Page 21 of Moonstone Landing
Hen was now alone with her brother.
“They spend one night here and are already talking about the ghost, Hen. What is going on?”
“You knew about the ghost of Captain Arundel. He hasn’t harmed me, nor will he ever harm your girls. But you are overset now. I told you not to bring them here, although I am glad to see them again. Stay the week. What harm is there now? They will love this place as much as I do.”
“No. We must go. I will not have them dreaming about ghostly horrors. I’m sorry, Hen. You were right. I should not have brought them here. I will return by myself in a couple of months. In truth, you look well. Better than I ever saw you look in London.” He rubbed a hand across the nape of his neck. “I’m also sorry I brought Ahsbrook.”
She smiled wryly. “Well, some good came of it. He will now propose to Anissa. At least, I hope so. He is a fool if he doesn’t. Will you talk sense into him, Robert? Love is a thing to cherish, never to be taken for granted.”
“What of you?”
“I am happy here. You can see that I am.”
“Yes.” But he looked obviously pained. “I will return in two month. Write to me if you need anything.”
“I will.” She rose along with him. “I love you. You are the best brother in all of England.”
“And you are the most irritating sister ever to exist.” He drew her into his arms and hugged her. “I love you, Hen. Please take care of yourself. And come to me at once if you ever change your mind. You are always welcome to stay with us.”
“I know.”
But she did manage to spend a little of the day with her nieces, taking them to the smelly fish market and a stop for cherry pie at the tea shop before they packed up their coach and returned to London.
Brioc did not join them while they sauntered through the village, realizing it would only upset Hen’s brother further if his girls started talking to him. The sooner the little ones forgot about him, the better.
By nightfall, the cottage fell quiet.
Brioc was waiting for Hen when she climbed the stairs to his bedchamber. She set down her candle and sank onto the chair by the hearth.
He sat beside her on the ottoman. “Hen, how are you holding up?”
She smiled at him. “A little tired, but nothing that a good night’s sleep cannot cure. I do wish my nieces could have stayed longer. But I suppose it is for the best. We still have our puzzle to figure out.”
“What puzzle?”
“You, of course. We still need to find out why you are bound to this cottage.”
He took her hand, amazed that he could feel it wrapped in his. “We don’t, Hen. I’ve figured it out.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You have? Tell me. Is there something I can do to help free you?”
He rubbed his thumb lightly over the top of her hand, loving the delicate feel of her skin. “I am free. I have always been free.”
“What do you mean?”
He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. “Did you feel that, Hen?”
She nodded. “You taste of the cherry pie I brought home from Mrs. Henley’s tea shop.”
He grinned. “It’s my favorite. I couldn’t resist.”
“But I don’t understand,” she said, now frowning. “Why are you here if you claim you were always free?”
He caressed her cheek, marveling at its softness. “For you, Hen. I am here for you. By your side is where I belong for as long as you need me.”
Her hand trembled. “For me?”
“I love you, my beautiful lass. I knew it the moment I set eyes on you. You came here with Mr. Priam, that arse of a land agent. I watched you walk through my home and then stroll through my garden. I suspected in that moment why I stayed, but I wasn’t sure until now. It was for you. To hold you and love you forever.”
