The Northumberland Nemesis has returned to her cave.
Finally, London is safe and happy again.
An edict has decreed she is never to return.
(Or at least, there should be an edict that says that.)
Humbly reporting the facts as always,
The Midnight Cryer
When Thea arrived back at Ladykyrk, she couldn’t tell if her exhaustion was from the haste to return to her estate or all her emotions being tangled together. Perhaps it was the fact that every inch of her home had been torn apart as people had looked for the charter.
Ferr-Colby had sent a post stating he’d be there in two weeks. When she thought of marrying him, a black cloud descended that she couldn’t seem to dismiss.
However, there was one bright spot in her life. All of Ladykyrk’s tenants were delighted she’d returned, and some reluctantly congratulated her on her upcoming marriage to Ferr-Colby. Many had brought her small gifts in celebration. Mrs. Daniels and her twin girls had come to the house with fresh breads and preserves. Fern had proudly said that they’d helped their mother bake and prepare the treats.
Before they left, Ivy had shyly asked if the candy lord was returning. Her innocent question had caused Thea’s heart, which was patched with the slimmest of threads, to break anew. The constant weight of missing Will had taken its toll on her. She’d cried every night since arriving at Ladykyrk.
Without Will around, she felt lost and wondered if she’d ever find her way again. It took every ounce of strength she had to complete her estate work. Even surrounded by her tenants and new servants, Thea had experienced the loneliest week of her life. Finally, she took an afternoon to herself. She saddled Follow, then went for a long ride.
Without a thought as to where she was going, Thea found herself at the House of Four Directions. If there was ever a time in her life when she needed guidance, it was now. She dismounted, then walked into the folly from the south entrance. She opened all four doors. A gentle wind embraced her, bringing with it the sweet smell of barley from a nearby field. She sat on the sofa and stared at the pond outside the window, not really seeing anything.
The idea that she would marry another man while she loved Will kept her from moving forward. Deep down, she realized she needed to accept the fact that she had to marry Ferr-Colby to save Ladykyrk. Perhaps she’d be blessed with children. They’d fill a void in her life for the family she craved, but there would always be a heartache that would never mend. She had no doubt that her heart would always belong to Will.
Another breeze blew in from the north, this time stronger than the one from the south. It brought a faint sweet smell that was pleasing and familiar. Leaning her head against the sofa, she closed her eyes, trying to remember where she’d smelled it before. Slowly, she opened her eyes and breathed deeply. The scent reminded her of her grandfather’s favorite citrus cologne.
She shook her head to clear such nonsensical thoughts. There were no citrus trees or fresh fruit around. Another gust of wind, somewhat stronger, rushed through the folly. This time, the breeze whistled as it came through the door. Though brief, it was powerful enough to knock over a bird’s-eye maple urn. The lid fell off, and a stack of papers spilled onto the floor. Thea quickly retrieved them before they flew out the open doors.
As she collected them, she read through the documents. They were the original architectural drawings for the folly. All of the pages had handwritten notes from her grandfather. He’d not only had it built, but he’d also designed it himself—just for her.
Lovingly, she pressed the pages smooth, and studied each drawing. Elevations, directions, roof design, ceiling plans, door openings—every aspect of it he’d created himself and had his vision brought to life by master builders and craftsmen. But it was the last page that stole her breath.
To my darling Thea,
This building was created in love for you on your eighth birthday. I hope you never tire of me saying this, as it brings me great joy and peace. Remember, outside these windows our mighty oak guards your folly and you. Some say it’s over a thousand years old, one of the rarest trees in Northumberland. That, my darling girl, is a testament to its strength and endurance. Just like my love for you will withstand all time and tribulation.
Whether it is the universe or time that separates us, you’ll always have my heart. You deserve all the happiness in the world that life has to offer. It may take a while, but it will find you. Only accept it on your terms.
Always and forever,
Theodore Ferr-Colby, the luckiest grandfather in the world
Her heart squeezed, and tears pricked her eyes. In her hand was the first note she’d ever received from her grandfather. A tangible piece that proved he loved her forever. She strolled to the south entrance and gazed at the mighty oak with the swing still attached that her grandfather had lovingly built for her. As she studied its massive trunk, she inhaled the sweet smells of summer and memories of their days together floated into her thoughts.
He’d held her when she cried after skinning her knees while trying to climb their oak tree. He’d played chess with her nightly, always encouraging her to take riskier moves, then explaining why they did or didn’t work. He’d taught her how to ride and had given her Follow right before he’d started to show signs of his illness. He’d taught her how to care for the land and the tenants that were so vital to the estate’s success.
But most importantly, he loved her. Having his note in her hand brought a closure that she’d desperately sought. The cost of the last seven years diminished because of today. Because without them, she would have never met Will or gone to London. She’d never have learned what she was capable of achieving without having to step out into the unknown. London and appearing in front of the committee taught her that no matter the obstacle, she could rise to the challenge.
Though she still mourned losing Will, she’d have to find a way to mend her broken heart.
Thea took one last look at their tree, then turned to gather the architectural drawings. Suddenly, she stopped. If he’d hidden the first charter in the henhouse, could he have picked another more special place for the second?
What if her grandfather had hidden the charter in the large knothole of the tree?
She rushed to the swing, then with her heart pounding against her ribs, she stood in front of the knothole.
Slowly, not daring to hope, she reached inside. Her fingers touched the smooth inside sanded perfectly by the rough Northumberland weather that had battered the tree through the centuries. Carefully, her hand skated down, then up.
Nothing.
She said a prayer, then with a deep breath for courage, she reached all the way down the knothole. Her fingers collided with something round and cylindrical in shape. Slowly, she pulled it out.
In her hand, she held a molded leather map case. With trembling fingers, she untied the strap, then lifted the top. Inside was a rolled-up piece of foolscap. With her heart galloping like a runaway horse, she gently pulled it out and unfolded it.
Her hands started shaking as tears welled in her eyes. It was in Latin.
The edges were torn from age, but what took her breath away was the bottom of the page. In the center was a large wax seal. Will had told her that she’d recognize the charter because of the monarch’s seal.
She didn’t dare hope she’d found it, but she couldn’t help herself. There was only one way to find out. She had to find the village vicar immediately and have him read it for her. She rushed into the folly to gather her things, then stopped. She blinked twice to make certain she wasn’t imagining things.
Atop the center of the desk, one of the slippers that she’d forgotten at Langham Hall sat facing her. Her gaze flew around the room until she found him.
More handsome than she remembered, Will leaned against the door of the east entrance, holding the other slipper in the palm of his hand. She drank in the sight of him. The broadcloth coat he wore made the breadth of his shoulders even greater than she remembered. His doeskin breeches emphasized the muscular strength of his legs. When her gaze met his, she just stared. She’d always known she’d see him again, but she never imagined it would be this soon.
“How long have you been standing there?” It was inconceivable that he was here before her.
“Not long enough.” The smile on his face was one that she’d never seen before—cautious, almost tentative. “You’ve grown more beautiful since the last time I saw you. I could stay in this spot all day and gaze at you, but we have work to do.”
His voice was tender, but the uncertainty in his blue eyes made her want to take him in her arms and relieve whatever burden he carried. She shook her head slightly. She would do well to remember she should also be cautious, as her heart was still fragile. “What work? Why are you here?”
He pushed away from the door, then approached with slow, controlled steps. His gaze never left hers as he placed the other slipper on a side table. He stopped no more than a foot away from her. “Remember when you asked me to be your friend? We were standing here. You told me you’d help me in any way you could. That is what friends do for each other.”
“Yes. I’d do anything for you.”
“Then let’s find that charter, Thea,” he said tenderly. “I can’t lose you. I want to search every inch of this place for the charter. Let us try to find it together.”
Without a word, she handed him the document. “Will you read this for me?” Her voice shook. “I’m afraid I still haven’t mastered Latin.”
His eyes skated down the page. “You found it! Oh God, Thea, this is it. You are the true Countess of Eanruig.” He pulled her next to him with one arm as the other held the charter. His eyes blazed with emotion, and if she wasn’t mistaken, tears had gathered. “Where did you find it?”
“In the oak tree.” Without hesitating, she stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.
Without breaking away from her, he placed the charter on the table next to the shoe, then wrapped both arms around her and deepened the kiss. Once she was surrounded by the strength of his arms, she surrendered all her heartache and loneliness.
“My love,” he said softly. “You’re forever mine.”
All she could do was nod.
Will picked up the slipper for her inspection. “I’ve taken a shine to these. Do you know they’re almost an obsession for me? I found myself unable to let them go. Whenever I wake in the middle of the night because I’m thinking of you, I reach for them.” He examined the shoe carefully, then held it out to her. “But it was selfish of me. I had to return them to you.”
Gingerly, she accepted it. She found it difficult to breathe. She willed herself to stay calm. She closed her eyes, desperate not to cry in front of him, but the tears kept welling in her eyes.
“I took great care of them for you. There’s not a single thread or pearl missing.”
“Thank you.” She opened her eyes, and a single tear fell. Before she could brush it away, Will did the honors with his thumb. The gentle touch against her skin reminded her of how much she loved him.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart.” He kept rubbing his thumb gently across her cheek. “If you’d give me the opportunity, I’d like to personally show you my talent for good stewardship. I plan to do it by taking great care of your heart.”
“You can’t.” His touch made her want to lean against him and take some of his strength for her own.
“Why? Are you still going to marry Ferr-Colby?” His rushed words sounded desperate, and his eyes searched hers.
“No. But I left my heart in London … with you.” She grabbed tight to the lapels of his jacket, never wanting to let him go. “I’m sorry, Will.…” Her voice choked on a sob. “Do you think you could ever forgive me for causing you so much pain?”
“My love, always and forever.” He lightly pressed his lips to hers. “Never doubt that.”
She buried her head against his waistcoat where his familiar fragrance rose to greet her. Surrounded by his strong arms, Thea knew comfort for the first time since she’d returned to Ladykyrk. She was truly home.
Thea leaned back slightly and withdrew a piece of paper from her pocket. “Now I have a question to ask you.” With a tremulous smile, she handed it to him. “I actually made this for you when I met your friends. I wanted to give it to you then, but I was afraid you’d say no. But I learned from you not to be timid about what I want.”
Will took the paper and read it. A smile brighter than all the chandeliers in London lit his face. “This is the one you held in your hands that day, isn’t it?”
She answered with a slight nod as all her emotions threatened to burst free. “Yes, I prepared it especially for you.” She pointed to the heart she’d drawn on it. “Only on yours, would I promise my heart. It’s yours forever.”
“I learned some things myself too. I discovered what it is really like to be in love.” He bent and brushed his lips against her forehead. “I’ve been such a fool since I met you. A fool in love. I was so afraid of taking the risk of falling in love when happiness was right in front of my eyes, I ignored it. I was scared I’d failed you. You taught me to be brave.” He tilted her chin and searched her eyes. “I’m in love with you, Theodora.” He pulled her tighter against him. “Give me the chance to prove it to you every day.”
Her knees felt weak, and she forced herself to take measured breaths. Otherwise she’d faint. Her euphoric heart pumped wildly in her chest. “Always. Will you give me the same chance?”
“You don’t need to ask. I love you. Completely.” He kissed her nose. “Decidedly.” He kissed her cheek. “Thoroughly.” He kissed her other cheek, then crossed his heart with a finger as if making a solemn pledge. “I’ll love you forever.”
She couldn’t find the right words. It was unbelievable that this morning she woke up certain that her life wouldn’t include Will, and now, he stood in front of her vowing his love for all eternity. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” Little by little, he lowered his lips to hers. “But may I start forever today?”
She didn’t answer. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her lips moved gently against his. A week was too long to go without his kisses, and she vowed then and there, she’d never forgo such pleasures for longer than a day.
His heart pounded against hers in the same rhythm, as if the two were already joined. On a groan, he parted his lips, and she swept inside to show him all the love she had for him. It was a kiss that pledged their troth to one another, declared their faith in each other, and promised they would love one another for all time.
Gradually, he pulled away and took her hands in his. “Let’s leave for London tomorrow. We’ll send one of Aunt Stella’s footmen to ride ahead and inform Odell and Howton that you found the charter.” He kissed her nose. “Will you join me for dinner at Payne Manor this evening? I have a present I want to give you.”
“A present?” Surprised, she drew back and searched his eyes. “What is it?”
“You’ll see.” He grinned. But there was nothing innocent or cautious in this smile.
“You are a tease.”
“I learned it from the best.” He grabbed her, and she squeaked in protest before he kissed her again. “I learned it from you.” Tenderly, he cupped her cheek in his hand. “I love you. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of saying those three words.”
“I don’t think I’ll tire of hearing it.”
“Good, because I plan to tell you that again tonight.” He brought her hand to his mouth and smiled.
“Welcome, Lady Eanruig,” Mr. Brandon, Stella’s butler, enthused. “You look lovely this evening.”
“Thank you.” Thea smoothed her gloved hands down her peach-colored silk and satin gown. It was not only beautiful, but it was her favorite. She wanted to look her best tonight for Will. She still couldn’t believe he was here in Northumberland. She’d pinched herself to ensure she wasn’t dreaming when she returned home from the folly this afternoon. “Where might I find Lord William?”
“He’s in the dining room already, ma’am.” One side of the butler’s mouth inched upward. “Jeffry and James will escort you to him.”
Two of Stella’s Adonis-like footmen nodded. For the first time ever, she saw them actually smile. They were extraordinarily gorgeous when they weren’t so stern, but neither could hold a candle to Will’s stunning masculine handsomeness. She nodded her agreement, and the two men slowly walked her down the hall.
“My lady, we’ve been instructed to announce you this evening,” Jeffry said.
Truly, she was uninterested. All she wanted to do was find Will and feel his arms around her once more.
Simultaneously, the two footmen opened the double doors to the dining room so Thea could make a grand entrance.
“The Countess of Eanruig,” James announced.
Thea wanted to roll her eyes at the formality of the evening. It was keeping her from Will’s side. But as a countess was expected to do, she thanked the men, then entered.
“I don’t believe it,” she murmured.
Will closed the small distance between them and took her hands in his.
“What is this?” she asked incredulously. “What are they doing here?”
“They came to help us search for the charter because they love you, Thea. This is my present for the love of my life,” he announced.
The entire Cavensham family stood before her. The duke and duchess, Claire and Pembrooke, Emma and Somerton, and March and McCalpin, along with Stella and Lady Edith. They all possessed the most breathtaking smiles on their faces.
Will dropped to one knee before her. His eyes flickered with an intensity that took her breath. He grasped her hands tightly, and she returned the gesture.
“Theodora, I want to share my life and my love with you for all my days.” He swept one hand toward his family. “I want to share everything that’s important in my life. I can’t think of anything more precious to give you than my family. I want to share them with you. My family is your family.”
Thea raised her hand and rested it against her heart as tears streamed down her face. She glanced at Claire whose own eyes glistened with tears. The duchess’s mouth trembled. Even Stella was wiping her eyes. It was the most beautiful and poignant moment in her life. But when Thea looked to the duke, that’s when she sobbed.
A single tear fell down his handsome face. “We’d be so honored if you’d join our family.”
She turned to Will. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“No, it’s I who should thank you. You taught me to trust my heart again.” He squeezed her hand.
From his touch, she could feel his love pouring into every inch of her and patching the holes that loneliness had worn through her heart.
“My darling, Thea…” He cleared his throat, but tears welled in his gorgeous blue eyes. “Will you make me the happiest man in all of Britain, and do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise I’ll protect you and your heart by loving you forever.”
She nodded, unable to speak. He stood and took her in his arms and kissed her in front of his entire family.
As the cheers rang out, Thea lost herself in the kiss. She was so blessedly happy. Everything she’d ever wished for in life had come true because of Lord William Cavensham, her true love. He’d given her his family, the one that she’d wanted for so long. But most importantly, he’d given himself to her—heart and soul.
When they finished kissing, Will cupped her cheeks with his hands, then gently wiped her tears with his thumbs. “You’re breathtaking.”
“How can I be? I’m crying, and I’m sure my face is red.”
“It makes you even more beautiful in my eyes. I’m the luckiest man in all of England,” he whispered.
“Everyone, may I have your attention?” Stella cleared her throat. She stood by an easel covered with a brocade cloth. “I finished this while I was at Langham Hall. It’s Thea’s engagement present.” She nodded at Jeffry.
With an obvious flare for the dramatic, he whipped the cover from the painting.
Undaunted by the gasps that erupted from the room, Stella stood a little straighter with a wry smile gracing her lips. “It’s magnificent if I do say so myself.”
The room grew silent, and Thea had to blink several times. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
Finally, McCalpin broke the spell. “Oh my God, Will. That’s you.”
Emma snorted. “Are you scowling in it, Will?”
Claire buried her head in Alex’s chest, but it didn’t hide her mirth. Though she was laughing quietly, her shoulders were shaking. While Pembrooke smiled, he kissed the top of his wife’s head, then shot a glance at Somerton.
As soon as their gazes collided, they started laughing.
Will’s face turned beet red as he stared at the picture. “You didn’t—”
“I most certainly did,” Stella countered. “I had Pitts bring the armor to my room so I could paint the texture of the breastplate correctly.”
Lady Edith chimed in. “She almost painted you in chain mail, but I thought it too old-fashioned. I talked her out of it.”
While the others giggled and laughed over the painting, Thea was in awe. It was a perfect likeness of Will dressed in armor with the Ladykyrk seal painted on his breastplate. He looked straight on with a medieval helmet under one arm. Every feature was perfect, but the smoldering gaze on his face caused her heart to flutter in her chest. Just looking at it caused her insides to go squishy. She leaned a little closer to him. They needed to have the banns read as soon as possible.
“It’s glorious,” Thea whispered. “You’re glorious.”
Will’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the picture.
“I’m going to burn it,” he growled.
“No, you’re not.” Thea playfully tapped his arm. “She gave it to me. I have the perfect place for it. I’m going to hang it in my dressing room.”
The duke and duchess had sidled up to them and admired the portrait.
“She did one for me of Sebastian when we became betrothed,” the duchess whispered to Thea. “I have it in my dressing room too.”
“Let Thea hang it where she wants.” The duke winked at his son. “Trust me on this. You can thank me later.”