Page 48 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
“You love me?” Leo pulled Emma closer and kissed her deeply.
“I do. You fill my life with hope and laughter. I am happier because of you. I am sure we belong together,” Emma said.
Leo became animated. “Let us return to Adlington Hall immediately. There is something that I need to show you in the village.”
He had piqued her interest. Something in the village? What could it be? Emma arched a brow. “What is it?”
Leopold patted her hand. “Patience, my dear. Do not ask. I shall not tell you.”
“How mysterious.”
“I can guarantee that you will love it.” Leo held up his palms. “That is all I will say about it.”
Emma was intrigued. “Hmm. Very well.”
Leo left the equipage to give instructions to both coachmen. By the time he returned, Emma decided to prod him once more.
“Will you at least give me a hint?” Emma had not given up. She flashed Leo her winning smile but to no avail. He placed a finger on his lips to show her he would remain silent.
Leo placed his hand around her waist and rested her head on his shoulder. Emma’s hand encircled Leo’s waist as the carriage rolled toward Adlington Hall, toward home.
Two days later, when they arrived on the grounds of Adlington, Leopold directed the coachman to the village in an area where Emma could see that a building was about to be constructed. The land had been cleared, and there were several workers, all of whom were busy with various tasks.
“Are you building a new house?” Emma asked.
“No. It is not a new house.” Leopold replied.
Emma gave Leo a quizzical look. “What is it then? Do not keep me in suspense.”
“It is your very own hospital,” Leopold announced.
Emma gasped and raised both hands to her cheeks. “My own hospital? Oh, Leo. I do not know what to say.”
Leo grinned. “I welcome your decision to put your family first, but after I received your letter, I thought about it and came up with a compromise. You do not need to give up your pursuit entirely. Rather, you could educate others who are interested in healing. You could mentor anyone willing to learn, and the hospital would greatly benefit the village. In this way, you can practice healing without placing yourself in harm’s way.”
“That is so thoughtful, my love.” Emma threw her hands around Leopold’s shoulders and pressed her lips to his. “Thank you, my darling. It means a great deal to me.”
“This gift is from my heart, and I know it will make you happy. I would do anything for my love,” Leopold said between kisses.
“And I for you, my darling Leo.”
EPILOGUE
One year later
Adlington Hall, Cheshire
Emma sat under a tree in the meadow, cradling baby Archibald before she placed him on the quilt next to Leo. The baby stretched his legs out and kicked Leo as he bent close to kiss him. Emma and Leo broke into fits of laughter.
“Archibald is not playing by the rules. I wonder who he got that from,” Leopold said with a wicked smile.
Emma pinched Leo on his rear. “I hope you are not suggesting thatIdo not obey the rules,” Emma said with feigned injury.
Everything had turned out so well that Emma sometimes pinched herself. Her happiness was so complete she had to remind herself it was not a fairytale. It was real. And to think that when she first met Leo, she did not wish to dance with him. Yet, that refusal helped to chart her course to a happy future. She could not have hoped for more.
While she had been patiently awaiting Archibald’s arrival, Emma had commissioned the additional furniture and linenthat was required. Leo had seen to the installation of everything that she needed.
The construction of the hospital was completed. Leopold instructed the steward to hire staff from the village to clean and maintain the facility. Emma was responsible for acquiring the healers, managing the facility, and raising donations.
