Epilogue

 

In three days, Isabel and Laurence would leave for London, ready to attend the season. Numerous invitations had already been sent and received, and Isabel could not wait. She had checked and rechecked their belongings, and Laurence, who watched as he leaned against the door jamb of their bedroom door, laughed.

“I will be forced to buy another carriage to carry all the clothes you wish to take,” he teased.

Isabel joined in with his laughter and then looked at the many bags and trunks that surrounded her. “I suppose you might, at that,” she replied. “It is just that I am excited about our first season together as a married couple.” She walked over and took his hands in hers. “I want to show off my husband to everyone who will allow me to do so.”

“And I will be watching in awe as you grace every home.”

Isabel smiled, and then their lips met, which happened several times a day. It was beautiful, soft yet filled with passion.

However, much to their annoyance, a timid knock on the door brought the kiss to an end.

“You do not have to answer, you know,” Laurence whispered.

Isabel laughed. “I know, but it may be important.”

She opened the door to find Weber with a tray in his hand. “A letter arrived for you from Scarlett Hall, Your Grace,” the butler said with a bow. “The rider said it was urgent.”

Isabel took the letter from the tray. “Thank you,” she mumbled as Laurence joined her. She hoped all was well, but as she read the letter, that hope was dashed.

“What is it?” Laurence asked. “Is your mother all right? Or your sisters?”

“Yes, Mother is fine, but it is Hannah. Apparently, Mother asks for our aid.”

“Of course,” he replied. Whatever they need, we will help.”

Isabel nodded as thought rushed through her mind. Could it be true that her beloved and meek Hannah had been doing the things of which their mother accused her? It was something she might have thought Juliet to do, but not Hannah.

“Isabel?”

“We must leave for Scarlett Hall at once,” she said, grabbing only one of the many bags she had packed. “I will explain everything on the way.