by Karen Lynne
The door banged open, and her father came striding through.
“This is the reason you were against the Longman boy?” he demanded, his face twisted in hurt and anger, stunning both women into silence.
Her father leveled his wife with a stare. “You weren’t just trying to protect our daughter. You wanted revenge. You wanted to crush that young man’s heart to get back at his father.” He shook his head. “Where is your head at, woman?”
He turned to Patience, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. “You have my blessing,” he said gruffly. “Do with it as you will.”
A shocked gasp escaped her throat. She had secured her father’s blessing! She threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you,” she whispered.
She rushed out the door, headed to the stables. Her mare was there still saddled. Throwing caution to the wind, she pushed forward, determined to catch up to Walter, her strength gathered from her father’s blessing. She had it in her power to make everything right, and she would not waste a moment in doing just that.
Chapter 16
Walter should have known Patience’s parents would never accept him. Especially after putting Patience in harm’s way. Walter silently cursed as he rode home, leading Apollo at a leisurely pace. He didn’t want to face his mother and sister after everything that had transpired. He didn’t wish to recount the dismal discovery Patience had made.
Daniel murdered to get Walter out of the way. This was his fault. How could he face his family? How could he continue his life without Patience by his side?
This knowledge racked at Walter’s consciousness, tearing through his soul. If he had backed out, given up on the case… his brother could be alive now.
No, a voice broke in the back of his head. Daniel would have been killed, regardless. Everyone was expecting him to put in a bid for the case. Daniel’s murder had been plotted before they had assigned Walter to the Vanderbilt case.
He cursed Lord Danbury and his blatant disregard for human life. Why had no one seen it before? The Baron played his cards right, he’d put on a show for everyone. Walter grit his teeth, tears stinging his eyes as the weight of what he had lost hit him.
Walter stewed in his thoughts. The news would tear his mother and sister apart. He heard the distant pounding of hooves, turning in his saddle as they grew louder, wondering if perhaps Lord Danbury dare show his slimy face. Walter would gladly finish him.
It moved him to see Patience still wearing her blood-stained dress, riding toward him, her face pale in the dimming light of the evening. He stopped, waiting for her to reach his side. She smiled. Her breathless state caused Walter to falter.
“Walter. My papa gave me his blessing.”
He stared. Certain he’d misheard. “Your father has agreed to our marriage?”
She laughed and dismounted, and he followed suit, his heart hammering, his spirits lifting with hope. She threw herself into his arms, and he held her tight, feeling her heartbeat against his.
“Papa gave me his blessing after hearing Mama’s reasons for refusing you.” She pulled away as her voice caught. “She’s a selfish woman. I don’t know how I can ever forgive her.”
Walter couldn’t tear his gaze from hers. “Then it’s true… we’re to be married?”
“Yes, we can be wed,” her eyes glistened, a tear escaping. “If you still want me.”
His family’s finances were in shambles. Even with Patience’s dowry, they would need to be creative to pay off the debts. It would be more responsibility, but yes, he still wanted her.
Hang it! He couldn’t believe he ever thought of refusing her gift. She’d never given up on him. They’d sell the estate and build a new one if need be. Start a new life in London with his mother and sister. He would reveal Mr. Bamber's role in Daniel’s death, and Lord Danbury as the violent, greedy murderer he was. He would continue his career as a barrister.
Perhaps even head barrister.
Walter smiled at his lovely Patience. “I do,” he whispered softly. Awed this angel still wanted him.
He dipped his head, planting a soft kiss on her eager lips. Patience arched against him, and he drank her in.
As he pulled away, Patience eyed him. “You must promise never to keep secrets from me again,” she chastised him.
He laughed, then sobered as he realized that keeping secrets from her had almost cost her life. “I promise. I am sorry I did not let you help me sooner.”
Patience trailed her hand up his arm, resting it on his shoulder. Her touch lit warmth through his chest. “I forgive you,” she whispered.
One last worrying thought troubled Walter’s heart. “What about your mother?”
Patience’s smile grew forced. “Do not trouble yourself with my mama. She will come to see you as I do—a hard-working, God fearing, respectable gentleman. And if not… she’ll miss her grandchildren.”
Walter smiled, pulling her closer. “Grandchildren?”
She lifted to her tiptoes, planting another kiss on his lips. “I am yours, Walter Longman. You shall never be rid of me.”
He groaned, capturing her lips once more. It was as if they had both been starved of each other as their kisses became more demanding. The barriers between them came down. A spark of wonder ran through him. He didn’t deserve her, but he was glad she was here in his arms. He lifted his head. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes radiant, shining, as if every star had gotten lost in their depths. She was his, forever.
“I love you.” Twining his arms around her, he felt for the first time that things would be perfect with Patience by his side.
Epilogue
Rebecca Allen pressed her ear against the parlor door, straining to hear. She rarely eavesdropped, listening behind closed doors. But she had seen Silas Pincock arrive by carriage through her window, watching as he heaved himself out and surveyed her parents’ estate. He’d been smacking his lips. A chill ran through her at the memory.
He was revolting, and she knew exactly what he had come for.
They had left the London season in disgrace, when Lord Berkshire discovered her mother's deception. A vile act. She wouldn’t believe it involved her mother had she not seen the letter herself. It was her mother’s handwriting. She was ashamed. Not that it reflected on her, but that Patience Hawthorn’s life had been put in danger, by her mother, for the sake of a titled marriage.
Her mother’s voice was smooth and charming, but harder to hear. It was only when Lord Danbury spoke that Rebecca could hear every word.
“Yes, that is a suitable arrangement. Your daughter will suit my needs handsomely.” Lord Danbury’s thick voice boomed through the door.
Nausea rose in Rebecca’s throat.
“Shall we plan for the union next week?” her mother asked pleasantly.
Next week. It had only been a month since their return to the country. All future seasons had vanished. Now her mother was selling her off to the highest bidder. But she didn’t know her mother would sacrifice her to the likes of the Baron.
Anger rose in her breast.
“Perhaps sooner, Lady Allen. I’m not getting any younger!” Lord Danbury burst into laughter.
Rebecca’s palms grew sweaty. Her head pounded.
“Let us seal the union in two days’ time,” he continued. “Quiet, no fuss. I understand you and your daughter would like to keep out of the public’s eye for the time being.”
Rebecca couldn’t quite hear her mother’s reply. Her voice had dipped into a hushed tone. Her mother should be ashamed. She ruined any chance of a reputable marriage, and destroyed the reputation of other young ladies, a rumor she hadn’t believed. She would never forgive her.
“Excellent!” Lord Danbury’s voice boomed through the door. “We will be wed in two days, then.”
She couldn’t stand here any longer. Pushing the door open, she moved into the room, not caring of the impropriety of listening at the door, intruding unannounced. Her reputation was already in shreds.
“Mama, no!” she cried...
THANK YOU FOR READING Patience and Walter’s story.
This is the Second book in a three book series!
Book one, A Friendly Alliance. Read Rebecca’s Regret to find out what happens next. Both can be found on Amazon today!
Reviews are always welcome and appreciated!
About the Author
As Karen Lynne, I write sweet historical romances, regency period being my favorite.
I love history and have been reading hundreds of romances since high school. Timeless authors where the hero and heroine are virtuous with sweet happy endings.
When I am not writing, I enjoy time with my sweetheart, my children and grandchildren and long lunches with my two reading buddies. You know who you are.
Gardening vegetables and fruits in my garden and living in our 1863 stone cottage in the Rocky Mountains.
Life is good!