Chapter Thirty-One

 

A week had passed since Colin had saved Anna from the workhouse— and from a life she did not want. Mr. Harrison arrived that same night, shouting and cursing until Christian threatened to strike him if he did not leave.

Not only did Colin’s return make her happy, but so did the truth about her mother. After Colin had explained what he learned, he had held Anna as she wept. Her mother had not lied!

Although the dream of meeting her father had not yielded her what she had hoped, something good came out of it. The man had agreed to recognize Anna and Thomas as his children. No relationship would form between Anna and the earl, she was sure, but the pain was not as terrible as she had thought it would be. At least the bloodline had been established.

Now, she and Colin sat beneath the very tree which Anna had first found him. A blanket was spread beneath them, and they were sharing dried meats, cheeses, and a bottle of honey wine.

“Must I remind you what happened the last time you drank too much of that?” Anna asked as Colin poured himself yet another glass. “It was really quite embarrassing.”

He set his glass beside him, frowning. “If I recall, you took advantage of my drunken state. I awoke to one less coat, you sitting on my lap scantily clad, and my family ring nearly stolen!”

Anna glanced down at Colin’s hand. He now guided the ring rather than it him, another thing about Colin she would forever cherish.

“If I recall correctly, you overpowered me as if I were nothing more than a child and threw me to the ground,” she said with a grin. “Did you know that I wanted you to kiss me while you had me pinned?”

His eyebrows rose. “Oh? Well, I want to kiss you now.”

Before she could respond, he pulled her to him. Their lips met, and her heart beat with love.

“I’ll be honest,” he said breathily, “I wanted to kiss you then, too. But I’ve a rule I refuse to break.”

“And what rule would that be?”

“To never kiss a thief!” he said with a laugh.

“Oh, you’ll pay for that!” she said, joining in his laughter as she made a fist and playfully hit him on the arm.

He raised his hands. “Mercy!” he cried. “I cannot take any more. If I had another coat, I would offer it to you just to put a stop to your cruelty.”

“Well, see that you give me one later in recompense,” she said with a mock sniff. “If not, I’ll call you out for a duel.”

They settled back to their wine, and Anna looked out at the river. Tomorrow, Colin was to return to Hemingford Home to settle several affairs of business before coming back to her so they could begin the search for a new home together.

After repacking what remained of their meal, they made their way back to Redstone Estate. They spoke of their upcoming wedding, which would be a glorious affair. Miss Caroline, of course, had been ecstatic to learn they were to wed and had offered Redstone Estate for the party.

“She would have attended no matter where we had our breakfast celebration,” Colin said with a laugh. “I doubt Markus could stop her, even if he wanted to. She’s far too persistent for her own good.”

“I’m still surprised he hasn’t come to put a stop to it,” Anna said.

Colin snorted. “Caroline can keep a secret when she must.”

As they exited the woods, Anna’s laugh died at the sight of a carriage sitting in the drive in front of the house, bearing the familiar crest of two ravens flanking a crown. “Colin?”

“Trust me,” he said, squeezing her hand. “Nothing Mother says will make me change my mind.”

His smile was like a healing salve on her fear. She did trust him. And always would.

As they approached the portico, the door opened, and the duchess walked outside. Her dark-blue traveling dress with its black trim unsettled Anna, for it was as severe as her countenance.

They came to a stop at the bottom of the steps, the duchess staring down at them.

“If you’ve hidden Lady Katherine inside your carriage,” Colin growled, “I swear on Father’s grave that I’ll never speak to you again.”

The duchess sighed. “Lady Katherine is not here. Nor will she be again. I sent her home with the understanding that she would not become a Remington— or a duchess. At least not by marrying you. She was not pleased, nor were her parents.”

“Then why have you come, Mother? If you’re here to dissuade me from marrying Anna, you may as well leave now. I’ll not change my mind.”

His mother shook her head. “Since I was a child,” she said, a sad edge to her tone, “all I knew was that I would marry into a noble family. Not a single thought was given to what I wanted in life. My mother snuffed out what little resistance I was able to muster. I was told that my worth lay in my beauty, and once that was gone, my value would be depleted.”

She drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. “I see that day coming, and it frightens me. I’ve no idea what will become of me when it arrives. You said something to me not long ago that had me consider something very important. I’ve been a dutiful daughter, a deferent wife, a respected duchess, a guiding mother. Yet I’ve never simply been Mary Ann. Even if I wished to be her, I’ve no idea who she is, and that thought bothers me greatly.”

The pain in the duchess’s eyes made Anna’s heart constrict.

“You were right, my son. I know you now only as the Duke of Greystoke and have forgotten who Colin is. Therefore, I’d like to make a request. I wish to know you as Colin.”

“I would like that,” Colin said, smiling. “For I believe he will make you proud.”

Anna was so happy for Colin and his mother. It was good to see them repair what was broken.

His mother smiled and turned to Anna. “We’re two very different women from two very differing backgrounds, but I believe we just may find we have more in common than we realize. I just hope you’ll give me time to learn what that is.”

“I would like that very much, Your Grace,” Anna replied.

Colin took a step forward. “What are you doing, Mother? Are you saying that you wish to be a part of our lives?”

“Yes, if you will accept me. If Anna is to become my daughter-in-law, allow me to help her.” She turned back to Anna. “I would like to train you. If you are to take my place, you’ll need guidance. I’m willing to do that. This new world can be difficult to navigate. Even with my extensive training, I found my first years in the position daunting. Besides, it will give us the opportunity to learn more about one another.”

Colin had confided in Anna the issues he had with his mother, and she saw this as a way for them to reconcile.

Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, Anna said, “I believe her offer is genuine, Colin. If she teaches me, not only will it help me be a duchess others will admire, but it will also give us the opportunity to become acquainted with one another. But the decision is yours.”

“This is why I wish to be with you,” he said. “You understand what matters.” A wave of joy washed over Anna when he turned to his mother and replied, “We both accept your offer.”

The duchess smiled and snaked her arm through that of Anna. “I believe a nice cup of tea is in order. Will you come inside and join me?”

“I would like that,” Anna said. Then she grinned. “But I don’t think Master Markus will approve of me being in his home if he were to learn of it.”

The duchess laughed. “He’s as stubborn as I have been. But none of that matters, for you will soon become my daughter. Anyone’s disapproval of you— or my son— is disapproval of me.”

With a happy heart, the trio went inside, Anna being the first Silverstone in many years to be invited into a home without a broken window as an equal.