Page 98 of The Lady Glass
Theresia was baffled. “It’s truly miraculous, though I suppose we never shall know whether the others were guilty of any real crimes themselves.”
Rolland slowed his steps. “I meant to apprise you on what we learned about Mr. Hawke’s and Mr. Haversham’s foreign bank accounts. We received word late last night that the investigation is complete. It turns out their investments were clean, if not unusual in nature. There was a partnership between them, as suspected, along with a third man, who is Prussian. Mr. Hawke, however, is not completely innocent. He has been found guilty of embezzling funds from Mr. Haversham. No treason to England, but a crime deserving trial and consequence.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I knew Mr. Hawke was not completely trustworthy. And Mr. Haversham is just the type to be taken advantage of. I hope his money is returned to him. What of the others?”
“Lord Cadogen cleared Lord Vernon’s name after you left, andas for Miss Yearsley—I believe mystique is her cloak of choice. I daresay she is not innocent of all guilt, but in this particular case, she is free.”
“Then, no further investigation is warranted, even with her past?”
“Time has a way of pulling out one’s secrets, but I would not lose sleep over it. It suffices me to know that she does not hold any vendettas toward my loved ones.” He squeezed her hand.
She admired his warm smile employed to comfort her. His whole countenance had lightened the past week, and she had seen more and more of her favorite expression on him. “Before you asked me for my thoughts, what were you thinking about? Was there a reason you insisted on a walk before breakfast, or did you just want to be alone with me?”
“Both.” Rolland ceased walking and set his hand on hers. “I am happy my parents were so easily won to your side, but they’ve not given us much room to breathe. I couldn’t wait until they left this afternoon so I could have a quiet moment alone with you.”
Her stomach fluttered. Was this handsome man truly to be her husband? He was too good. Too wonderful.
“I wanted to give you something too, but without the eyes of the others looking on.”
After all that had happened this week, he hadn’t needed to do anything more. “Rolland, I have everything I want.”
“That’s because you don’t know what it is yet. Actually, all together, I have three surprises for you. The first is that I’ve hired Mrs. Bedrich to be one of our cooks.”
Nothing he said could have surprised her more. “When did this happen?”
“I wrote to her soon after you left Ashbury Court. She was the only connection I knew of, so in my letter I begged to know of your presence and offered her the position at the same time. I figured if you wanted to be with Mrs. Bedrich, then you might aswell be with her and me at the same time. She wanted to give her son and his wife a life of their own and was happy to accept.”
Theresia shook her head. “Was this really about me, or did you simply want more koláce rolls?”
He leaned close and for the second time said, “Both.”
She laughed. “Then, I cannot imagine I will like the other surprises better than this. With Mr. Plasil agreeing to take a house in York by your hunting lodge and Mrs. Bedrich filling our house with smells of yeast and spices, I shan’t want for anything more.”
“You aren’t nearly greedy enough.” He pulled out a long thin box from inside his jacket. “I have high hopes you’ll like the next surprise too. I know this won’t make up for the vase you lost and all you were asked to endure that night, but I hope it helps.” His brown eyes grew soft. It seemed to be a look he reserved just for her.
She leaned in to his arm, ignoring the box. “I want it to be clear once and for all that your life is more precious to me than my father’s vase. Saving you was worth the price I had to pay.”
His lips pulled up on one side, and she swore his eyes were glistening. “No matter how many times Mr. Plasil tells me that broken glass is actually a sign of good fortune, I will always value your sacrifice that night, Theresia. Even so, I wanted to make a recompense of sorts. I asked Mr. Plasil to help me create this for you.”
She uncurled her arm from his and accepted the box. She wiggled the lid off, and her breath caught. On a bed of red satin lay a stunning crystal necklace. The perfect, intricate cuts made it sparkle like diamonds. “Oh, it’s lovely, Rolland. Truly.”
He grinned. “Mr. Plasil and I found a glassblower in the town over who had the necessary equipment. We used pieces of your father’s vase and melted them down into beads. I even got to help, which was quite the learning experience.”
She swiped at the sudden moisture in her own eyes and laughed. “Father would’ve approved of your newfound knowledge. This is the most thoughtful gift anyone could’ve given me.” She sniffed, but the tears leaked through regardless. “Look at me. I am a watering pot.”
“As long as they’re happy tears because you are touched by your husband-to-be.” He took the string of beads from the box and motioned for her to turn around. She did so, and he lifted a few curls from her neck to clasp the necklace around her throat. “The third surprise is more of a decision I’ve made. I’ve decided to retire from the navy.”
“Rolland!” She attempted to turn, but he was still working the small clasp.
“I will always love the sea, but I have a greater love that has stolen my complete attention.”
“Are you certain you will be happy?” She had planned to support him in his duty and was ready to sacrifice whatever was needed to do so.
“I am certain. I lived that dream and saw far too much pain in the process. I thought my heart was a cold pile of cinders, but just as ash can be transformed into beautiful crystal, falling in love with you sparked life into me again. When I’m with you... I feel whole.” When he finished, he set his hands on her shoulders, bent down, and dropped a kiss on her jaw. His touch sent a warm shiver through her, reminding her of how much she loved him. She tilted her head up so he wouldn’t forget her mouth.
He obliged without any more incentive, his lips melding perfectly against hers. With a tug on her shoulder, she turned so he could wrap his strong arms more fully around her. Warmth enveloped her limbs, and his kiss sent her head spinning with pleasure. Never had she felt more cherished. All too soon he pulled back a few inches and fingered the necklace, his hands tickling her throat. “We should get back.”
“Must we?” He was right; they hadn’t had much time alone.
