For The Lady 0f Lowena (A Cornish Romance Book 2)

by Deborah M. Hathaway

  “And yet, you did not take it with you when you left Lowena.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “May I ask why?”

  She stared up at him. “I feared I would not find the courage to come to Fynwary Hall and speak with you. So by leaving the shell here, I thought you might come to the cottage one day and happen upon it. I had hoped that it would remind you of me, the person who you have helped me to become.”

  He didn’t speak, nor did he move closer to her, but his stance shifted. His back a little straighter, his shoulders more level.

  His eyes softened as he stared down at her, spurring on Sophia’s confidence. “My father regrets many of his choices,” she continued. “And I believe my mother does, as well. But I have no desire to live in such a way, with such regrets. Before they left for St. Austell, and I for the Merrick’s, Father told me whatever I chose to do, first and foremost, I ought to follow my heart.” She raised her eyebrows, speaking ardently. “I wish you to know, Frederick, that I did. I followed my heart. And it has led me back here, to you.”

  Time stood still. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. The look in his eyes commanded her attention. In swift movements, he strode toward her with a determined stride, and her heart leapt. His hands cupped her face with a gentleness she hadn’t expected. His shoulders raised as his fingers reached around to the nape of her neck, his thumbs resting at the sides of her face. His eyes moved between hers before dropping to her lips.

  Her mouth parted, and she curved her neck back, watching him draw nearer, closer until she closed her eyes. She waited anxiously, impatiently, as his breath caressed her mouth before finally, his lips pressed against hers.

  His kiss halted all thoughts, all worries within her mind, all the while heightening her senses. The sound of the ocean’s waves mixed with his deep breaths. The scent of the sea mingled with his earthy cologne. The smooth wind blew her hair from her brow as his thumbs stroked her skin. But the taste of his mouth on hers as he shared his affection, shared his feelings…nothing could compare.

  This was what she desired most of all. This was what she had been wishing for, longing for, all her life. To be held, to be protected, to be loved by the man who she loved in return.

  For he did love her. It was evident in the way he kissed her, the way he held her tenderly, sweetly, as if she were the most precious person in the world.

  * * *

  Frederick’s heart swelled. To have Miss Rosewall’s lips—to have Sophia’s lips—on his, to taste of her sweetness, her goodness, it was everything he had hoped it would be.

  He tilted his head, softly urging her to do the same, and their kiss deepened. His hands slipped from her face, trailing down her shoulders and arms before holding her waist. He waited, gauging her response.

  His breathing nearly stopped as her hands traveled the length of his chest. One hand curved around his neck. The other lingered where his shirt parted, her fingers resting against his skin. She was sure to feel the heavy thudding of his heart, but he did not give a care. He wanted her to feel the effect she had on him, to feel how he responded to her touch. He wanted her to see how his heart beat truly, solely for her.

  He tightened his hold on her, fearing if he let go, she might evaporate into the very air he no longer wished to breathe, for it meant breathing in a moment less of Sophia.

  How he had ever managed to live without her, he did not know. One thing was for certain, he would never do so again.

  Slowly, he ended their kiss, resting his forehead on hers with a deep sigh. “I have wanted to kiss you for so long,” he whispered.

  “As have I,” she said, a smile on her lips.

  He pulled back, peering down into her eyes, her captivating, sea-blue eyes. “When I first came to Cornwall, I thought I knew what I wanted. I had my life planned out, who I would meet, with whom I would fall in love. Then I met you.” He smiled, brushing away a curl that blew across her brow. “And I discovered that love is not always where we expect to find it. I am only grateful that you were able to push past my stubborn pride to help me see that what I have wished for all along is standing right before me.”

  Moisture gleamed in Sophia’s eyes as tears brimmed in his own. “How I love you, my darling Sophia. How I long to hold you forevermore.” He reached for her hands, pulling them up and holding them between their chests. He leaned forward, resting his brow on hers once more. “How I long to never be parted from you again. Will you allow me that, Sophia? Will you marry me?”

  Her radiant face reflected his own joy. “Yes. Yes, Frederick. I will marry you.”

  And their lips met once more.

  Epilogue

  It had been a wonderful dream, though Frederick could not recall what it was about. Something had tickled his brow, stirring him from the pleasant slumber. He sighed, and another tickle occurred, though this time on his lips.

  He smiled. He knew that kiss anywhere, and the laugh that followed. He opened his eyes, squinting from the bright sun before he could see the blue sky above him. Or rather, eyes that resembled the sky. Eyes that were framed with dark lashes and shone with mirth.

  “Sophia,” he murmured sleepily. “What are you about?”

  She grinned as she leaned over him. “Merely showing you the same courtesy you showed me when we first met.”

  His eyebrows raised. “I hardly recall kissing you then.”

  She swatted him on his leg, sitting upright on the blanket they’d laid out on the sand. “No, silly. I was waking you up before the tide reaches us.”

  He groaned as he sat up next to her, twisting out the knots in his back. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

  “That’s all right. Shakespeare puts me to sleep, as well.”

  She winked at him, and his heart filled with love, as it always did when he looked upon his wife.

  His wife.

  It had only been two weeks since their marriage, and yet, the words still thrilled him. His wife. They’d had the banns read the Sunday after he’d proposed, neither of them seeing any reason to prolong what they both wished for.

  It had been a simple affair, though the church was filled to its capacity. His mother had made the journey from London again, but Frederick was shocked to see her smiling face when she’d exited the carriage.

  “My son! To be married at last! Oh, how thrilled I am.”

  She’d even gone so far as to embrace Sophia, welcoming her into the fold of the Hawkins family. “We Hawkinses are of a hearty breed,” she’d said. “My son has told me how you’ve risen above the worst of it. You will fit right in with us, my dear.”

  She’d paused, whispering her next words in Sophia’s ear. “I hope you will forgive my earlier treatment of you. My son’s happiness is first and foremost what I desire, but he has been hurt by many in his life. I have since discovered, however, that you have chosen him above greater wealth and circumstances. I sincerely believe you will be the woman to finally provide him with the happiness he deserves.”

  They’d shared a warm smile, though Sophia had been fairly stunned into silence.

  Another surprise occurred when Sophia’s parents attended the wedding and the celebrations after. They were kind and polite to both Sophia and Frederick, and though they remained mostly in the background to avoid attracting more attention, they both shed tears of joy as the couple were pronounced husband and wife.

  Frederick had been approached by Mr. Rosewall before they’d returned to St. Austell. “I want you to know, son, that I will be setting aside a monthly fund for Sophia’s dowry.”

  Frederick had immediately protested, but Mr. Rosewall silenced him with a raised hand. “I know neither of you need it, but it is my duty as a father. You will understand one day.”

  Frederick knew refusing the money would only offend the man, so he graciously accepted the offer. Though, he was already creating ways to help his new parents-in-law with their finances later on. Still, the gesture proved to increase his respect for Mr. Rosewall, and
that was more than welcome for both Frederick and Sophia.

  A soft sigh broke into his thoughts, and he turned to Sophia. She stared out at the sea, her eyes soaking in the sights as a peaceful smile spread across her lips.

  “I assume that is a sigh of happiness, and not one of boredom,” he said.

  She turned to him. “Oh, yes. A very happy sigh.”

  “Good.”

  That was what he wished, for his wife to be as happy as he was. For he was happy, happier than he ever thought possible. Happier than he’d ever dreamed of being. And it was all due to Sophia, and the blessing she was in his life.

  * * *

  Sophia glanced to Frederick. The deep contentment in his eyes that she had grown accustomed to seeing was still reflected in their depths.

  “And are you happy, too, my dear husband?” she asked.

  He leaned forward, kissing her temple as he wrapped his arm around her. “I am. Though, I cannot help but wonder if you truly are satisfied with not going on a wedding trip. It still isn’t too late, you know. We could see the Lake District, Devon. Visit your Aunt June in Yorkshire.” He winked. “I’d even go to London if you wished it.”

  She smiled, shaking her head as she leaned against his shoulder. “No, there is no need. As I said before, this is all I desire.”

  He kissed her again, resting his head on hers. “So what do we have planned for tomorrow then?”

  She raised her head from his shoulder. “We were to go horseback riding, I believe.”

  “Excellent. You are sure to enjoy that.”

  “Yes, I’m sure I shall.”

  Since the wedding trip was not to be, and they weren’t planning to visit Dawnridge until winter, Frederick had insisted on taking Sophia on various outings each day since the wedding.

  “This will help you discover what pastime you do enjoy,” he’d said.

  Sophia had kissed him in response, which, incidentally, was a pastime she was discovering to enjoy very much. Far more than playing the pianoforte or stitching.

  Thus far, they had relaxed on the beach, visited old castles, attended a number of plays, and toured around the countryside. What Sophia was beginning to realize through it all was that she enjoyed things far better, no matter the pastime, when Frederick was by her side.

  Unless they played whist. She could not play opposite his team, for he always seemed to win, and that she could not bear.

  “What are you thinking about to make you smile so?”

  She eyed him. “You.”

  “Is that so?” he asked, a mischievous glint to his eye. “And what is it that you are thinking about me?”

  Typically, she would tease him right back, but as she stared up at him, her heart overflowing with love, she could not help but speak the truth.

  “About how happy you make me. How you accept me, flaws and all. From the moment I met you, I knew I could be myself. It was as if my soul trusted you, as if it knew you before my mind even had the opportunity to decide.”

  He smiled down at her, placing a finger under her chin and tipping her head back to place a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. “So you did not marry me for my wealth, then?” he whispered, pulling back.

  She gave him a stern look, and he chuckled. “No, sir. You know very well I did not.”

  “Not even for Fynwary Hall?” he asked, playfully narrowing his eyes.

  “No, not even for Fynwary Hall,” she repeated. “As I told you before, I did not need my old home to make me happy.”

  And she didn’t. Of course, she enjoyed living at Fynwary Hall again, though it was strange returning as the lady of the house. But knowing her children, their children, would one day learn to walk, run, and jump through the very corridors she had as a child gave her more joy than she could comprehend.

  “I only needed you,” she continued. “I would have been happy remaining at Lowena Cottage if need be.”

  Frederick looked over his shoulder, and Sophia followed his eyes to where the newly thatched roof of the cottage stood up from the cliffside.

  “Yes, but I would not have been happy,” Frederick teased. “I have grown accustomed to certain comforts in my life. Windows that close, being one of them.”

  She quirked a brow. “You told me that was repaired.”

  He pursed his lips. “Very well. It has been. We may move in come tomorrow.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder again. “Hmm. I quite like the idea of being the lady of Lowena. But worry not. I shall not make you live there, as much as I do miss my little cottage.”

  “I would live there for you, my love, if that is what you desired.” His soft voice pulled her eyes to his again. “I would do anything for the lady of Lowena.”

  “I know you would,” she whispered.

  He bent down, placing a tender kiss upon her lips. As he pulled back and faced the sea, Sophia looped her arms around his. They watched the waves move back and forth along the shore, their hearts as intertwined as their arms.

  She knew Frederick would do anything for her, for he had already done everything for her.

  He had given her new life. New hope. New love. He had removed her mask and loved her for her flaws. He had taught her that perfection was not necessary.

  For there was something more beautiful than perfection—and that was two people doing their best to change for the better, to forgive each other’s mistakes, and to love unconditionally.

  And that was perfect love, indeed.

  THE END

  Other Titles by Deborah M. Hathaway

  Stand Alone Novels

  A Secret Fire

  When Two Rivers Meet

  To Warm a Wintered Heart

  A Cornish Romance Series

  On the Shores of Tregalwen, a Prequel Novella

  Behind the Light of Golowduyn, Book One

  For the Lady of Lowena, Book Two

  Belles of Christmas Series

  Nine Ladies Dancing, Book Four

  Author’s Note

  Ever since I wrote “On the Shores of Tregalwen,” I’ve been longing to write Frederick Hawkins’s story. That sweet man deserved a happily ever after, especially after all he’s been through. Of course his happy ending didn’t come easily, what with Sophia Rosewall being an enormous pain.

  Can I share a little secret with you, though? Sophia’s character has been my favorite to write so far out of all of my books. She was so fun to let loose as she flirted and flaunted. My favorite scene was when she blatantly hinted for the Madderns to open their home to her. It’s so delightfully uncomfortable!

  Along with these characters, I was thrilled to finally write about Lowena Cottage. Ever since I saw those little houses sparingly scattered along the Cornish cliffside, I knew I wanted to write a story about one. I can only imagine what it would be like to actually live in such a place like Lowena. I wouldn’t even mind if the windows were crooked, so long as I had a view of the sea.

  If you enjoyed “For the Lady of Lowena,” please consider leaving a review. And if you’d like to receive the latest news about my future novels, sign up for my newsletter. I always share newly released and discounted clean romance novels, as well as fun polls, quotes, and giveaways. My newsletter subscribers are also the first to see sneak peeks and cover reveals!

  Make sure to follow me on Facebook (for more clean romance deals) and Instagram (for photos of my travels to the UK and more).

  I hope to connect with you soon!

  Deborah

  Acknowledgements

  After going to a writer’s conference this past May, I came away renewed, refreshed, and ready to begin my writing journey anew. Before, my full-length novels would take me years to write with countless revisions and rewrites. “For the Lady of Lowena” took me four months. That’s quite the difference! Of course, I owe this to the many people who have helped me along the way.

  First, Jenny, my lovely editor. I can’t tell you what your kind words and support for this book has done for me. Thank
you, from the bottom of my heart.

  Next, where would I be without my author friends? Especially the ones who helped me polish this book, Joanna Barker and Heidi Kimball. You are the best beta readers a girl could ever ask for. I will be forever grateful to you for sharing your time and talents with me.

  A huge, written hug must also go to my sweet friend, Arlem Hawks. Your talent has encouraged me to push harder and do better with my own writing. Thank you for always being there for me and knowing when I need a care package, a listening ear, or a simple, supportive message. You’re the best, my friend. The very best. Now hurry up and move closer to me.

  Last, I need to thank my wonderful husband. Your kindness has made my life greater than I ever hoped it would be. You continually make my dreams come true. You are my perfect love! Let’s go get that cottage in Cornwall.

  About the Author

  Deborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English and an emphasis in Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen’s novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation of Pride & Prejudice she could, entirely captured by all things Regency and romance.

  Throughout her early life, she wrote many short stories, poems, and essays, but it was not until after her marriage that she was finally able to complete her first romance novel, attributing the completion to her courtship with, and love of, her charming, English husband. Deborah finds her inspiration for her novels in her everyday experiences with her husband and children and during her travels to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall.