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“I know that I have loved the finest woman ever created. Not merely in one lifetime, but in two. That is enough reward for me.”
She was unaware of the tears that streamed down her cheeks. Only one thing mattered now. It was of the utmost importance that she relay to Gareth what she’d read in the family history. He must not face eternity without being granted his fondest wish.
“All these years you have believed that Adrian, your half brother, made good his threat to wed your beloved Cara and force her to bear his son. It is true that she was forced to become his wife. She died soon after giving birth to Alexander. What you didn’t know, nor did Adrian, was that Cara had conceived the babe before their marriage and before your death.”
For a moment she felt the glimmer of heat. His eyes opened, struggling to focus. “Are you saying that Alexander was my son?”
“Yes, my love. All his descendants are yours as well. You are not doomed to an eternity of loneliness. There are generations of Falcons. Hundreds of them. They all owe their lives to you.”
He clutched her hand, and she felt the chill seeping into his flesh. “You have given me the greatest gift of all, little happy face. Now I give one to you. Know this. Though I must leave you, you will never be alone. There will be another…”
A sob rose up, threatening to choke her. “No, Gareth. I won’t listen to this. Please don’t leave me. I don’t want another. I want you.”
Lord Falcon and his sons found Felicity lying on the floor of the bedroom, weeping as though her heart were broken. The stranger who had been with her was nowhere to be seen. Though the grounds and village were searched carefully, he was never seen again.
EPILOGUE
Felicity made aslow turn around the gardens, stopping often to admire a perfect rose or to inhale the perfumed air. She would miss this. All of it. The flocks of sheep undulating gently across the rolling hills. The vast stretches of windswept moors. The brooding castle with its secrets. And the people. Especially the people. Bean and Simmons and Maud Atherton. Lord Falcon and his son William, and the lovely Diana, who would soon become William’s wife.
And, of course, Gareth. She would carry him in her heart forever.
As she approached the terrace, she glanced toward the stand of trees, where she and Gareth had hidden away one wonderful night. As always, just thinking about him brought a lump to her throat that threatened to choke her. For a short time she had actually believed that this place could be her home. But now, without Gareth, the dream had died.
Hadn’t he warned her that a sword would pierce her heart? She’d never dreamed it would be so painful. The sword that killed him had destroyed her as well. No one would ever touch her like that again.
“Miss Andrews.” Chandler Falcon opened the French doors and stepped onto the terrace. Despite the fact that he’d been missing in the Amazon for months, he looked tanned and fit, and every bit the lord of the manor. He was tall, with broad, muscular shoulders and narrow hips. Dark hair, in need of a trim, seemed always slightly mussed, which only added to his appeal. He had a proud, almost haughty profile, with firm jaw, full, sensuous lips, and dark, penetrating eyes that struck a chord in her heart, though she knew not why. “The servants have gathered in the front hall to say a proper good-bye.”
She nodded, but as she started to brush past him, he touched a hand to her shoulder to stop her. She felt a rush of heat and pulled back, resenting his touch.
“In all the excitement of the past few days, I’ve never really had the opportunity to thank you for saving my father and brother. It was a very brave thing you did. As you know, we Falcons admire those who thrive on courage and adventure.”
“It was nothing,” she said softly. “Just a favor between old friends.”
“Nothing? You are far too modest, I’m afraid. Why, even Mrs. Atherton sings your praises.” His eyes crinkled with unexpected humor. “That’s rare praise indeed.”
Felicity couldn’t help smiling. It was true. Maud Atherton had become as friendly as Bean and Simmons and had decided that the American houseguest was no trouble at all.
“I don’t believe you’ve heard the news of Ian and Honora.”
Her head came up. “News?”
“They escaped their jailer and made off in his rig. While fleeing across the moors, something spooked their horse, and the rig tipped over, killing them both.” He cleared his throat. “There are those who say it is poetic justice.”
She realized that she felt nothing. Neither relief nor regret, just a chilling numbness.
When she said nothing, Chandler continued to stand in front of the door, barring her way. “I hope you won’t think me too bold. But I wish you would consider staying on a while at Falcon’s Lair. Not only would it make my father happy, but it would give me a chance to get to know you better.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t stay, Lord Falcon.” She made a move to slip past him.
“It’s Chandler.”
“Chandler.” She paused beside him, irritation deepening her tone. “Thank you for the invitation, but I really…”
“Your first name’s Felicity, isn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Did you know,” he said, his smile deepening, “that ‘Felicity’ is Latin for happiness?” He caught a strand of her hair and watched as it sifted through his fingers. Then he shifted his dark gaze to her eyes, and she felt the jolt of recognition. “The name suits you. You have a happy face.”