank you, Grandmamma. Thank you so much.”
Grinning, the old woman sighed, a sly smile on her lips, nonetheless. “I only did what I thought right. No more, no less.”
“You knew better,” Johanna whispered. “I should have known that.”
Grandmamma Clarice shrugged, brushing a gentle hand over Jo’s cheek. “Well, I won’t say I haven’t been saying that all alone. But don’t worry, my dear, it’s the curse of youth. The very young do not always see what is right in front of them. You’ll see when you’re an old woman yourself.” She grinned at Colin as he came to stand beside Johanna, his left hand settling on the small of her back. “At least, now, you’ll grow old together.”
Looking at her husband, Jo drew in a deep breath. “Do you promise?”
“I promise,” he whispered and pulled her into his arms, safe and loved.
For a long time to come.
Epilogue
A few weeks later
A warm breeze drifted in through the large double doors of Holten Park as guests moved between the terrace and the drawing room. A large table laden with food and drink sat in one corner, offering refreshments, while a small orchestra played in the other, its music drifting out into the gardens where children ran wild.
Just as Jo and Colin once had.
After their rather impromptu wedding, Johanna’s mother had insisted on a large party to celebrate her daughter’s marriage. “It’s about time happiness returned to this family,” she had said in her usual, somewhat cold manner. “I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate.” And yet, Jo did not fail to notice the small smile that played on her mother’s lips whenever her gaze would linger on her daughter and new son-in-law.
Even Colin’s father was in attendance.
To everyone’s surprise, the news of his son’s marriage had shaken him from his stupor. Locked in his grief, he had wasted years mourning the loss of his wife and forgotten the son he still had. However, once he had seen Colin with Johanna, something had changed. Perhaps he had felt reminded of himself, of how he had married the woman had loved. And it had helped him break free of the dark that had settled on his mind, finally allowing in the sun’s warm rays.
“You look so very happy,” Adelaide said when she walked up to stand by Jo’s side, overlooking the gardens. “I’ve longed to see you thus.”
Smiling, Jo turned to her friend. “I am. I never thought I would be, but I truly am. I cannot believe that I almost turned my back on this.” Sighing, she shook her head. “It’s a dream come true.”
“I know how you feel,” Addy beamed, her brilliantly blue eyes drifting to her own husband.
Jo nodded as her gaze swept over her friends from school. They had all come to share this wonderful day with her, bringing their husbands and children, to ensure that they would never lose touch and always share in each other’s lives.
“Who are they?” Addy asked, nodding toward Lord and Lady Sawford as they made their way down the small slope and into the garden where Colin stood speaking to Caroline’s husband.
Jo inhaled a steadying breath. “Those are Owen’s parents,” she whispered, remembering what her grandmother had told her. She had been torn about whether or not to invite them, not wanting anything to dampen the joy of that day. Still, it had felt wrong not to, and so Jo had sent them an invitation, expecting them to decline once they read the groom’s name.
And yet, here they were.
Jo could only hope that they would not attack Colin for the part they believed he had played in Owen’s death.
“You look tense,” Addy commented, her brows slightly knitted. “Is something wrong?”
“I hope not,” Jo whispered as she watched her husband turn to address Lord and Lady Sawford. Colin’s face was tense, and even from a distance, Jo could see the sorrow that stood in his green eyes. Could it truly be that Owen’s parents did not realise how much the loss of their son had been haunting Colin?
However, to Jo’s utter surprise and relief, it was not a confrontation that she witnessed.
Not unlike the night she had spoken to Jo at her engagement celebration to Brendan, Lady Sawford approached Colin with a gentle smile on her face as well as regret shining in her eyes. She spoke quietly, and judging from the look on Colin’s face, her words were neither attack nor insult, but rather an apology.
Moments passed, and then Lady Sawford embraced him as she had so many times before when he had been young. Drawing in a fortifying breath, Colin hugged her back, closing his eyes as he once more leaned into the woman who had raised him after his own mother had passed away.
Tears came to Jo’s eyes, and the moment Colin once again opened his own, their gazes met, and she knew how much the loss of his foster parents had pained him.
But no more.
Certainly, the past was not unimportant, not to be ignored or forgotten, but it was still only the past. No more and no less.
And the future shone bright and friendly, beckoning them onward.
THE END
This novella is the prequel to the Forbidden Love Novella Series. If you enjoyed it, read on about how Robert Dashwood aka "Notorious Norwood" returns to England to attend his brother's wedding…only to fall head over heels for his brother's bride.
Discover how twin brothers Robert and Charles find true love when they least expect it in The Wrong Brother and A Brilliant Rose.
Beyond those two, many more love stories await.
Check out the other books in the series
by
Elizabeth Johns
Laura Beers
Rebecca Connolly
Overview
A Forbidden Love Novella Series
Click here to check them out!
Also By Bree
Historical Romance:
Love's Second Chance Series: FREE on Kindle Unlimited
#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife
(Rosabel & Graham)
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife
(Anna & Edmond)
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife
(Ellie & Frederick)
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife
(Henrietta & Connor)
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife
(Charlotte & Sebastian)
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife
(Beth & Tristan)
#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron's Vexing Wife
(Madeline & Derek)
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed The Soldier’s Daring Widow
(Meagan & Edward)
#9 Condemned & Admired - The Earl’s Cunning Wife
(Violet & Oliver)
#10 Trapped & Liberated - The Privateer’s Bold Beloved
(Alexandra & Antoine)
#11 Oppressed & Empowered - The Viscount’s Capable Wife
(Evelyn & Richard)
#12 Destroyed & Restored - The Baron’s Courageous Wife
(Adelaide & Matthew)
#13 Tamed & Unleashed - The Highlander’s Vivacious Wife
(Claudia & Garrett) coming June 04, 2019
Love’s Second Chance Series Box Set One: Novels 1-4
Love’s Second Chance Series Box Set Two: Novels 5-8
Ladies of Miss Bell’s Finishing School Series
#4 The Spinster (Prequel to the Forbidden Love Novella Series)
A Forbidden Love Novella Series: FREE on Kindle Unlimited
#1 The Wrong Brother
#2 A Brilliant Rose
#3 The Forgotten Wife
#4 An Unwelcome Proposal
#5 Rules to Be Broken
#6 Hearts to Be Mended
#7 Winning her Hand
#8 Conquering her Heart
A Forbidden Love Novella Series Box Set One: Novellas 1 - 4
A Forbidden Love Novella Series Box Set Two: Novellas 5 - 8
A Forbidden Love Novella Series-Complete Series: Novellas 1 - 8
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#1 Fireflies
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Overview
Love’s Second Chance Series
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Read a Sneak-Peek of
The Wrong Brother
(#1 A Forbidden Love Novella Series)
Two brothers. One lady. And a heart torn in two.
ISABELLA CARRINGTON has always favoured her mind over her heart.
Meeting Charles Dashwood, she quickly decides that he is the one for her. After all, he has all the qualities she appreciates in a man; he is kind, honest, and most of all dependable.
However, in the very moment, Isabella whispers her 'I do', her eyes catch the glimpse of another man. A man whose eyes look unnervingly familiar, and yet, stir a longing within her heart and soul she has never known.
Just as she gives her hand to Charles Dashwood, her heart is stolen by none other than her husband's notorious twin, ROBERT DASHWOOD, VISCOUNT NORWOOD.
When mind and heart do not go hand in hand, can there be a happily ever after?
Prologue
England 1802 (or a variation thereof)
“Argh!” Robert screamed, raking his hands through his hair. “This is agonizing! Why do we have to study Latin if it’s a dead language?” Shaking his head, he stared at the pages before him.
“Because it’s the language of scholars,” Charles replied. “Latin and Greek are at the root of every modern language and help us decipher history long forgotten.”
“Ugh!” Robert exclaimed, crinkling his nose as he looked at his younger twin. “You sound just like Mr. Punham.” Pushing back his chair, he sat sideways, eyes intent on his brother. “But you know what? There is a reason why history is long forgotten, and that’s because it is of no importance. What good will knowing Latin do?”
Putting down his quill, Charles turned to his brother. Although they shared the same coppery brown hair and hazel eyes, the smirk that usually decorated his twin’s face spoke volumes of the differences in character they couldn’t seem to overcome. “It allows us to read ancient texts and discover how people lived thousands of years ago, what their form of government was, what science they had and−”
“As I said,” Robert interrupted, “it is nothing but a waste of time.” Lifting his eyes, a longing smile came to his face. “We should be out there.” He gestured to the window and the open fields beyond, running all the way to the horizon, only bordered by a thick-growing forest to the east of Bridgemoore Manor. “That’s the real world. Adventure awaits out there. This,” he gave his book a hard shove so that it went over the edge of the table and hit the floor with a loud thud, “this is just boring.”
Shaking his head, Charles leaned down and picked up his brother’s book. “If you don’t study, Father will not let you come to the exhibit at the British Museum.”
Robert sighed. “Well, I’d say that would be good news…although going to London would be something. I bet there is a lot going on there apart from dusty museums and such.”
“But they have the Rosetta Stone on display,” Charles objected, feeling excitement bubble up in his veins. “It is the key to deciphering−”
“Why would I care about some old stone?” Robert whined. “Charles, the world is not only what you find between the covers of your books. It is out there.” Rising from his chair, he strode over to the window, an awe-filled expression in his eyes as he gazed at the stretch of green leading from the home he had been born to and the title he was to inherit to adventures unknown. “Let’s go,” he said, then turned and grabbed his brother’s arm.
“Go where?” Charles protested, trying to pull his arm free.
Dragging his brother behind him, Robert yanked open the door then peeked down the corridor. “Let’s shoot some arrows,” he whispered. When the coast remained clear, he proceeded down the corridor, still holding on to his brother’s arm.
“Arrows?” Charles gasped, trying to free himself. “But Father said we were too young. He said−”
“He did when he was our age,” Robert objected. “And besides, what could happen?”
“We could get hurt.” Unable to wrench himself from his brother’s tight grip, Charles reluctantly followed him outside. “How would you know what to do? Have you ever even held a bow and arrow?”
Turning his head, Robert winked at him.
Charles’ eyes bulged. “You have? When? Father said−”
“Father is just as much a bookworm as you are,” Robert snapped. “I taught myself.”
Aft
er retrieving a bow as well as a quiver with arrows from a hiding place in the stables, Robert dragged his younger twin toward the tree line, always ducking behind bushes and running from tree to tree so as to stay out of sight.
“Is this truly your idea of fun?” Charles heaved, trying to draw in a deep breath, his face flushed with exertion.
Frowning at his brother, Robert shook his head. “You sound like Aunt Patty, always wheezing as soon as she takes a single step. You should really pull your head out of your books more often and join me in the real world.”
Proceeding deeper into the forest, Robert finally stopped at a fallen log. “This is where I come to practice.”
Staring at him dumbfounded, Charles shook his head, wondering if this boy, who was just now fitting an arrow into the bow, could truly be his brother.
“This is how you do it,” he instructed, eyes concentrated. Never had Charles seen him so focused on anything. “Don’t clench your hand. Then pull back the arrow as much as you can, aim a little higher than the target you have your eye on and…,” he took a deep breath, “release!”
The arrow shot forward, sailing through the air, and hit its mark−feathers and string tied into a circular pattern hung up in a tree at least fifty yards away.
“Yes!” Robert cheered, hopping up and down in a victory dance. “I told you I could do it!” Then he turned to his brother, and Charles knew that something was up. “Do you want to try?”
Eyes wide, he shook his head.
“Just once,” Robert said, holding out his bow. “If you try it, I promise I’ll study all afternoon tomorrow.”
“Really?” Charles whispered, eyeing the bow and his brother suspiciously. “Only once?”
“Only once.”
Reaching out his hand, Charles reluctantly took the bow, surprised how light it was. Then he accepted the arrow his brother offered him and stepped up to the mark. Taking a deep breath, he followed Robert’s instructions, carefully fitting the arrow onto the string. Bracing himself, Charles let it slide over his hand as he pulled back the string and took aim.