Page 133 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“Yes, though black does not suit her.”
The older man’s eyes twinkled. “She will not wear black much longer.”
Awareness prickled over Alexander. “Papa ...”
His father raised a hand to forestall his protests. “Don’t say anything. I realize it is too soon to be thinking of such things. I won’t be here much longer, or I would have waited to mention it. But it would ease my mind. Léonie and Jean-Philippe would be provided for. You could share this house together, and I could die in peace.”
“She is my sister.”
“Bah. Not every country shares England’s laws. In some traditions, a man is encouraged to marry his brother’s widow.”
That was true—although Alex thought it wiser not to concedethe point. Instead, he said, “Rest assured, I will make certain Léonie and Jean-Philippe are provided for after you are gone. And she has a sister yet living as well. She will never know want, whether she remarries or not.”
“Just consider it. I can tell she still admires you, and you’ve allowed she is attractive.”
“Yes, but I don’t—”
Again his father raised a palm to cut him off. “Don’t answer me now. Just tell me you won’t dismiss the idea out of hand.”
Alex felt torn. He wanted to please his ailing father but felt guilty at the same time. Was it a betrayal to agree?
“Very well. I will think about it, to make you happy.”
“Thank you.” His father settled back against his pillows and closed his eyes, a small smile on his lips.
Wary, Alexander asked, “Tell me you have not said anything to Léonie?”
“I ... may have mentioned something.”
Alexander groaned. “Papa ...”
In his mind’s eye, he saw Laura Callaway’s beautiful face, looking at him with affection and even desire in her golden brown eyes.
Where did his duty lie?
The following morning, his mother’s former maid brought in the post. “Letter for you, Master Alexander.”
“Thank you, Betty.”
His father slept on, undisturbed, but Léonie watched him with interest.
Alexander saw the St. Helier postmark, and his heart instantly lightened.Laura.He pried open the seal and read.
Dear Captain Carnell,
Thank you for your letter. I very much appreciated hearing from you although I was dreadfully sorry to hear the news of your brother. It must have been difficult for you to learn he died.
I know how hard you tried to get home to help him. You did your best, and that’s all any of us can do. I hope you are not being too severe with yourself for not being able to rescue him. Alan chose his own path in life. Though I imagine leaving behind a beautiful wife and young son must have been his greatest regret.
I pray this war ends soon and am sure you do as well. My aunt asks if you have been called back into active duty or given another ship like your old favorite, theVictorine? I suppose you would be gratified, but I for one would be sorry to see you rejoin the fighting, especially now that the end is in sight, at least, if the newspapers can be believed.
Aunt Susan, Mrs. Tobin, and I are doing well here, three women living as a little clutch of hens. Mrs. Tobin is all graciousness, and I am enjoying every minute with my aunt. However, I believe, if Mr. Gillan has his way, one of us will find herself living elsewhere before much longer. I think my aunt hesitates to accept him because of me, but I have assured her that her happiness is mine.
I have finally received a reply from my uncle. You will be glad to know that he has forgiven us both, and that he and Mrs. Bray are well and in good health. They are delighted with Eseld’s recent engagement to Perry Kent and eagerly anticipate their upcoming wedding.
I hope your father still lives and that God grants you many days together to store up in your heart and treasure for years to come. In spending time with my mother’ssister and nurse, and hearing their reminiscences of my parents’ final days, I feel I have been given back some of our lost hours to treasure in my heart as well.
Your sister-in-law and your nephew have my condolences. May God grant them comfort as they grieve their loss. How good of Him to bring you home just when they needed you most.
