Page 141 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“Oh yes. Everything is perfect. Thank you for suggesting the party.”
“It was Mamm’s idea.”
Surprise flashed through Laura. “Was it?”
“Yes. Though I eagerly seconded the notion!”
Taking Eseld’s arm, Laura led her through the crowd to Mrs. Bray. Reaching her, she began, “Thank you, Mrs. Bray. Eseld tells me the party was your idea, and I sincerely appreciate it.”
Looking self-conscious, Lamorna Bray glanced at her daughter. “Was it? Well, we were speaking of your return, and it just sprang to mind.”
“It was definitely your idea, Mamm,” Eseld said. “An excellent one I heartily agreed with.”
Mrs. Bray tried in vain to suppress a smile. “It was my pleasure. I wish you and your husband every happiness, Laura.”
“Thank you. Will you come and visit us on Jersey? You would be most welcome.”
“That is very kind. And I hope it goes without saying that you will always have a place to stay with us when you visit here. You will visit again, I trust?”
“Yes. We hope to.”
“Good.”
Eseld returned to Perry’s side, but Mrs. Bray lingered nearLaura. She shifted and bit her lip. “Laura, I know I was not ... that I did not treat you as ... warmly ... as I should have when you lived here. I apologize. My dearest wish and indeed, duty, was to pave the way for a good marriage for Eseld. And having you here ... with your eye-catching hair and ladylike graces ... seemed like a threat to my plans. Now that Eseld is happily married, and you as well, I hope we can put all that behind us and start anew.”
“With all my heart,” Laura agreed.
“Good.” The older woman sighed in relief. “And I know I did not encourage it before, but I would be honored if you would call me Aunt instead of Mrs. Bray.”
Laura blinked. Yet another surprise. “Th-thank you... Aunt Lamorna.”
“You are more than welcome.” She nodded in apparent satisfaction and went to rejoin her husband.
Heart overflowing, Laura stood alone for a few moments to reflect, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sweet sounds of waves, Cornish accents, and congenial laughter. Across the tent, her groom stood talking with her uncle and aunt. His uncle and aunt now too.
Seeing her alone, Treeve Kent walked over to join her. “Well, Mrs. Carnell, I wish you happy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kent. And thank you again for visiting us on Jersey.”
“You’re welcome. I am glad things have worked out for you.”
She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“I mean it! You were right in what you said to me. But I am growing up, by and by. And I find the effort has had its rewards.”
“In the shape of one Miss Kayna Roskilly?”
They turned to pick her out among the crowd. There she was, laughing with her father. She looked beautiful in her greendress with a sprig of flowers in her dark hair, and an affectionate smile on her face.
“She is lovely, is she not?” Treeve said.
“She is indeed.”
He squeezed Laura’s hand, held her gaze a moment, and turned to go.
She watched as he walked over and bent to whisper in Miss Roskilly’s ear, causing the young woman’s smile to brighten. Another wedding in the near future, Laura guessed.
Near them, Perry sat on a blanket with his arm around his wife, a besotted smile on his boyish face. How good to see the two so happy together. Even Mrs. Bray—er, Aunt Lamorna—looked contented and relaxed surrounded by her family.
