Page 27

Epilogue

Lord Sherborne gave Tobias a scrap of paper. “Look at this—see if you recognize the handwriting.” The babe had two fists of Tobias’s hair.

“Save me, Tessa!” He laughed.

“Easily done!” No self-defense or pistols needed. I unfolded the babe’s fists and took him in my arms. The wee one laughed and clapped his hands.

After the events surrounding Jane Hartford’s rescue and Butterton Hall housekeeper’s admission, we’d been stunned by the turn of events. Was there still more to know?

“This handwriting looks identical to the threat I received before leaving for Burtins.”

“You may be surprised to learn that this is Mr. Roth’s handwriting. The housekeeper’s son, Butterton’s gamekeeper. As told, he murdered your father.”

Tobias blinked. “He meant to kill us all.”

“Retribution,” I said. “For what happened to his sister.” Samuel’s secret wife. The one Samuel planned to murder had she not died of illness, in order to marry Emmaline for her fortune. A dastardly business.

“He very nearly managed the task last summer.” Tobias handed the paper back to Lord Sherborne. “If it wasn’t for Tessa, I don’t know that I’d be standing here today.”

Lord Sherborne bowed to me with a smile. “Mrs. Chinworth. I hear great things about your skills. I’ve a mind to beg your assistance.”

Tobias stepped in front of me before I could answer. “Keeping her out of danger these days, old boy.”

Sherborne laughed. “You mistake my meaning. I’d be honored if she would train my wife. I, too, would see her come to no harm.” He pulled on his gloves to depart. “We both know that we can’t always be a shield, as much as we’d like to be.”

I curtsied. “I thank you, Lord Sherborne. It would be my pleasure to assist your wife in any way that I can.”

“Good day.” He turned to leave but I was not satisfied. Not every question had been answered.

I had to know. “What of the man that assaulted my husband? The one I helped save him from?”

“Ah—that. Yes. Lord Bennington has confessed to many things. We now suspect he was the one behind the attack.”

Like Jane, my husband had been unwittingly caught in webs of other’s making.

“We must be content with the unknown, as God does know everything.”

The babe laughed again, a sound filled with glee. His cheeks were plump and healthy. Jane said he’d been with a wet nurse. He’d been cared for. He’d been kidnapped, but what if, in that space of time, the child was being kept safe from worse?

Lord Sherborne took his leave and Tobias lifted the boy from my arms. “He hasn’t a name yet.”

Mr. Mulls stepped into the room. “Why, Tobias, my nephew. This boy…” He held a finger and the babe grasped it tight. “Has the perfect grip for kite flying. Do not you think?”

“I believe I know this child’s namesake.”

I looked at old Mr. Mulls, his bright eyes and generous spirit. I nodded.

“What is your Christian name, Uncle?”

“Pardon?”

“The babe would like to know.”

A hand over his heart, he stated, “Hezikiah Barret Mulls.”

“Barrett…” We both said at once and laughed.

“What do you find so humorous?”

“Might he borrow your name, dear Uncle?”

“Oh my.”

“We shall take him to the vicar directly and have him recorded as Barrett Patrick Chinworth.”

Patrick…

“For the honor and bravery of three worthy gentlemen.” Tobias kissed the boy’s cheek.

I stood with mouth agape.

“Is that alright, my love?”

Tears threatened. “It is a gift. I thank you.”

Cecily ran into the room. “How many more months, Uncle, until he can fly a kite?” She grabbed his hand and they left the room together.

Mrs. Fredrickson fetched the babe for feeding and left Tobias with his arms around me. It is well for a good man to be brave and honorable, how much more the prodigal that climbs from the pits of evil to come to the same? I tightened my hold. I would never let go.