Epilogue

J ames and Hannah's engagement was celebrated the following afternoon with a small party at the Heywoods' house in Camden Place. Hannah's parents were in attendance, along with Charles, Jack, the Carletons, and Hannah's friend, Miss Winthrop. None of them remarked on the bruises James sported on his face, nor on the events of last evening (except for Jack, who admitted to having written Ivo with a gleeful report of James's public brawl).

After several champagne toasts and a few happy tears on the part of Mrs. Heywood, Lady Carleton, and even Miss Winthrop, James found his way to the edge of the drawing room where Captain Heywood stood, with the aid of his cane. His usually stern expression was softened with affection as he regarded his wife and daughter.

They were seated together on the sofa. Mrs. Heywood was smiling, her arm around Hannah in a loving embrace as Hannah held out her slim hand for the ladies to admire her engagement ring. James had purchased it for her only that morning at a jeweler in Northumberland Place. A fine rose-cut diamond, as flawless as Hannah was herself.

Nearby, Jack sat in close conversation with Charles and Lord Carleton, discussing the Army or the Navy, no doubt. He was still hellbent on joining up. Thus far nothing—and no one—had managed to dissuade him.

"You've made my daughter very happy," the captain said as James joined him.

James followed his gaze to Hannah. Her beautiful face was aglow with smiles and blushes. The sight of it provoked a similar glow within him. "She's made me exceedingly happy as well," he said. "I love her, sir."

"I can well believe it." Captain Heywood glanced at him. "You wired your parents?"

"First thing this morning." James expected they'd be having another celebration soon in grand Beresford style. His mother would see to it. Indeed, given Ivo and Kate's impending marriages, the next year would likely be one long celebration, filled with wedding parties, honeymoons, and endless toasts to the various couples' health and happiness.

"They'll be pleased?" the captain asked.

"Delighted," James said. "Both of my parents encouraged the match."

Captain Heywood didn't appear surprised. "My daughter is a great prize."

"She is," James agreed, looking at Hannah. He still couldn't believe she'd said yes. That she loved him, as he loved her.

"Her mother has been the making of me," Captain Heywood said.

"My father would very likely say the same about his marriage to my mother."

"You'll benefit from his advice."

"And yours too, I hope."

"My advice is to love her. To listen to her. And to take every care that her compassionate heart is never constrained by an excess of propriety."

"In other words," James said, "let her bring home as many donkeys, dogs, and kittens as she pleases."

The captain's eyes twinkled with wry humor. "In short, yes."

Hannah caught James's gaze from across the drawing room. Her mouth curved in a slow smile. James's chest tightened in reply. She didn't have to beckon to him. His soul was drawn inexorably to her warmth, just as it had been since the first moment they'd met.

"If you'll excuse me," he said to Captain Heywood.

This time, the captain smiled too. "By all means."