Page 97 of The Lady Glass
“Our apologies, Captain,” Andalin said. “My husband did try to stop us.”
“I did,” Lord Cadogen said at the door. “Come, now. You’ve welcomed her back. Let Rolland have some time alone with his intended.”
“Intended?” Tansy grinned at Andalin. “So we were right.”
“Now you are never getting rid of us,” Andalin said.
They let Theresia go and promised to steal her entire morning on the morrow for all the details.
“We’re leaving too,” Rolland said, capturing her hand.
“Where are we going?”
“You might recall I reserved the library. It might be the only privacy we have in this house.”
She laughed and let him pull her into a run until they reached the library. Mr. Hobson held the door for them and gave them a reassuring nod.
After they shut themselves inside, they fell against the door with a laugh.
“Are we safe?” Theresia asked.
Rolland leaned down and rested his forehead against hers. “Finally.”
“How can I thank you for putting Lady Caspar in her place? Knowing she won’t be near me or our home means a great deal. You’re my hero.”
“And you’re mine.” He circled his arms around her, pulling her close. “Our home?It has such an enticing ring to it, wouldn’t you say?”
“It does.” She sighed, melting against him. The last of her fears were assuaged, leaving a freeing peace behind. “Do you want to know what is even more enticing?” She clasped her hands around his neck and stood up on her toes, bringing her mouth to his. His kiss was tender, just enough to send fire through her veins before she pulled away. “I thought I admired your broad shoulders and smoldering eyes, but your lips... I have missed them. I think they are my favorite.”
“Is that so?”
She nodded. Everything she had experienced in her life had led her to this moment. To him. “I love you, Rolland Reese.”
His grin was the widest she had ever seen. “It brought me so much joy to say those words to you, but it is infinitely better to hear them.”
He kissed her once more, slow and long. Her soul rejoiced. She belonged somewhere again. Truly belonged. Right here in Rolland’s arms. And she always would.
Chapter 44
One week later
The early sunlight peeked throughthe branches of the trees and spilled onto Theresia’s gown. She leaned in to Rolland’s arm, their walk taking them around the perimeter of the duke’s large grounds. Rolland’s presence only added to the sense of peace the stillness of the morning offered. With only the birds talking and no other sound to interrupt their solitude, Theresia could finally process what had happened in the past week.
Mr. Stewart and Lord and Lady Caspar were arrested and Mr. Lewis buried, and the guests had departed back to their homes. The threat against Lord Barrack had been removed, and there was significant reason to hope for the committee’s security in their travels to participate in the Congress of Vienna. And, most importantly to her, she had a family again: her beloved godfather and a sister. Helena was to stay with her cousin for the Season but would join Theresia and Rolland at Lord Barrack’s estate in York for the summer. Soon Theresia would have a husband, a father-in-law who had bestowed his blessing on their upcoming marriage, and a mother-in-law who looked at her as if she were her own daughter.
Any prejudice they had held toward her past had softened considerably. Much of it had come more from a place of protectiveness of their son than fear or disapproval of her and her culture. Their ability to bring her into their circle of love amazed her. It inspired her to do the same toward others and was another step toward healing her own past grievances.
The thought made her smile.
“What are you thinking about?” Rolland asked.
“My blessings.” She rested her head against his arm for a moment before pulling away and looking up at him. “One of which was meeting Tansy’s aunts. I have known them for lessthan a week, and they are already doing so much to generously save my name.” The moment her aunts had returned from their trip, Tansy had apprised them of everything they had missed. By that same afternoon they had spun a delightful story about how Miss Dvorak had hidden from her traitorous stepfamily under a false name and the protection of the duke. Captain Reese, of course, had stepped in as a hero and saved her from a fate worse than death. With the threat removed forever, they would live in wedded bliss. “Only time will tell how many believe their story.”
“Society loves a good drama.”
“But what of the other guests? They cannot believe it.”
“After the arrest of Lord and Lady Caspar, they have no reason to dismiss it. I heard Miss Yearsley whispering to Miss Haversham about it before they left. The scandal will bring them unwanted attention, so I believe they will aid in spreading the story and excusing your use of a false name.”
