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* * *
Dr. Harcourt waited three days instead of two before finally declaring to them all that Amos would live. There was no longer any doubt in his mind. Victoria cried out at the news, startling Amos, who was awake in bed but dozing. He motioned to her to go to him. She fell into his arms, kissing him, and he let out a grunt of pain.
Dr. Harcourt quickly pulled her back.
“We must remember to be gentle with him,” the doctor said with a smile. “He’s not fully healed yet, after all.”
“Yes, Doctor,” Victoria said obediently, then kneeled at Amos’ side and kissed him repeatedly, making sure to keep her hands to herself, though certainly not her lips.
Belle glanced at Sidney and felt her cheeks blush. She lifted her eyebrows, hoping he would understand her silent question. Is now the right time? Can we finally tell them about our engagement?
Sidney shook his head slightly, just enough for her to notice but no one else. She bit her bottom lip but accepted his judgment in the matter. If it had been up to her alone, they’d have told everyone the very night he’d proposed. She knew he was right to wait, though.
With so much going on, and Amos’ life hanging in the balance, speaking of their engagement before now would have been inappropriate. Now that Sidney was out of the woods though, she did not see why they should wait. All she wanted, aside from Victoria and her sisters to be as happy as she was, was for everyone to know that Sidney loved her, and she loved him, and now they would officially belong to each other.
Victoria was crying, and everyone around them looked either pale with relief or red with it. Emile and Booker hugged; Irene and Summer hugged. Meadow hugged everyone. There was affection all around. Belle supposed that it would not be right to interrupt Amos’ celebration with her own, and her and Sidney’s announcement could wait until later.
There was a knock on the door, and Leonard was shown into the room by Dr. Harcourt’s housemaid. He took his hat off when he saw Amos awake, tears filling his eyes. “You’re all right, then?” he asked, looking around at the smiles.
Amos nodded. “I’m all right,” he said, though his voice still sounded weak.
“Dr. Harcourt,” cried Victoria suddenly. “Can he be moved? Can I take Amos home with me?”
Dr. Harcourt looked at Amos uncertainly. “How do you feel about walking?”
Amos hesitated. “I’ve been awake two days now. I ought to be able to walk, I think. Or at least, I can try it.”
The wound had been in his chest, near his shoulder. Too bad it had not hit his shoulder entirely instead, or the wound would not have been so severe. Amos managed to take two steps before his legs grew wobbly and he fell back onto the bed.
“I’d wait until tomorrow before moving him, at least,” said the doctor.
“I’d rather be at home,” said Amos.
Booker, Emile, and Sidney all offered to get him home that very minute if he wished it, even if they had to carry him. Under their cries, Dr. Harcourt relented and offered them his stretcher.
“But you mustn’t jostle him at all,” the doctor said.
“I don’t need a stretcher,” Amos said. “I can walk. I just need a little help, is all.”
“Hold on,” Leonard said, stopping everyone before they could start arguing with each other over the best way to get Amos home. “I came here with news.”
Everyone looked at him. Leonard cleared his throat. “A town about fifty miles off sent me word by telegraph. It came in just this morning. A man matching Marshall’s description wandered in last night, suffering from a bullet wound in his back. He died shortly thereafter.”
Belle’s mouth dropped open. “You mean it’s over? Marshall’s gone? Just like that?”
Leonard shrugged. “Seems that way.”
Irene stepped forward, her hands shaking. “Are you sure it was him? Did they mention his scar? The one under his eye?”
Leonard frowned. “They didn’t mention that specifically, no, but everything else about the man sounded spot on.”
Irene pressed her lips together, and Belle set her hand on the woman’s back. “It’s all right,” she told her.
“I wish I could see him,” Irene said. “Just to be certain.”
“Normally, I’d agree with you,” said Leonard, “but how many men fitting Marshall’s description are wandering around with a bullet in their back? It can’t just be a coincidence. It’s got to be him.” He fiddled with his hat. “I’d ride out and check myself, but by the time I got there, they’ll have him buried.”
Slowly, Irene nodded. “I must go and tell Lucille the good news.”
“We ought to have a party,” Summer said, and everyone nodded their agreement.
Dr. Harcourt looked around as if fearful he was losing control of the situation. “A party may not be the best thing just now. It would be best if Amos just stayed in bed for the next fortnight.”
“He can stay in bed,” said Booker. “We’ll bring the party to him.”
Dr. Harcourt frowned but said nothing more on the matter. He was clearly outnumbered.
Sidney cleared his throat and stepped forward. He motioned to Belle to come over to him, and she did, taking his hand when he offered it to her.
“I didn’t want to say anything until this was all over,” Sidney began, “but it sounds as if this entire nightmare is finally behind us.”
He looked at Belle, who could not help beaming. She knew exactly where this was going.
“Belle and I are engaged to be married,” Sidney said, and everyone looked at them, stunned for a moment, before breaking into cheers.
“I knew it would happen!” cried Summer.
“Congratulations!” cried Jack and Emile.
Irene went up to Belle and put her arms around her, whispering in her ear, “I’m happy for you.”
Belle searched the woman’s face and was relieved to find sincerity in it. She’d been worried about Irene’s reaction most of all.
“Now we need a party for sure,” said Emile, clapping his brother on his back.
Everyone agreed that a party was called for. Dr. Harcourt’s concerns were appreciated but glazed over, and the event was set for later that night at Victoria and Amos’ house, though both were told they would not need to lift one finger. Everything would be done for them.
Other than Dr. Harcourt, only Irene seemed uncertain. Belle hoped she was not putting on a brave face and really bothered by her and Sidney’s engagement, after all. But Belle was too happy herself to worry much about it at the moment other than a passing thought. Finally, things were going right for everyone.
* * *
