“It would appear so.” James stood and pulled on his trousers. “And you, my dear, should probably dress. Unless you intend to greet our visitors in the nude?”
She glared at him and scooped up her shift and corset, starting to dress. “You knew all along, didn’t you?”
He winked at her. “I might have.”
She tightened the strings of her corset. “If I didn’t love you, I very well might slap you.” She scooped up the day dress she’d discarded last night.
“An injured man?” He clucked his tongue and shook his head as he pulled on his shirtsleeves.
“Button me?” Ellie spun around, presenting her back to James. His warm fingers brushed her spine, sending chills over her skin. Ellie sighed, adoring his touch. She could do this for the rest of her life. Always, forever.
“Do I have time to kiss you?” she asked as she turned.
“Always.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, his lips finding hers. All too soon the bell at the door rang. Eleanor groaned, stepping back. She wanted to see her old friends but wished for more time alone with James before they were overwhelmed by neighbors.
“Come, we’ll greet our first guests.” James took her hand and led her down the steps. Ellie pressed her feet into her slippers at the bottom of the staircase where she’d lost them last night. “I do hope we won’t find any undergarments in any unusual places,” she whispered as she reached for the door. Where had she left her bloomers? Hopefully in the bedchamber.
The brilliant morning sunlight momentarily blinded her.
“Oh bless your soul!” Ellie suddenly found herself pulled into Mrs. Swann’s large and warm bosom. The hug had her gasping for air, but she didn’t mind in the least. “We never thought we’d see you again! Mr. Swann! Mr. Swann!”
The older man grinned at her from behind his wife. They had the same round, kind faces, weatherworn from work and country life. But they looked older, so much older. For a moment Ellie was saddened to have lost precious time with them. But she would not live in the past, not when the present was so wonderful.
“Is it true?” the woman asked, taking Ellie’s hands and glancing slyly at James. “Are you remarried?”
“It is.” She turned toward James. “My name is Eleanor McKinnon now.”
“Ellie has told me so much about you,” James said, bowing over the woman’s hands. His practiced manners and handsomeness had the older woman twittering like a debutante. “I look forward to finding that peace she has had here.”
“Well then, you are quite welcome.”
But she could see it would take some time before they would trust him. She didn’t blame them. Aunt Jeanie’s husband had been wretched, and when he had died young no one had missed him. They knew only too well what Lord Beckett had been like. The one time they’d come to London and tried to visit her it hadn’t gone well.
Eleanor stepped out onto the stoop. “Are you responsible for keeping up my aunt’s gardens?”
Mrs. Swann flushed. “I did my best.”
Ellie slipped her arm through the older woman’s. She could remember Mrs. Swann spoiling her with gingersnaps and peppermints. Together they stepped into the front garden, leaving James and Mr. Swann on the stoop to discuss the building and lands.
“I know it seems sudden,” Ellie said softly as they moved past the rosebushes and around the corner of the house toward the back where indeed the apple trees were still growing. Beyond the trees she could see the gently sloping hills of the West Country. There was no place more stunning, and her eyes burned with tears merely witnessing the beauty around her.
“Is he a good man, dear?”
A grin split her face. “He is. The best I’ve ever known.”
She took Ellie’s hands and they paused under a tree. “Then we are happy for you.”
An apple suddenly fell from above, hitting Ellie on the shoulder, bouncing off, and tumbling to the ground. Mrs. Swann cried out, stumbling back, while Ellie looked up, bemused.
“Catherine!” Mrs. Swann shook her fist up at the branches. A young girl hung from above, her dark hair clumped in ratty knots around her narrow, dirty face.
“Sorry,” she muttered. “It slipped.”
“I told you before, lass, you’ll get a bellyache eating them before they’re ready!”
Eleanor bit back her laughter. She’d had plenty of stomachaches as a child from eating unripe apples. “Who are you?”
“None of your business.” The child jumped from the tree and darted toward the stone fence that separated her land from the lane, her worn gingham gown too short for her long legs. Just then James and Mr. Swann strolled into the garden.
“Come back here, you, and learn your manners!” Mr. Swann darted after the child, waving his fist in the air. Ellie looked away, hiding her grin. Mr. Swann hadn’t changed. He might appear gruff, but she knew he had a heart of gold.
James caught her smile as he paused beside her, no doubt reminded of his own childhood, full of mischief and adventure. With his hands in his pockets and his hair windblown, he looked at ease. A country gentleman.
“I hope you don’t mind.” Mrs. Swann was ringing her hands. “The child has no one anymore. Mother died last year.”
Eleanor’s heart softened.
“She shows up here once in a while for food.”
Eleanor watched the child jump over the fence and disappear. “No, of course I don’t mind.”
“Oh, I knew you wouldn’t!” She pressed her hands to her chest. “As sweet as you always were. London life didn’t change you. We’re so happy you’re here.”
“As am I.”
“How she loved you,” Mrs. Swann said, resting her hand on Ellie’s arm. “We all loved you so very much.”
All this time she’d felt sorry for herself, thinking she’d had no one. But she had known love, she had had a family, a childhood. Perhaps it wasn’t perfect always, but she had memories, good memories. She had been adored by a wonderful aunt. And she was adored now.
Mrs. Swann patted her shoulder. “We’ll go take care of tea and meet you in the parlor?” The woman scurried off, knowing when a couple needed time alone.
“What do you think?” she asked James the moment the couple disappeared inside.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I think we have a lovely home and the start of a lovely friendship with two kind people.”
Ellie threw her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. “Have you ever made love outside?”
He grinned. “Not that I can recall.”
She lifted her brows in surprise. “I don’t believe it!”
“Believe it or not, there are many, many things I haven’t done that I’d like to experience with you.”
“And we will.” She stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.
“I do believe we’re being watched,” James whispered against her mouth. Eleanor leaned back and glanced behind her. Catherine, the child from the apple tree, was peeking over the fence. No doubt she was wondering if she could make it back for the green apple she’d dropped.
“I think that child needs a stable influence,” Eleanor stated, her mind spinning. Did she have no one to raise her? The poor dear.
James brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “And I know someone who just might be able to help.”
Thoughts of Catherine sent her back to James. “You aren’t too upset that I can’t bear children?”
“No.” His face grew serious. “I would take any child in need of a home.”
She knew he thought of his own childhood and his sister. She glanced back toward the fence, but the child was gone. Eleanor hadn’t ever thought about offering a home to orphans. But they did have enough space and plenty of money. So very much to offer.
She slid her arm around James and held tight. Together, they started back toward Rose Cottage. “James, perhaps we might have a family after all.”
Epilogue
&nb
sp; “Only a few hours’ ride,” Eleanor said, her head resting upon James’s shoulder. “Not very far at all.”
Catherine and Samantha were asleep on the seat across from them, their heads nestled together. Although they looked nothing alike, Catherine with her wild ways and dark hair, and Samantha with her quiet reserve and blonde hair, they were thick as thieves. Every time he saw them whispering in each other’s ears, telling sisterly secrets, his chest ached with a warmth that almost frightened him.
Catherine had fit naturally into their fold, lured by Eleanor’s kindness and apple pies. But for Samantha they’d had to return to London and St. Anne’s, where Ellie had first spotted the child. It had been difficult, knowing his sister was there yet not willing to speak with him. But he’d managed by focusing on Samantha.
He drew his fingers through Ellie’s, rubbing his thumb over the sensitive heel of her hand. “Yes, very close.”
“Which means,” she said, pressing a kiss to him, “if they so agree, we might meet together rather often.”
“Yes.” He smiled, for he knew what she was truly excited about… the idea of having acquaintances. Mr. and Mrs. Swann were dear, wonderful people, but they were more grandparents than friends.
She smoothed down her apple-green silk skirts, brushing away even the tiniest bit of dust, worried about being presentable. He was amused by her attention to detail, forcing them all to wear their Sunday best. “We can visit often… if they care for us, that is. We are a rather odd lot.”
“They will like you,” he said, although he wondered if he would be as accepted. It wasn’t as if he, Alex, and Gideon had been great friends. He hadn’t believed their thoughts on Lady Lavender, and perhaps they might hold a grudge. Besides, wouldn’t being near them merely remind him of his past? A past he’d rather forget. But he wouldn’t dampen Ellie’s excitement. If she wanted to see them every bloody Saturday, he’d grit his teeth and bear it.
“And considering we are halfway between the two, that means everyone could meet at our home. Weekend gatherings, holidays, even.”
He laughed, nodding in agreement. Her excitement was utterly charming. When she was happy, he was happy. He’d thought he was content at Lady Lavender’s, but in reality he’d been numb. Now… now he felt alive, whole.
“But do not fret, I have not given up on your sister,” she said, resting her hand on his thigh.
His smile fell. “I fear she may be lost to me.”
“Never. You taught me that, you know, to never give up hope. Just when I thought my life was over, done, a hell on earth… you came along.”
“Actually, you came along, Ellie. This was your doing and you deserve the credit.”
She grinned. “Fair enough, we’ll each take half responsibility then.” He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before the girls woke. Just as the carriage slowed, heading through large iron gates, Catherine and Samantha stirred. Even now when they lifted their lashes he could still see that flash of fear, before their minds registered where they were. The fear faded quickly enough, and soon, hopefully, whatever horrible memories they held would fade completely.
“I do believe we’ve arrived.” He brushed aside the curtain. A wide green lawn spread before them, acres and acres of lush land. At the end of the drive, a massive estate of light stone stood tall and proud. Holy hell, Gideon was truly wealthy.
Catherine stretched and yawned. “There? Finally!”
Poor Eleanor had been hoping for a daughter, but Catherine was more boy than girl, always chasing after him. They would fish, catch frogs, and even hunt. He didn’t mind in the least, for she reminded him of his sister. But when she was hurt, or scared, she always went to Ellie.
They’d only had Samantha for six months, but she was finally easing into their home. The poor child didn’t know how to be loud or adventurous, but he had no doubt that Catherine would teach her. The little blonde remained quiet and still upon the seat, not even curious enough to look outside. But Catherine didn’t worry about being reprimanded. She pushed open the window, dust floating into the carriage.
Evading Ellie who was reaching forward to straighten the large blue bow in her hair, she leaned out the window. “Jumping frogs! Have you seen the size of their house?”
“Catherine, do get back inside! You’ll be full of dust when we arrive.”
The girl slumped back into her seat and pulled the window closed. How in the world had he ended up with so many females? Even their cat, Chester, was a female. Yet as he looked around the carriage at each of their beautiful faces, he realized he wouldn’t have it any other way. He adored them, and they adored him. The feelings of love were so strong that at times he feared their little cottage would burst.
The carriage stopped before wide, shallow steps, and a footman dressed smartly in black appeared, opening the door. “Good day, sir. You must be Mr. McKinnon.”
“Yes.” James hopped down, and then turned to help the children and Ellie.
“Very good. They are taking tea in the back garden.” He gave them a smart bow that made Catherine and Samantha giggle. “If you will follow me.”
As they started forward, Catherine and Samantha lost their amusement. Even Ellie looked nervous. Catherine grabbed Ellie’s hand, and Samantha latched onto him. He hated seeing them so anxious. Wanted to slay bloody dragons for each of them. Truth was at Rose Cottage they lived a rather relaxed and carefree life, having no desire to restrict themselves to the rules and regulations of the ton. The girls ran around barefoot. Even wore boy’s trousers at times, much to Ellie’s dismay. They ate when they chose, read what they wanted, and had even hired a tutor to teach Catherine and Samantha science and math. Ellie had insisted they have the same opportunities as any boy, and he’d agreed. His daughters would be whatever they wanted.
They rounded the corner and found the group seated on a wicker set, laughing, talking as if in some bloody painting. Children of various ages raced around the yard. James paused. Catherine and Samantha watched them with wide, nervous eyes. They needed friends more than anyone. He wasn’t one to pray much, but he prayed then and there that his family would be accepted.
The footman glanced back, pausing with them. “Sir, is there something amiss?”
James forced himself to smile. “No, of course not.”
Ellie slid her hand into his and he felt better. No matter what, he wasn’t alone. As if sensing their presence, Alex glanced back. A wide grin split his tanned face. He said something to the woman across from him as he surged to his feet, a baby with dark hair in hand. The others followed his gaze. Gideon stood, a small babe in his hands as well. Good Lord, the scene just kept getting odder and odder.
“Come,” James said. “Let’s get this over with.”
They met them halfway.
“James!” Alex grasped him by the shoulders and drew him close for a hug, smashing the child between them. He seemed truly happy to see him. Gideon, always stoic, merely nodded, but there was a genuine smile upon his face. Perhaps they held no hard feelings. Perhaps they could be friends after all.
“You know Grace.” Alex turned toward the woman with shining brown hair who stood smiling beside him. “And this is Julian.” He held up the babe, who was gnawing on his chubby fist. “Our eldest, Hope, is off playing with the children.”
“You have a lovely family,” James said.
“I suppose I should introduce mine,” Gideon grumbled.
“Of course not,” Alex said. “We wouldn’t expect you to do anything that would be considered polite.”
Gideon lifted a dark brow but managed to refrain from biting back. “My wife, Elizabeth.” He nodded toward a pretty woman with red hair. “My daughter Lucy.” He held out a babe with brilliant locks that matched her mother’s. The child smiled up at him, showing two perfect little teeth. “And our other two brats, Henry and Cally, are running around here somewhere.”
“Brats?” Elizabeth lifted a brow, mocking him. “How dare you. Our children ar
e perfect angels.” She winked down at Catherine and Samantha. “At least they’re angels when I threaten them.”
“There are cookies and lemonade,” Grace said kindly. “Would you like some?”
The girls looked up at James. He nodded his permission. But still shy, they waited for Eleanor to lead the way.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Grace said to Ellie, sliding her arm through hers. “Patience has told me so much that I feel like we’re already friends.”
The other children raced over, curious to see the new children. Noting the friendly, smiling faces, James had never felt more relieved. He released the air he hadn’t realized he held and slipped his hands into his trouser pockets.
“Dear God,” Gideon said. “We actually look like proper English families, merely enjoying the summer weather. Perhaps we should play croquet or charades.”
“Hold your tongue, man, don’t even mention it.” Alex laughed. “Yes, we look perfect from the outside. How horrified the neighbors would be if they knew the truth.”
James swallowed hard, his words bringing back painful memories. “Our town knows.”
They looked at him warily. “How?” Alex asked.
“The scandal broke in London. It took some time, but it followed us there.”
“I’m sorry.” Alex rested his hand on James’s shoulder. “I suppose we can’t truly escape our pasts, can we? We can only learn, accept it, and move on.”
“Good God,” Gideon grumbled, tossing his daughter into the air and catching her, smiling when she giggled. “You sound like my wife.”
“How do they treat you?” Alex asked.
James shrugged. “It was difficult at first, but the local reverend decided that God had called upon him to save us.” James grinned. “Of course he hadn’t met Catherine at that point. She does her best to make the world think we are heathens.”
Gideon grinned, settling his daughter against his shoulder. “Well then, she should get along famously with Henry and Cally.”
“Do you both forgive me?” James asked, growing serious. Damn it all, but he had to get it out in the open. “For not believing you about Ophelia?”