Page 103 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“That wasn’t just me,” Esther said. “You were there for me, Hugh. And Eugenia, I know you objected to what was happening, too. Our parents may have treated us poorly, but you and I can make a new start. We can love the gentleman we want, and for the reasons we want to love them.”

Eugenia smiled. “That sounds ideal to me.”

“Will your mother allow Charles to court you, then?” Hugh asked.

“I don’t plan on asking her permission,” Eugenia said. “She can try to stop us, but I don’t see how she would be successful. Charles cares more for my happiness than for hers. I know there are gentlemen in the world who would not proceed without the permission of a parent, who would consider such a courtship highly improper. But Charles isn’t like that. He wants the two of us to be happy together, whatever it takes.”

“I’ll do whatever I can to help you,” Hugh pledged.

“As will I,” Esther agreed. “I’m older than you are, Eugenia, if only by a few weeks. If Lord Lockwood would like to seekmypermission to court you, I can promise you that he’ll have it!”

Eugenia giggled. “Thank you, Esther,” she said. “And you, Your Grace.”

“You may call me Hugh, Lady Eugenia,” Hugh said, smiling. “After all you and I have been through, I think it’s more than fair that we abandon the formalities. Besides, I think it won’t be too much longer before we are family to one another.”

Esther’s heart fluttered at the thought of what he was suggesting. Could he really mean what she thought he meant?

Of course he does. After everything that’s happened…

But she pushed the thought from her mind. For tonight, it was enough for her that they were together.

“Should we go back up to the Manor?” Hugh asked. “If you want to set out for London—”

“No, stay the night with us,” Esther said. “It’s very late, Eugenia. You and Aunt Tabitha can leave first thing in the morning, but you shouldn’t travel after dark.”

Eugenia nodded. “As anxious as I am to get back to London and speak to Charles, I know you’re right,” she said. “We’ll stay tonight.”

She made that decision without even consulting Aunt Tabitha.

Esther was impressed. Just days ago, Esther had been afraid of her mother’s shadow. But something had clearly shifted. She was strong enough now to take control of her own destiny and make decisions for herself.

If Aunt Tabitha puts her foot down and insists on leaving tonight, we’ll have a carriage take Eugenia home in the morning.

Perhaps I’ve also grown stronger and more capable of making decisions for my own life without worrying about what my parents think.

Aloud, she said, “If you’re not going home tonight, we might as well stay out a little longer. Unless anyone reallywantsto go back inside and spend the evening with our parents.”

“No, thank you,” Eugenia said.

“I’ll do whatever you’d like,” Hugh said accommodatingly.

Esther laughed. “You’re a perfect gentleman.”

“I knew from the moment I met your parents that they would be the most difficult part of being in your life, Esther,” Hugh said. “Everything about being with you is pleasant and simple. And what I said to you once before, I will say again—you are more than worth it.”

Esther felt as if her heart was growing warm. It was fortunate it was so dark outside, because she thought she might be blushing.

Hugh took her in his arms again and kissed her—just once, very briefly. It felt like a promise of things to come.

Then he released her and took her hand in his. “Come,” he said. “Show me more of your beautiful garden.”

Hand in hand with her love, and with her cousin by her side, Esther walked on.

Chapter 38

Breakfast the following morning was an awkward affair.

Aunt Tabitha didn’t come down at all, opting to take her meal in her room.