Chapter 44

One week later

The early sunlight peeked through the 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 less than 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."

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, and as 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 as well 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 kol á? e 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.

"Yes," he murmured, kissing her again briefly. "I am going to spend the rest of the morning convincing you to play your violin for me."

"I played it for you only yesterday."

"You might as well know now, I am very greedy. Especially so when it comes to your music. I cannot get enough of watching you play."

He amazed her. That he could so easily put aside Society's prejudices and embrace her passion for the violin made her love him all the more. He'd even mentioned hearing of a female violinist in London and had asked whether Theresia might want to travel to hear a concert of her music after their wedding. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him again. "I suppose we can return inside, then."

"It's for the best. Her Grace and Lady Cadogen will come searching for you anyway. If it's not my parents, then those two determined women are by your side."

She giggled. "They are wonderful, are they not? Tansy is so kind, and Andalin makes me laugh. I thought myself too different to find a friend here, but because of what they've gone through themselves, we relate to each other. I'm grateful to them, Rolland. I do hope they visit after the wedding."

Rolland eyed her. "Tell them they will be more welcome if they wait a decent amount of time before they come."

Theresia laughed again. "Yes, Captain."

Marrying him would be quite the adventure. He might not have the sea, but she knew he would always rise to fight any injustice around him. Perhaps she would even join him, though she dare not tell him her plans. He couldn't be the only one to bring surprises to their marriage. The thought of making him smile over and over again filled her with happiness. Life would never be easy, but with Rolland, she could endure the hardships and more fully enjoy the sweetness. Love had turned a difficult place into home.