“May I hold her?” Louisa placed Evie into her aunt’s arms watching the emotions playing over Caroline’s face. Two pairs of black eyes stared at each other, taking measure.
“She looks just like Kit did when he was an infant,” Caroline said softly. “I felt so alone and isolated after my mother’s death, living with my father’s new wife while he was at sea -- until Kitty was born. He was so lovely with those black eyes and curls. I used to sit with him for hours, pretending he was my baby, and that he would love no one but me.”
Louisa glanced at Kit, who looked wistfully at his sister. They obviously shared a very strong bond, unweakened by time and distance.
“I can’t wait to spoil her. I only have sons, you know, and they haven’t seen fit to bless me with any grandchildren,” she said to Louisa, smiling at the little girl. “I’ve always longed for a daughter.”
“Lady Carew,” Louisa began, unsure of how to address her sister-in-law.
“Please, call me Caro. Kit always did. And may I call you Louisa?”
“Of course. Caro, we are in dire need of a wet nurse. I’ve been unable to nurse Evangeline for some time. She barely survived the crossing.”
Caroline’s head snapped up, her eyes aglow with purpose. “I haven’t had to hire a wet nurse since my youngest was born, but you need a healthy, strong country girl. London girls are unclean and undernourished. One of my kitchen maids has recently had a child -- a bastard, I should say, but I didn’t have the heart to throw her out with the winter coming. She’s just a slip of a girl. She’ll feed Evie until a proper nurse can be found. Summon Ruth!” she ordered the manservant by the door.
The girl who entered a few minutes later was no more than fourteen, thin and frightened. Louisa’s heart went out to her, imagining what her life would be with a newborn and no husband to care for her.
“Ruth, Lady Evangeline will require feeding until a proper wet nurse can be found. I expect you to feed her before you feed your own child to ensure she has enough milk. You will be compensated,” she added as she saw the shock on the girl’s face. “Now, take the baby and feed her right away. You may stay in Lady Evangeline’s room with your own child and feed her as needed. Lady Sheridan will supervise. Get to it, girl!” She snapped at the frightened girl, who gently took Evie from Caroline’s arms and scampered out of sight. Louisa resolved to do something for the girl, making sure she had a little nest egg to fall back on in case of hard times.
**
Louisa sighed with pleasure as she sank deeper into the steaming water of the bath. She hadn’t had a proper bath since before her arrest, and only able to wash parts of herself on the ship, mostly with nearly freezing water. The fire crackled in the massive fireplace, warming the room against the frigid temperatures of the December night. She’d left Kit to spend some time with Caroline, giving them some privacy. The huge four-poster bed beckoned to her with its clean linens and fluffy pillows, but she just wasn’t ready to get out. The hot water was absolute bliss. Evie was sound asleep in the adjoining room, full to bursting and wearing a clean clout and gown. Louisa made sure that Ruth was comfortable on the narrow cot, her own little girl warm and fed. The baby was lovely, with blond hair and round blue eyes, no doubt a gift from her father since Ruth was dark-haired and dark-eyed.
For the moment, everything was well. If only she had some news of Valerie and Alec. Louisa had prayed every day that they would find Finn and come home. What she wouldn’t give to be able to send a message. Living in the future, she took communication so for granted. Anyone could reach anyone they wanted at any time and any place. The notion of not being able to send a message for months was still strange to her, even after living in the past for nearly three years. Even then, there was no guarantee that the letter reached its destination. Only time would tell if Valerie got the letter. Louisa might not have any news until sometime in the summer. She would just have to be patient.
Kit said that they would stay in London through Christmas and New Year, and then retire to his country estate in Essex. He hoped to convince Caro to join them. She’d been unwell, coughing up blood and feeling weak and frail. Louisa thought that she might have consumption or tuberculosis, but there was no cure for those diseases in the seventeenth century. She would stay alive by sheer strength of will until her body failed her. Louisa was glad that she’d gotten to see her beloved brother before she died, and to meet her niece. Maybe the joy of having them near would extend her life for a few extra months. Louisa had seen the look of shock on Kit’s face when he first saw his sister. He understood the implications of her illness, grieving for her already. This would be her last Christmas, and he wanted to make it special for her, surrounded by family.
Chapter 75
Alec took Valerie’s hand as they stood in the woods outside their house. It was wonderful to see the house, bathed in the cold sunlight of early December. Everything looked exactly as they had left it, except for the dusting of snow on the grass and bare branches. Mrs. Dolly would be preparing supper, while little Louisa would be reading in her room or embroidering in the parlor; and Louisa would probably be feeding Evie as Kit finished up some last minute chores before going in to wash before supper.
“Ready?” Alec asked, looking down at Valerie.
“Ready.” They set off for the house, their boots crunching on the newly fallen snow. They were eager to see everyone, if not to explain why they’d come back without Finn. It would be extremely difficult to tell people that Finn was dead, but that was the only way they could explain why he was never coming back. They’d tell everyone that Finn had run off and had been killed by Indians in North Carolina. Only Louisa and Kit would hear the truth of what really happened.
“Mama!!!” Valerie looked up as her daughter came flying out of the house, running toward them as if the hounds of hell were on her heels. “Oh, Mama. Where have you been? So much has happened.” Louisa was crying as she hugged first Valerie then Alec before giving them a gimlet stare. “Where have you been all this time, and where is Finn?” And so it had begun.
**
Valerie slipped a nightdress over her head, climbing into bed next to Alec. It was nice to be home, despite everything. A merry fire crackled in the hearth, throwing shifting shadows onto the walls, and giving the room a cozy warm glow. Alec pulled Valerie closer, warming her cold feet with his.
“I just can’t believe it, Alec. All this time we thought that everything was all right here, and so much was happening. The house seems so empty without Louisa, Kit and Evie. I pray they’re all right. We won’t have any word from them until next spring, when the ships start sailing again. I’ll go mad not knowing if they are safe. It must have been difficult to make the crossing so late in the season with a newborn. And Bridget is gone.” Valerie was still shocked by the events of the past several months. Little Louisa filled them in, tripping over her words as if she couldn’t get them out quickly enough. Valerie supposed she wanted to tell them her version before Charles had his say, which he insisted on having in private with Alec.
“I’m sure they’re well. They’ll be safe in England until Louisa’s crime has been forgotten. They’re probably better off, considering the situation within the colony. At least they won’t go hungry. Thank God Charlie was here to take over for Kit. He’s done very well, considering.” Alec and Charles had spent an hour in Alec’s study discussing estate business and the upcoming winter, not to mention Louisa’s near marriage to Tom.
“Oh, he’s done well, has he? He nearly married Louisa off without even consulting us.” Valerie was stunned to find out that Louisa had been engaged to Thomas Gaines. “She’s only fifteen, for the love of God.”
“Valerie, he did what he thought was best. He was only trying to protect her. No harm done. Tom is gone, and Louisa will get over it in time,” Alec replied.
“You’re right, of course. In time, there will be someone else, someone who’ll appreciate her and love her.” Valerie was secretly glad that Tom had cho
sen to run away. He was a handsome young man, but there was something about him that she found disturbing. He was selfish and self-absorbed, and no doubt had only been toying with Louisa all along. Valerie’s thoughts were interrupted by Alec.
“Life in town is going to be very difficult this winter. It will be a fight for survival, and things will be dire here too. We must do all we can to prepare. I’m glad that Charles and Annabel will stay with us. They’ll be safer here, and I need Charlie’s help. Mr. Gaines should come too, but Charles says he refuses to leave his home. He’s a stubborn old man.”
Alec kissed the top of Valerie’s head, sighing. “Charlie and I had wasted enough time resenting each other. We’ll have bigger problems to deal with. We need each other.”
“Well, he did accuse you of adultery and murder, but I’m glad you’re ready to forgive him. He loves you more than you know, Alec, and you are alike in so many ways.” Valerie snuggled closer to Alec, needing his warmth.
“I can’t stop thinking about Finn,” Alec sighed. “I never really noticed it before, but he’s so much like his father, not just in looks but in temperament. He’s passionate and headstrong just like Finlay, always following his unruly heart. I hope Finn keeps his promise not to join the Continental Army or the Militia. I just want him safe.”
Valerie could almost see Finn’s face as they said goodbye to him that afternoon. He’d promised not to do anything foolish, but he was a sixteen-year-old boy. Doing foolish things came with the territory. At least he promised not to get married until he turned eighteen. Finn confided to them that Abbie had begun to bleed that morning, a great relief to both of them, after which Alec took him aside for a private talk. If Finn and Abbie were lovers, he had to know how to protect her from unwanted pregnancy until they were ready to start a family. Finn would stay with the Mallorys and work for the Committee of Correspondence. He liked the intelligence work a lot more than actual combat. Valerie hoped he would just stay safe.
“What did Mr. Taylor speak to you about? I saw him going into your study. He seemed rather secretive.” Valerie couldn’t say she was overjoyed to see the old man, but Charles had mentioned that Mr. Taylor had made himself useful in every way he could think of.
“You’re not going to believe it,” said Alec with a huge grin on his face. “Mr. Taylor has asked my permission to marry Mrs. Dolly and stay with us. He’ll be the oldest bridegroom in history. I gave my consent. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Why would I mind? If they’re happy, who am I to object? Let’s get some sleep. I’m absolutely exhausted.” Valerie snuggled next to Alec as his hand cupped her breast, kissing her tenderly.
“Just as soon as we rechristen our bed, love.” Valerie had no objections.
May 1623
Epilogue
Valerie folded the letter, stuffing it into her pocket. It was such a relief to hear from Louisa at last, even if the tidings weren’t all good. She was devastated to hear about Bridget’s death. To think that she had been hiding her illness from them for so long, not to mention the reason she’d left Ireland. Valerie always suspected that Bridget wasn’t telling her the whole story, but she didn’t want to press. Everyone was entitled to their secrets.
Valerie couldn’t blame the woman for being driven to murder. No one dared to step in when a wife and children were abused, leaving them to either suffer in silence or take matters into their own hands. Bridget didn’t have a father or brothers to whom she could turn to in time of need, so she did the only thing she could think of to protect her children. Her conscience wouldn’t let her rest though, forcing her to live a life of self-inflicted exile. At least Louisa had been there with her at the end, bringing her some comfort, and making sure she was shriven before she died. Confessing her sin at last would have meant the world to Bridget. A sailor they’d met aboard the ship went to Ireland to see Bridget’s girls and deliver her letter. They would have forgiven her, even if she couldn’t forgive herself. Valerie would ask Alec if they could put a cross for Bridget in their cemetery. Her body might have been buried at sea, but she deserved some marker to commemorate her life, and give them a place to remember her.
Louisa and Kit had stayed in London through the winter, looking after Caroline. She’d been jilted by her young lover and deserted by her friends once she became ill, leaving her melancholy and alone. Louisa and Caroline had formed a strong friendship, as two strong-willed women were bound to do. Caroline had died peacefully at Kit’s country estate just before Easter. Kit had been happy to spend time with his sister since they hadn’t parted on good terms before. Anyway, the reason no longer existed, since Caroline wholeheartedly approved of his choice of wife, even if her background was a bit murky.
Valerie was immensely grateful that her sister and family were well, even if they were halfway across the globe. The winter had been even worse than they’d anticipated. Over four hundred colonists died of starvation, Minnie’s father and Mr. Gaines among them. Everyone else on the estate had pulled through, but they were all skeletally thin with loose teeth and bleeding gums. Supplies had finally come in; setting the colony on the path to recovery, but it would take time.
Alec came striding across the lawn to sit next to Valerie on the bench overlooking the lake. He was grayer and thinner than he used to be, but happy to have come through the winter with minimal loss of life.
“Are you finished reading the letter? Are they well?” Alec had watched Valerie run off, clutching the letter to her chest after Charles brought it from town that afternoon. She had to read it alone before she could share the news with everyone else.
“They are well. They had to get a wet nurse for Evie, but she’s thriving and Louisa is pregnant. She is due sometime in July or early August. The pregnancy is going well, and they’re hoping for a boy to inherit the title and estates. There’s some bad news as well. Bridget is dead, Alec. It turns out she had a tumor in her breast and hid it from everyone for months. She died during the crossing. Louisa was able to find someone to give her last rites, so at least she was shriven. That must have brought her some relief. Oh, I miss them so much, Alec.”
Alec put his arm around Valerie, drawing her closer. “I’ll tell you what. After we bring in the harvest in September, we can sail to England to visit Louisa and Kit. We can spend the winter with them, and maybe spend some time in London. I’m sure our darling hellion of a daughter would enjoy that, especially if we promise her a visit to the theater and maybe a ball or two. Would you like that?”
“Oh, I would. I’d like that very much.” Valerie leaned against Alec, already thinking of seeing Louisa again.
“Actually, I have a little surprise for you. I gave Mr. Taylor and Cook a cottage on the estate as a wedding present, and Mr. Taylor has given me a present as well.” Alec pulled out the time-travel watch out of his pocket holding it up in front of Valerie. “He won’t be needing this anymore, so you know what this means? We can visit Finn any time we want.”
“Oh my God, Alec. When can we go? I know you’re busy with the estate now, but maybe we can go in the summer.”
“If we set the device a few years ahead, we might be grandparents by then,” said Alec smiling.
“Don’t put the cart before the horse, grandpa. I’m not ready for that yet.”
“Actually, there is somewhere else I’d like to go after we visit Finn and return from England. I still want to drive a car and see an airplane,” Alec said, grinning.
“You’re on!”
The End
Please look for A Game of Shadows: Book 4 of The Hands of Time Series – Now available for purchase at Amazon.com
Notes
I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of The Hands of Time Series as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. When I wrote the first book, I never planned to pen a sequel, but these characters took over my heart, refusing to be silenced. Eventually, I gave in and I’m glad because their story felt incomplete.
As you can see, I’ve left A World Apart open f
or a sequel and I’m already working on book 4 A Game of Shadows. Maybe it’s time Alec and Valerie finally visited the future. I bet their daughter would enjoy that, or maybe she wouldn’t. If little Louisa seems a bit perverse, it’s because I based her on my own fourteen-year-old daughter, whose emotions change hourly.
The Indian Massacre of 1622 and the subsequent famine actually occurred. Over four hundred colonists died of starvation before the supply ships finally came from England the following spring. However, the British fort where Sam was imprisoned did not exist. I made it up, so don’t look for it in the history books. There were plenty of British forts in the area, so I didn’t think adding one more would offend anyone too much.
I would love to hear your thoughts and input about continuing the series. Please visit me at www.irinashapiro.com. I look forward to your comments.
Excerpt from The Folly by Irina Shapiro
Prologue
December 1815
The coroner looked out over the crowded room. The hush was so complete that he could almost hear dust motes twirling in the ray of sunshine filtering through the not-so-clean window of the makeshift courtroom. He hated what he had to do, but what choice was there? He had presided over many inquests during his long career, but this one had been the toughest. Sir Henry had been a friend of his youth and watching him sit in the front row, his shoulders stooped and his eyes red-rimmed with grief, did not make this any easier.
The case was baffling. There was no evidence, no witnesses and seemingly, no motive. The only people to testify had been Sir Henry, the groom and Lady Elizabeth’s maid. The coroner had personally examined the bodies, and attested to the fact that both Lady Elizabeth and Captain Flynn had been shot through the heart at close range; their bodies dumped in the lake in the hopes of either never being found, or being so disfigured and bloated by the time they were, that identification would be almost impossible. To compound the tragedy, the maid informed the court that the young Lady Flynn was in the first trimester of pregnancy, a blow to her poor husband who longed for a child from his bride.
A World Apart (The Hands of Time: Book 3) Page 30