“Was there a great deal of damage?”
Luke paused and read on, frowning. “There were some collapsed tunnels from explosions. He heard rumours that Pierre and Josefina perished in their cells, which he takes responsibility for.”
Amelia felt numb. No matter how spiteful Josefina had been, she would not have wished the girl murdered in turn.
“Tobin says he did his best to follow La Glacier, but the fortress is now deserted. The groom he had befriended is now in the village and says she left for Elba to exact revenge.”
“Oh, dear,” Meg whispered.
“’Tis no less than I expected,” Waverley said, dropping the letter into his lap.
“What now?” Amelia asked. “I feel I should do something.”
“I am surprised I have not heard anything. I will ride into Town to discover what I can.” Luke was still involved with the Foreign Office and the Lords, though he no longer wore a uniform. “Wellington is back on the Continent, so is probably aware of the circumstances.”
“I made a mull of things.” Amelia felt ill. She had handled things poorly with her aunt, and had considered, over and over, how she could—should—have contrived differently.
“You must not think of it that way. I had to learn that myself whilst in the army. You can only control so much, and you controlled what you could. In fact, I would argue you went well beyond what was asked or expected of you…certainly a young lady.”
“Thank you,” she said softly, but her thoughts had already flown to Philip and what he would do now. “May we all go to Town? I do not think I can bear to wait here for news.”
“Would it do any good if I said no?”
“I agree with Amelia,” Meg replied. “I am not yet near my time, and London is but a short journey. We will only fret here, and you will wish to be where you can have news.”
“Very well. I will meet you in Town. I will call in at the house on my way and direct Timmons to be prepared for your arrival.”
Luke hurried away and Amelia joined Meg on the sofa. As soon as her sister’s arm came around her, she burst into tears. Whether from worry for Philip or for being left behind, she could not say the cause, but she had held her feelings inside too long and they all came rushing out.
Philip sat atop Scipio and surveyed his land, from the lush, green valley to the rolling waters of the Thames. He had broken down in tears when he had first set foot on his Berkshire estate, which he had thought was lost to him forever. The last three weeks had been spent riding the grounds and meeting with his steward—Fielding had not only managed Philip’s affairs during his absence, he had more than doubled the latter’s estate and wealth. Philip could not believe it—he certainly did not deserve it.
Despite being engrossed in affairs on his estate, he could not help but think of Amelia and wish she were by his side. He deeply regretted not asking for her hand, because surely, he could not be more miserable than he was now, in his regrets of keeping quiet. It was an open wound of his own making, and the only hope of repair was her. Several times, he had stopped himself from riding off to Somerton, but he wanted to give her time to recover and decide what her true feelings were. Once she was in the bosom of what was familiar to her, she might long for one of those titled gentlemen possessed of wealth and position in Society.
Soon, he would return to his army duties. He expected a letter of summons any day now. Wellington would have returned to the Continent by now and would know of the destruction that had been wrought upon the fortress. There was little more to do here now, anyway; he had visited every one of his tenants and the grounds were in excellent condition. He took one last, longing look at his beautiful estate, then turned his horse towards London, to visit his sister for his remaining time on leave.
Somerton was on his way, and he decided to visit Amelia and follow his instincts once he was in her presence. Many times he had thought to write to Waverley to see how she did, but he had refrained, fearing that was a cowardly way to approach the situation. Urging Scipio on, he started his journey with great anticipation, for he could have Amelia in his arms within a few hours if all went well.
When he turned Scipio through the gates of Somerton, a few hours later, he was to be disappointed. A groom came out to take his horse as he rode into the stable yard.
“I'm afraid you just missed his Grace, Captain.”
“Where was he headed?” Philip asked. He was not necessarily there to see Luke.
“He went off to London, sir. Hoping for news of army affairs,” he said.
“Are her Grace and Lady Amelia at home?”
“You just missed them, too. They left an hour past, in the carriage, to join him in Town.”
Philip wondered if he had missed an important dispatch. He would hurry onwards, himself.
“Thank you. Do you tend to my horse? I will go and attempt to charm Mrs. Bates out of some luncheon while Scipio rests. I will be ready for him in an hour.”
“Yes, sir! I will give him a good rub down and then a feed of oats to fettle him.” The groom led the horse off into a stall and Philip walked to the house in a state of concern. Things were happening faster than he had expected if, indeed, military matters were what had taken Waverley to Town.
Mrs. Bates placed him near the fire in the study and he warmed himself with tea and a hearty stew Cook had prepared for the servants. He finished the meal with satisfaction and went to Waverley’s desk to avail himself of pen and paper, intending to leave a note for Lady Amelia. It would be forwarded to her in Town should he not have a chance to see her before he had to depart. He swallowed hard and prayed that would not be the case.
However, he spied an open letter in Tobin’s handwriting on the top of the desk and he read its contents, knowing Waverley would not mind if it was left out in the open.
The urgency with which they had departed to London began to make sense, and he decided to wait before writing to Amelia, for he still had hope he would have time to speak with her.
Scipio was rested and ready for the task of the remaining miles from Richmond, and they reached London just as the sun was beginning to set. Like a lovesick swain, he did not wait to send a note and beg for an audience. Surely they were past that, after all they had been through together? They were good friends, if they could not be more, and he refused to let their meeting be awkward. So why was his stomach in knots and his hands shaking with fear?
A groom took his horse at the mews and Timmons opened the door before he could knock.
“Good evening, Captain Elliot. His Grace is in his study.”
“Thank you, Timmons.” Philip had meant to ask for Lady Amelia immediately, but it would perhaps be best to see what knowledge Luke had gained before offering anything to Amelia.
“Philip!” Luke said with a smile as the door opened, and came from behind his desk to offer a hearty handshake.
“I had not expected you. What a welcome surprise!”
“I stopped at Somerton, and was directed here. Forgive my intrusion, but I saw the letter from Tobin on your desk. Have you discovered anything else? I have not yet been to Headquarters.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Waverley turned around and retrieved a paper from his desk and handed it to Philip. “I had news that some regiments are being sent back from America with all haste.”
“I suspect that means my time here is short.” He sighed heavily.
“Please take me with you,” a voice pleaded from the doorway.
Philip spun about and his heart filled with joy at the sight of Lady Amelia.
“I will leave the two of you to…resolve matters between you,” Waverley said, but Philip barely heard him. He was too busy opening his arms to gather Amelia to him.
“I have waited for this every moment since I last had you here,” Philip said into her hair.
“Then why did you stay away so long?”
“I was putting my affairs in order, and I wanted to give you time to recover.”
“Yo
u certainly did,” she retorted and he laughed.
He pulled back to arm’s length and looked down at her. “You are well, then?”
“In body... but my mind and soul have been in agony these past weeks. I do not ever want to be without you again.”
“Nor I, you,” he admitted without hesitation. “However, if there is another war, I can make no promises for the future. Following the drum is not an easy task.”
“I am ready for it. There is nothing for me here without you.”
“And if you are widowed shortly?”
“Then I shall be a widow who knew true love for a short time. I would rather that than nothing at all.”
He looked her in the eye and saw reflected there an earnestness to match his own and pulled her back into his arms.
“You dear girl. You have made me very happy, though I realize I am being inordinately selfish.”
“It is not selfishness if I want the same thing.”
“No... but you do not yet realize the harsh realities of life with the army. We ride for long, hard hours, in harsh conditions, and often for many days at a time. Sometimes we have no food. Sometimes we sleep on the cold ground. You will see dead and wounded…”
“It is where I want to be—at your side. I know it will be far from easy, but it will be more fulfilling than yearning for you, and wasting away my days in a drawing room here.”
“There will be no time for a grand London wedding, you know, if you mean to be Mrs. Elliot before I depart.”
“I certainly do!” She looked offended that he had even considered her capable of desiring a fashionable ceremony.
“Then I will arrange a license while you organize the packing of your trunks.” He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and made to leave but she called him back.
“Philip? I will try to make you proud so you will never regret offering for me.”
He took her face and cradled it in his hands. “I do not think it is possible to be more proud than I already am.”
Feeling as though it was his first kiss, delicious sensations ran through his body as their lips touched. Her comforting scent of violets filled his senses and told him that this was what he had sought—he was home; she was the one. Amelia began to return the kiss with intensity and he could not wait to make her his own and lose himself in their love. She wound her hands around his neck and pulled him closer, into the magical intoxication of their affection.
He pulled back, putting his forehead to hers, and smiled.
“Thank you for not forgetting me.”
Epilogue
Weddings and funerals were reliably good reunions, Philip reflected, one notably happier than the other. The last time they had all been together was the horrible day of Peter’s death. Today, they gathered for the union of Philip to his bride, Lady Amelia. It was a somewhat rushed occasion, due to his anticipating a return to his army duties, and he was grateful all of his brethren could attend.
Saint George’s was able to accommodate their small party, which was more than he would have expected. Luke, Matthias, James, Colin and Kitty were all present, Brethren through thick and thin. Adelaide was here, too, despite being heavy with child, walking on the arm of Major Fielding and looking happier than Philip ever could have hoped for.
Never would he have a guessed, almost a year ago now as he lay left for dead on a beach in France, that he would live to see this happy occasion.
Amelia appeared to be fully recovered from her injuries in France, and looked more beautiful than the first day he had seen her. Now, there were depths to her—scars of character—which only served to increase his attraction to her.
When Philip saw her standing at the back of the nave on Waverley’s arm, he felt a rush of elation. It was as though God had made this woman especially for him and he was fortunate he had realized it. Philip could only hope he was worthy of her.
She was radiant, the smile on her face and the pink in her cheeks glowing as she glided down the aisle in a lavender gown that shimmered like the stars with every movement she made. Beyond those details, he saw only her face and the love in her eyes as Waverley handed her to him. The Reverend spoke and they recited their vows, but he did not hear as much as he should have done.
He could only be certain he had made the right choice, even though he knew it was a selfish one. There may not be much time left on Earth for him, being a soldier, but he would make sure he did not waste another moment.
Captain and Mrs. Elliot exited the church, this cold day in early March, to the cheers of the commoners who had gathered to watch. They entered the waiting carriage and tossed vails to the crowd before driving the short distance to Waverley Place to celebrate the wedding-breakfast with their friends and family.
“Well, Mrs. Elliot? Any regrets?” Amelia was so beautiful with the sun hitting her face through the window making her look like an angel. Could it be real that she was his?
“Only that you have not kissed me yet,” she replied.
“That can be remedied this instant.” He took her in his arms and found that the passion was only intensified the more you loved someone. Amelia tasted as sweet as he remembered, her mouth giving deliciously beneath his. Sliding his arms around her back, he held her close, curving her body gently over his arm as he deepened the kiss. A sigh escaped her and he boldly nibbled her lower lip. Her lips parted and his innocent beloved followed his lead to devastating effect. His body warmed all over, and a surprising flood of emotion came over him. He felt a warm tear drip onto his skin and was shocked to discover it was his. Pulling away from the kiss, he instead hugged her as close as he could, cherishing the faith she was putting in him by joining her life with his.
Neither of them noticed that the carriage had stopped. Someone opened the door and quickly shut it again. Philip and Amelia dissolved into laughter.
“I do believe you have compromised me, sir,” Amelia teased.
“Then I fear you are forever shackled with me.”
“It is good that I love you, then.”
Philip released her, sat back, and took her beautiful face between his hands. Those bright blue eyes looked into his with such loyalty and devotion it astonished him. There was nothing more her wanted than to be the husband she deserved.
“I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love another being, Amelia.”
“Oh, Philip.” A sob escaped her throat and she kissed him again. All of the hope of a new beginning expressed in the simple action of melding lips, yet it was a yielding of self one to the other. It felt like anything was possible as he loved her with all his being.
Unfortunately, reality awaited outside.
“Shall we face our friends?”
“If we must.”
“Yes, we must. It will be some time before we see them again.”
Amelia looked a little sad at his words, but smiled. “I will miss them, but I would rather be with you.”
“Thank you,” he said dryly.
She rapped him on the arm and knocked on the carriage door. A footman opened it and handed her down before Philip could do so. He shook his head and climbed down, only to see his brethren standing before them, looking vastly amused.
“Do not say it.” Philip held up his hands. “I have everything I deserve and more.”
Waverley slapped him on the back. “I will refrain from comment, except to say better you than me.”
“I will forgive you,” James said, “but only because I could not afford her.”
Kitty stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek. “I wish you every happiness, Philip.” He wanted to know how she did, but it was not the right time to ask.
Matthias was next to offer his congratulations. “I never thought you would be the next to marry.”
“You do seem to be shirking your familial responsibilities, Thackeray. Have you anyone in mind?”
“We will not speak of me on your special day, thank you.”
The brethren all laughed.
<
br /> “I suppose it is my turn to wish you well,” Colin said, stepping forward. “However, I cannot feel easy about the situation in France. Waverley informed us of your activities since we last saw you.”
“That must have taken some time,” Philip retorted. “Lady Amelia knows precisely what she is getting herself into, I must say. It is selfish of me to ask it of her, but I confess I am honoured and privileged to have her by my side, come what may.”
“Hear, hear,” Waverley said. “I think we should toast to that indoors, where it is warm.”
The six of them made their way into the dining room, where a feast lay waiting for them on the sideboard, and other friends and family were waiting to celebrate.
They ate and they danced, and Philip could not help but wonder if they would ever all be together like this again. Hours later, after the celebration had ended and the guests had left, Waverley found Philip before they all retired and handed him a packet.
“This came from Wellington, but I dared not give it to you before.”
Philip gave him a knowing look as he accepted it and ran his finger under the familiar seal.
Captain,
You may have heard by now that I was posted to Vienna. I received news only moments ago that Napoleon has escaped Elba and is probably already back in France. It will be widely known soon. Please make haste to Brussels and join the contingent there. I am certain we will be grateful that their supplies are lessened when we face them across the field, as I fear we must and very soon. I will see you in Brussels, where your expertise on the matter of La Glacier and the Emperor’s intentions will be greatly valued.
Wellington
Philip handed the paper to Waverley. “I am to join the contingent in Brussels immediately.”
Amelia came in the room. “What has happened?”
“Napoleon has escaped.”
She sank onto a nearby chair. “It is as we feared.”
“Yes. I must depart for Brussels immediately.”
Amelia nodded her head absently, but did not betray emotion or dissolve into tears.
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