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Chapter eighteen

Tobias and I are wed! It is a strange happening to witness the marriage of another couple, bury a man and return once again to the altar. As the vicar gracefully put it, “Life to life, love to love. Put away the old things, put on the new…”

I knew Tobias would grieve for a long time to come over the losses within the family—but I would be with him. He hadn’t lost everything. We had each other—and Cecily. And one day, we hoped with all fervency, his wee nephew.

The Sherborne’s set up a wedding feast—a surprise we’d not expected. How I loved having Joseph and Emmaline by my side as I’d spoken my vows to Tobias. Joseph was like a brotherly anchor to Tobias now, instead of the opposing, poor cousin.

I was glad of it. Tobias needed a brother—a good brother to stand by his side throughout the life that was to be ours, and as Tobias put it, for the time God gives us.

Lord Sherborne and Elaina were gracious hosts, sparing no good thing upon the table. And I was the recipient of a rather stunning paper bouquet given to me by Callum. Indeed, the entire table had been flooded with paper roses.

Elaina whispered in my ear, “Callum worked the night through to decorate for you. He delights in pleasing young brides.”

Cecily had joined us for the feast—her smiles showed as much peace as had come upon her brother.

She was truly set free from the effects of the dangerous elixir—and set free from manipulations.

She embraced me with such ferocity. “Now, you will never leave me! I will have you forever!” Her glee was contagious.

Our marriage was a good distraction from her father’s death. If only for a short time.

Tears would come, but we would cry together, dry our tears together, and laugh again.

When we arrived back to Mayfield, we had quite another surprise in store.

The butler announced to Tobias, “A Mrs. Fredrickson and a Mr. Mulls to see you, sir.”

Tobias grinned.

“Why are they here? What aren’t you telling me?”

“My love. Cecily wants to bake in the kitchen and the children of Butterton could benefit from one very generous kite maker. For a year at least.”

“A year?” What was he thinking? Did not Burtins require them?

“I’ve begun restorations on Burtins, employing ten young men of the area. When they return—when we all return—the estate will be freshened up a bit.”

“You’ve given employment to some of the young men?”

He winked. “Most of whom are already married with little mouths to feed. Yes. I have.” He led me down the hall towards the drawing room.

“And I’ve hired a shepherd to train a few of the lads.

And,” he smiled again, “Mr. Ode will have the large crops and proper equipment. Once again, we aim to make Burtins self-sustaining.”

I was so proud of his efforts. I loved this man. So very much. He opened the door where the old pair awaited.

Was like a holiday had descended upon Mayfield Manor. What was once a conniving place had become different. No longer did the air feel the weight of distress—but became filled with the air of hope. We would be happy. We would choose to be so, despite the length of our lives or our circumstances.

Tobias and Lord Sherborne must have been right. For no further threat came upon Tobias, though sometimes an irrational fear came upon me. I prayed, set it aside, and continued in our newfound hope.

Two weeks later, the fear surged.

Tobias shouted. He ran through the house, shouting my name.

I grabbed my pistol, that I’d kept dangerously loaded and ready and met him, ready to meet the enemy with him.

He panted down the hall, jacketless, breathless, hands upon his knees, a note clutched in his hands. Tears streamed down his face.

“They found him. They found my nephew.” He sank to his knees. “It’s horrible the way he was found, indeed. But no harm has come to him. He is safe—Jane is safe.”

“Jane?” I asked. “Is she not on her honeymoon?”

“She was kidnapped on the way. Lord Camden took her to the babe. Matthew was with her. They escaped together!”

I knelt with him on the floor. “They found him.”

“Praise be to God who directs our steps.”

I continued his truth. “Though the enemy means it for evil, God intends good.”

“Yes…” he wept, “Yes!”