Chapter Thirty-One

Seven Years Later

A high scream pierced the air, followed by gurgling laughter.

"Be careful, dear," Saffron called without taking her eyes off her work. Her hands were deep in the earth, massaging the tender roots of a rosebush free from its neighbor. If left to grow so closely together, the lack of airflow would cause the plants to not dry properly, and the roots would rot.

Six months prior, she would not have known and would have allowed the bushes to grow and strangle each other. But soon after she'd taken up her new hobby, the groundskeeper had put his foot down. Although he did not approve of her pastime, he was smart enough to realize that without training, she would do more harm than good.

A soft brush against her leg made her turn and hold out her hand for Cinder. The slinky cat butted her head against Saffron's elbow, then flopped onto her side and aggressively groomed her chest.

"Faster, Daddy!"

Saffron dusted the dirt from her hands and stepped carefully back onto the grass. Some distance away, Leo frolicked with their daughter, spinning her around in the air.

"Faster, faster, faster!" Daisy cried, kicking her small legs beneath her muddied pinafore.

"Don't let her bully you," Saffron called, eyeing her husband's wooden leg with concern.

Years had passed since he'd lost his foot, and Leo had spent much of that time in recovery, with Saffron refusing to leave his side. She thought she would never get the smell of poultice out of her hands. It had been a long and difficult recovery, but Leo's determination had won out in the end.

Every member of their staff was paid enough to see to their comfort. It was an incredible expense, but one she had insisted upon. She'd seen what life was like for them, and she would have no one in her employ living in squalor. They could afford the increase in wages, now that Ravenmore had been revealed to be Sabrina. The story that accompanied the paintings, and the tragic, short-lived romance she'd had with Sir Basil Summersby, baronet, had created such a demand that she had convinced Leo to sell the paintings they'd found hidden in the wall.

"Higher, higher!"

She walked over to the nearest bench, waving at Leo as she sat.

Her husband was older, of course, as was she, with more silver in his hair, and more lines on his face, but he was still the man she fell in love with. Still as caring as he had always been.

He threw Daisy in the air, and the girl raised her arms and legs, squealing with joy. At six years old, she was still light enough to hold. Saffron's heart squeezed as Daisy ran toward her. Soon she would be too big to carry.

"My little one, you've made a mess of yourself," she said, wiping a smudge of dirt from her daughter's face. "What will your governess say when she sees you?"

Daisy shook out her skirts and made a perfect curtsey. "She will say I am becoming a young lady."

Saffron burst into laughter. Already, their daughter was wreaking havoc upon the estate. Her cerulean-blue eyes, dimples, and raven-black hair gave her a doll-like appearance.

She pulled her daughter into her arms and squeezed her close, wishing she would stay small and innocent forever.

"May I go visit with Great-Aunt Rosemary, Mother?" Daisy whispered, patting Saffron's hair with her small hands.

They had converted the small cottage by the river into a cozy home, and Rosemary had taken up residence. Saffron had tried to convince her aunt to stay in the manor, but the older woman preferred her independence. Leo had suggested Rosemary move in with his mother, but the dowager had not yet agreed.

"As long as you bring at least two maids with you," Saffron said to her daughter. "But please, try to keep your pinafore in order."

Daisy gave an angelic smile and then raced off through the mud, spattering her dress with brown flecks. Saffron doubted the girl would come back with an inch of her skin or clothing free of dirt.

Leo reached out and took her hands, a gentle smile on his face. "She reminds me of you. She never stops moving."

"She needs a playmate," Saffron said. "What do you think: a sister or a brother?"

Leo touched her stomach and smiled from ear to ear.

She found herself hoisted in her husband's arms and spun around as Leo had done with Daisy.

"Careful of your leg!" she urged.

"Damn the leg," he whispered into her hair. "I'd give the other up if it meant staying with you."

She squeezed her arms around Leo's neck. "I was right. I make a great companion."

Leo pulled back and looked at her. "A companion to whom?"

Saffron pressed a kiss to her husband's cheek. "A companion to a count, of course."

THE END