by Deborah Hale
“That must have been powerful temptation.” Evangeline did not sound as vexed by his admission as Jasper had expected. “Yet you did not succumb to it. You came all the way to Berkshire instead. Poor Miss Webster.”
“You keep calling her that.” Jasper shook his head. “The lady is not so much to be pitied as you imagine. Nor is she as meek and obliging as we both believed.”
Evangeline raised her dark, well-shaped brows. “What makes you say that?”
His lips twitched, remembering the scene in his parlor. “I witnessed a most enlightening exchange between Miss Webster and her father after I had words with him for sending you away. She told him she would not marry me if I asked her and he must put the idea out of his head once and for all.”
“She would not marry you?” Evangeline sounded disbelieving and rather offended on his behalf. “Why?”
He made a wry face. “Hard to imagine her turning down such a fine catch, isn’t it?”
“You are a fine catch! If I had been in her position, I would have accepted you at once.”
“Thank you for saving my pride.” A hopeful smile tugged at the corner of Jasper’s mouth, though he feared it might not be justified. “After hearing two women say they would not marry me in the course of a few hours, it took rather a beating. I could not be too injured by Miss Webster’s rejection, since I never did propose to her. It turns out she is in love with someone else—a music master from Bath, whom her father is convinced must be a fortune hunter. She only came to Amberwood to oblige Mr. Webster so he would look more favorably on her suitor. She was not pleased to discover how hard he had been trying to marry her off to me and she told him so in no uncertain terms.”
“Oh, dear!” A trill of surprised laughter burst from Evangeline. “That explains a great deal. Bravo to Miss Webster for standing up to her father.”
Jasper found himself grateful to the Websters for providing a topic of conversation to break the ice between him and Evangeline. Now he must take advantage of the thaw. “I thought that bit of news might interest you, but I did not travel all this way only to share it.”
The laughter faded from Evangeline’s face. “I suspected there might be something more.”
Was this his chance, he wondered, to offer Evangeline a different kind of proposal—a compromise that might be better than what either of them had originally wanted? Or had he come all this way for nothing?
Jasper Chase was a man of his word. Evangeline believed that with all her heart. If he said he had never intended to propose to Margaret Webster, it must be true.
But did that change anything between them? Her mistaken belief that he had planned to ask for the other woman’s hand might have provoked her sudden flight from Amberwood but it had no bearing on her original refusal of Jasper’s proposal.
Had he come all this way to tell her something that would make a difference between them? Or did he hope the resolution of that misunderstanding, and her longing for his children, would make her forget everything else that stood between them?
She recalled Grace’s comment about draft animals working better in tandem. It had struck a chord with her, but could a dynamic man like Jasper Chase ever be willing to share the lead? Did the fact that he had come so far in pursuit of her only prove the lengths to which he would go to get his own way? If she gave in to her feelings for him and his children, her duties as wife and mother and her contribution to his important work might keep her content for a while. But sooner or later, Evangeline was certain she would begin to chafe at her subordinate role and resent what she had been obliged to give up.
She did not want that for either of them, and especially not for the children.
“I want you to know,” said Jasper, “that I gave a great deal of thought to what you said when you... rejected my proposal.”
Evangeline could tell those words were hard for him to speak. Clearly his reference to his injured pride had not been altogether in jest.
“Even before you... left,” he continued, “I debated with myself whether I could do what you asked.”
“Settle your family in Manchester, you mean?” After their recent misunderstandings, Evangeline wanted them to be quite clear.
Jasper nodded. “I cannot deny that at first I did not believe I could do it.”
At first? Evangeline tried to keep her rising hopes in check.
“It was not only because I am pigheaded and must have everything my own way.” He seemed determined to explain. Was that to persuade her he was right... or some other reason? “To me, Manchester is a place of danger and hardship—a place of sights I would do anything to forget. I did not want that for my children. Amberwood seemed like a haven where they could grow up as far away as possible from my past.”
Part of her wanted to argue with his reasoning, but another part sympathized all too deeply. One thing Evangeline realized without any doubt was that she had asked Jasper to do one of the hardest possible tasks for him. She had made it a condition of his marriage offer, without any assurance that it would induce her to accept. Her sense of fairness reproached her.
“Oh, Jasper...” She reached out and laid a hand on his, which were clasped tightly over his knees.
“Please let me finish,” he begged her. “Once you’ve heard everything then say what you will.”
She replied with a silent nod, but she did not move her hand. Jasper gave no indication that he wanted her to.
“The more I thought about it,” he continued, “the more I realized I was letting myself be ruled by fear—just as I accused you of doing.”
“You were right about me!” Hard as she tried, Evangeline could not hold the words back. “I have been afraid of what would happen if I let myself love anyone too much. Afraid that if I did, I would lose myself!”
He did not chide her for her outburst but nodded as if he understood the depth of her fears as well as she did his. “That is when I decided I must overcome my fear. Not only to prove how much you mean to me, but for my own sake and my family’s.”
Until that moment, Evangeline’s attention had been so focused on Jasper, she had not been aware of anything else. But suddenly she caught the sound of children’s voices drifting in from the Nethercross garden.
It was not only Grace’s three stepdaughters. It could be no less than half a dozen youngsters. The cadences of their voices were some of the most familiar and beloved to their devoted governess.
“Alfie?” Evangeline leaped up and dashed to the window that overlooked the garden. “Rosie? Are they all here?”
Indeed they were, for she could now see them as well as hear them, running about with the Kendrick girls. Only when she glimpsed them again did it hit home how dreadfully she had missed them in a few short days.
She turned toward Jasper, who had risen and followed her to the window. “You dragged them all the way here? The poor dears! How tired they must be! And what have you been feeding them—inn fare?”
Jasper gave an infuriating chuckle at her outburst, perhaps because he recognized the protective love behind it—love for his children, which was one of their strongest common bonds. “Look at them. Do they seem any the worse for our journey? I had to bring them. When I told them where I was going they would not give me a moment’s peace until I promised they could come. Besides, I hoped it would convince you of my sincere willingness to do what you asked.”
She felt a light touch on the small of her back as they stood there at the library window staring out at the garden full of children. Jasper was a strong, forceful man, but he had a gentle side too, just as she did. Perhaps...
“We stopped one night in Manchester on the way here,” he went on. “While we were there, I did what you suggested. I showed them the mill and the workers’ flats. I told them more about my hopes and plans for the place. You were right. They want to be involved. They want to help now and when they grow up.”
Evangeline nodded, brooding over her darlings as she watched them play. “They will be
an invaluable asset to you with all their different talents. They may turn out to be your most valuable legacy to the people of Manchester and beyond.”
“Indeed.” Paternal pride and love warmed Jasper’s voice. “But that is only part of what happened.”
“There is more?” Evangeline’s gaze turned from the children to rest upon their father.
Jasper stared back with undisguised love and a mysterious glow of wonder. “After I had shown the children around, they informed me that my workers’ children need a school. Not only a Sabbath school for some of the boys, but a place for girls to learn as well. I realized that education is the missing piece of my plan.”
“Of course,” Evangeline murmured, her imagination fired by the possibilities. “With an education, those children will truly have new hope, just as you did.”
“There is only one difficulty,” said Jasper.
To her questioning look, he replied, “I have no experience in education. I would need someone to organize a school for me.”
Now it was his look that asked the question.
“Me?” The prospect of assisting him in such vital work enticed her. “But what about my school? Am I supposed to simply forget about it?”
“No, indeed!” Jasper reached for her hands and clasped them in his. “Such a place is badly needed and there is no one better qualified than you to bring it about. But could we not combine your school and mine? I have a vacant building we could fix up nicely for the purpose. It is on the outskirts of town where the air is healthier.”
Combine the work that was so important to each of them and help one another achieve their dreams? It sounded too good to be true.
Jasper seemed to mistake her speechless amazement for resistance. “I know I once told you I wanted a wife who would always see eye-to-eye with me and never argue. But you have shown me that intelligent opposition can yield a compromise that is better than either original idea. I believe this is such a compromise. Are you willing to give a little to gain so much for us both and for those we care about?”
Evangeline found her voice again. “It is a truly inspired idea. I am willing to recommend it to my friends. I believe they will be in favor of it since a building would be one of our greatest expenses. But is that all you are asking—for me to establish this combined school?”
“I must admit there is more to it.” Jasper’s eyes sparkled with eagerness even as the set of his full, dark brows conveyed apprehension of laying his heart open to rejection once again. “The truth is, I love you, Evangeline. Not as a convenient mother for my children, but as the delightful, determined woman who is more than a match for me in so many ways!”
His words made her throat tighten, but the final barrier around her heart began to crumble.
Before she could answer, he continued. “I know you are afraid that you will lose yourself if you become part of a family again. But I do not believe that will happen any more than it did when you brought together your circle of friends. Look how well that turned out. I hope if I can prove myself capable of being the kind of husband you need and deserve, you will change your mind about marrying me.”
Evangeline glanced out at the garden, where Grace was supervising their children at play. Their children. Suddenly her heart acknowledged its long-denied secret wish for Emma, Matthew, Alfie, Owen and Rosie to belong to her.
Overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for this second chance, Evangeline raised Jasper’s hands and pressed her lips to them. “I am no longer so afraid of what I might lose by giving you my heart. It belongs to you now along with all the love it can hold. Whenever you choose to propose to me again, I shall be honored and delight to accept.”
His dark, rugged features glowed with joy as bright and tender as that which overflowed from her heart.
Jasper released her hands only so he could open his arms and gather her close. She raised her face to his and kissed a man she loved with her whole heart, keeping nothing back.
A brief lifetime later, when Jasper held her, his cheek pressed against her hair, he murmured, “Is it too soon to propose yet?”
Evangeline burrowed deeper into his embrace. “Not a moment too soon.”
Epilogue
Manchester, England
October 1817
AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD had gathered to watch Hannah, Countess of Hawkehurst, untie a large ceremonial ribbon stretched across the main entrance of a large, handsome stone building.
After a brief speech about how she and her fellow trustees had met and grown close during their years at school, she announced, “Today it is my honor and pleasure to declare the Faith and Friendship School now officially open!”
The spectators applauded, none louder than Jasper Chase, while Evangeline stood by his side beaming.
Her friend the countess stepped out of the way to let the crowd stream inside for a tour of the school and refreshments. Soon the only ones left outside were the original circle of friends and their husbands. Lady Steadwell had christened them “glass slipper brides” after the heroine of her stepdaughter’s favorite fairy tale.
Rebecca, Lady Benedict, shook her head with an air of amazement and admiration. “Well done, Evangeline! You more than made up for any earlier delays by getting this place running so quickly.”
Hannah, Grace and Leah nodded.
Jasper spoke up in Evangeline’s defense, even though he knew she was more than capable of taking her own part. “The responsibility for any delays rests entirely with me, ladies, and I beg your pardon with all my heart. Though I may not have recognized my feelings for your friend in the beginning, I was wise enough to know that I did not want to lose her.”
The other gentlemen all smiled at Jasper as if they understood perfectly. Though all four were titled noblemen, Jasper thought them fine fellows and looked forward to getting better acquainted.
“Enough, my dear.” Evangeline gave his arm a playful tap then grasped it warmly. “You will make me blush.”
To the others, she added, “I did want to make up for lost time once we had come to an understanding. But I cannot take all the credit. Mr. and Mrs. Brookes and his sister provided invaluable assistance. In fact, once the school is running smoothly, I may turn over the day-to-day operation to Miss Brookes.”
The ladies murmured in agreement. They had met Abigail earlier and clearly believed she would make a fine headmistress.
Glancing toward Jasper, Evangeline continued, “I must not forget to acknowledge the help of a certain gentleman. We could never have accomplished what we did without his energy, enthusiasm and practical advice.”
The Duchess of Northam gave a dignified nod, lightened by a mischievous grin. “It sounds as though you have more than atoned for any delays you may have caused, Mr. Chase. It is clear that you and your bride-to-be make an excellent team.”
When Jasper, Evangeline and Grace all laughed, the duchess protested, “What is so amusing? For once I did not mean to make fun.”
“I will explain later,” Grace murmured to her friend.
“Hadn’t we better get inside?” Hannah suggested. “Before the children devour all the food.”
“An excellent idea, my dear,” said her husband as he offered her his arm.
“Speaking of the children...” The Duke of Northam addressed Jasper as he and his wife followed the Steadwells. “My son Kit was delighted when we received your invitation. He has enjoyed exchanging letters with your children and could hardly wait to meet them in person. I hope someday your family will pay us a visit at Renforth Abbey.”
“Thank you, your grace.” Jasper marveled at the thought of a former bobbin boy rubbing shoulders with a duke. “That is very kind of you.”
“Please call me Hayden,” the duke replied, “or Northam if you prefer. After all, we will soon be as good as family.”
“Very soon indeed.” His wife winked at Evangeline with unladylike glee. “To think we shall all be married—entirely confounding the predictions of our teachers.�
�
“Now, Leah,” Jasper’s bride-to-be responded. “I do not believe our teachers are the only ones who would be surprised to see you and I married.”
The other ladies nodded and chuckled.
“I am as amazed as anyone.” Evangeline squeezed Jasper’s hand and smiled up at him. “I never expected to wed and have a family... especially such a large one, but I could not be happier that I soon shall.”
Jasper’s heart echoed her words. The past three months had been the happiest and most fulfilling of his life, working side by side with Evangeline, to realize their hopes and dreams, being a full-time father to his children and making them part of his world.
As he had foreseen, once Evangeline overcame her fears and committed herself to loving him and his children, she had plunged in, holding nothing back. The only thing left to crown their joy with a wedding.
“Wasn’t yesterday a wonderful celebration?” mused Hannah as she and her friends helped prepare their intrepid leader for her wedding. “It was the achievement of a dream and a final triumph over our past.”
“So it was.” Grace caught her friend in a warm embrace. “And today will be another.”
Leah draped a gauzy lace veil over Evangeline’s bonnet. “I have not seen such a beautiful bride since I looked in the mirror on my own wedding day!”
Evangeline laughed with the others. “It is thanks to all of you that I look remotely presentable for my nuptials. I was so busy preparing for the school opening that I scarcely thought about getting ready for my wedding.”
“My dress fits you perfectly,” said Rebecca. “It means a great deal to me having you wear it today.”
“The same goes for my veil,” said Hannah.
They had all contributed something to her wedding attire—Grace a pair of dainty kid slippers and Leah a lavish bouquet of roses from the greenhouse of Renforth Abbey.
Once Evangeline was ready, they all kissed her and wished her the joy in marriage that they had found.