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Loud footsteps sounded in the corridor outside of Grace’s office. Then the door was thrown open and a tall, shadowy man entered the room. Grace gripped a dagger tightly between her fingers. Who could possibly enter so brazenly into her quarters? Who would dare?
The question was answered in the next moment when the shadowy man took a step closer and the light from the fireplace revealed his devilishly good-looking features, his golden mane of hair, and emerald-green eyes.
“William,” Grace gasped and put the dagger away.
William smiled wickedly. “I am back. Missed me?”
Grace snorted. “Not particularly.”
William shrugged, undeterred. “I am back nonetheless. And I am here to stay.”
“You don’t say? And what is the reason for your untimely return?”
William unhurriedly pulled out a chair and sat across from Grace. “I am in London to take back what’s mine.”
“And what is that exactly?”
William lit a cheroot and expelled a smoky breath. “My wife.”
After the end
The carriage stopped in front of Helen’s new home, and she rushed out of the house to greet the guests. The door to the carriage opened, and Abbey stepped out, clutching baby Gavin close to her heart.
“How lovely to see you here, Abbey!” Helen beamed as she greeted her friend.
“I was so surprised to see this luscious carriage brought around just for me!” Abbey said, looking around the street in an unconcealed awe.
Helen took Abbey’s arm and led her inside. “Come. I have more exciting news for you.”
Abbey glanced at Helen with liquid eyes, but it was obvious she was afraid to hope. They entered the house, and Abbey stopped on the threshold, her eyes wide.
“Hello, dear sister,” Miss Althea Bilbrough said from the middle of the hall before rushing into her sister’s arms.
A flow of undecipherable exclamations followed as two sisters hugged, cried, and shared their stories. Then Abbey introduced her sister to her son, Gavin, Althea’s little nephew.
When the emotions quieted down, Helen invited the women into the parlor where they conversed freely while taking tea. “There is one more thing I wanted to tell you,” Helen said a few moments later. “If you wish, both of you have a place of work here.”
“You are not jesting, are you?” Althea’s eyes widened, while Abbey seemed to lose her ability to speak.
Helen shook her head. “This is a new house to me. I don’t have enough help. I need a nursemaid for Laney, and it would be a boon to have a playmate as well. I also need a lady’s maid, a companion. So if you wish, those positions are yours.”
“Thank you,” Abbey finally found her voice, although it choked with emotion. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Helen stood and clapped her hands excitedly. “Excellent. Then I shall ask the housekeeper to show you to your quarters. Please feel free to get your things in order, and then we can all venture out into the park.”
The women stood also, and Abbey addressed her babe, “See, Gavin. I told you, we’ll find our place in the world.”
Gavin cooed in response, as if he understood his mother’s words. Abbey held him closer to her chest, her eyes brimming with the tears of joy.
Epilogue
Four years later…
The warm summer sun filtered through the rustling leaves of the oak tree as Helen leaned back against its broad trunk. A light breeze carried the scents of wildflowers and fresh water from the nearby loch.
Helen smiled as she watched her Laney playing in the field with other children, their laughter echoing through the hills.
“I am glad you finally decided to move here, son,” Lord Atholl said without turning toward Ian, his gaze still on the playing children. There was tenderness in his voice when he spoke next. “I love seeing all my grandchildren together.”
