Page 142 of A Castaway in Cornwall
Family ... Tears heated Laura’s eyes at the thought. She was deeply grateful she had been able to come back to Cornwall to see them. And with Aunt Susan too.Oh, Lord, thank you!Yet her gratitude was threaded with sadness, knowing they would soon have to leave.
She felt Miss Chegwin’s gaze on her. The older woman crossed the tent to her, hand extended.
Laura silently took it, and for several moments the two stood there, hand in hand.
Mary tilted her head to one side. “I know yer happy with Alexander. But do I sense sadness as well?”
“Yes, both. How can that be?”
“That is life, my dear. Joy and loss in the same moment.”
Laura nodded and squeezed Mary’s fingers. “I miss you, you know.”
“And I you, up-country lass,” Mary teased even as tears glistened in her eyes.
Then she brightened, saying, “Have you heard the news? Dr.Kent has asked me to serve as his chamber nurse. I am busier and happier than ever.”
“Yes. And I was delighted to hear it.”
They talked for a few minutes longer, then Laura embraced the woman and excused herself. She helped herself to two pieces of cake and went to find her uncle among the guests.
She handed him one of the pieces. “Thank you, Uncle Matthew. For everything.”
He accepted it with a smile. “I did little, in all honesty. Though I was happy to foot the bill.” He winked and fondly pinched her chin. “And happier still to be reunited with you, my dear girl.”
“I am so very thankful to be here.” Laura looked over to where her former neighbors and, yes, friends gathered. Her uncle followed the direction of her gaze. Then she felt his pensive look return to her profile.
“Have you decided where you will live?”
Laura took a deep breath. “Alexander has agreed to captain a ship for Mr. Gillan. So for the foreseeable future, when I am not sailing with him, I will live on Jersey.”
His expression turned wistful. “Sounds perfect. Though I shall miss you.”
“I hope you are not too disappointed. We will visit as often as we can.”
His eyes misted over. “I am glad to hear it.”
The party continued for several hours, guests enjoying the good company, good music, and good food, and reluctant to see the occasion end. Alexander and Laura walked from person to person, thanking everyone for coming and accepting well-wishes and fond embraces in return. How touching to be welcomed back so warmly.
The musicians continued to play, their notes harmonizingbeautifully with the sound of the sea. For an instant, Laura closed her eyes to relish the moment and commit it to memory.
Beside her, Alexander whispered, “Everything all right?”
She took a deep breath and smiled up at him. “More than all right, my love.”
Laura gazed around at the delightful scene, and her heart expanded with aching joy. Her whole family was together: Alexander, Aunt Susan, Uncle Matthew, Aunt Lamorna, and Eseld, along with dear Miss Chegwin, Jago, Perry, Kayna, and Treeve. Laura could not recall ever being happier.
She leaned near Alexander. “Remember when you asked me to describe my favorite memory?”
He nodded.
“This moment is my new favorite.”
He smiled deeply into her eyes. “Mine too.”
Epilogue
JULY1815
