The Heiress of Winterwood

by Sarah Ladd

  He pressed his lips to her forehead, noting how she trembled beneath his touch. “This is the end. I promise. I will take care of this, but I need to know you and Lucy are safe.” He leaned close, his lips touching her ear, and whispered, “I love you, Amelia Barrett. You are a part of me. No one will keep you from my side. No one.”

  In the stillness of her room at the Sulters’ house, Amelia lay propped on her side, watching her cousin sleep. With Helena’s hysteria finally coming to an end, exhaustion had set in.

  Amelia lay her head on the pillow and tucked her hands underneath it. The sheets felt cool against her cheek.

  The events of the last few days haunted her, and she did not doubt they would do so in the days—nay, years—to come.

  Next to her, Helena stirred. She did not even want to think how close she had come to losing her. When Edward held the blade to her cousin’s throat, the depth of her affection became clear. How it must hurt Helena to know the father of her child could treat her in such a way. The thought of Helena as a mother seemed surreal. But perhaps knowing what it was like to love another more than herself—just as Amelia loved Lucy—would help Helena, in time, understand why Amelia made the choices she did.

  She smoothed Helena’s nut-brown hair against the pillow. It no longer mattered what had caused the rift between them. All that mattered now was repairing what had been broken.

  Helena’s eyelashes fluttered open, and Amelia sat up, waiting for her to speak. Helena’s words were barely more than a mumble. “Lucy and Mrs. Dunne. They’re all right?”

  Amelia grabbed Helena’s hand. “Yes, dearest, they are well. Mrs. Hammond is preparing a bath for Lucy now.”

  “I’m sorry . . . so sorry.” Helena’s eyelids almost drooped closed and her words slurred. “This is all my fault.”

  Amelia shook her head. “This is all on Edward’s shoulders. He took advantage of you, me, Aunt and Uncle—and to put a child through this . . .” She shivered. “But it’s all over now, and the captain will see that Edward pays for what he has done.”

  “Captain Sterling is a good man.”

  The words echoed in Amelia’s heart. A flush rushed to her cheeks at the memory of his hand caressing her cheek. “He is a good man. He is indeed.”

  Helena’s head rolled to the side and slumber replaced consciousness. When Amelia was certain Helena was asleep, she sat up from the bed, her muscles protesting the movements. She rubbed her raw wrists as she walked down the hall and headed toward the modest kitchen where Jane was bathing Lucy.

  Tears pooled in Amelia’s eyes at the sight of the baby. Fewer than two hours had passed since Graham freed them and Sulter returned them to the safety of his home. Even though they were now out of danger, her heart still seemed to rattle in her chest. How close she had come to losing her darling Lucy! The child appeared happy and content, as if the kidnapping had never happened. But the recollection of her in that warehouse, dirty and scared, still lingered in Amelia’s memory. She suspected it would haunt her dreams for years to come.

  Lucy dunked a chubby fist into the water and giggled with delight at the resulting splash. Pleased, she turned her round face to Amelia and smiled, revealing three tiny teeth. The baby’s laugh was sweeter than any sound, her smile more beautiful than any painting.

  Amelia picked up the linen cloth, dipped it in the warm, sudsy water, and brushed it against Lucy’s soft cheek. Jane stepped aside so Amelia could care for Lucy. Three days’ worth of filth rolled off with the water. Amelia drew a slow breath to combat the tightening in her chest. Tenderly, she rubbed soap in the child’s hair and poured water to rinse it clean. Desperate to be free from the memory, she washed the child’s hair again. It could not be clean enough.

  Jane’s voice was soft. “I’ll tell Mrs. Sulter we’ll need more warm water.”

  Amelia swiveled to face her. “No need, Lucy is almost clean.”

  A smile eased across the older woman’s face. “Not for Lucy. For you, dear. You need a bath just as badly, if not worse.”

  Amelia lifted her hand to wipe the hair from her face, and for the first time noticed the layer of dirt covering her forearms.

  Jane’s face scrunched as she picked something out of Amelia’s hair. “What is that? Straw?”

  “Most likely.”

  “Well, Captain Sterling will be home soon. You must wash the dirt away.”

  Captain Sterling. Graham. Her heart beat an erratic cadence as she turned back to lift Lucy from the tub.

  “Amelia, you’re trembling.” Jane stepped forward. “Here, let me help you.”

  Frustrated at her own vulnerability, Amelia shook her head. “I don’t need help, really. I—I . . .”

  Ignoring Amelia’s protest, Jane reached for the child, wrapped her wriggling wet body in a blanket, and snuggled her close. Amelia’s shoulders sagged as she watched Lucy play with Jane’s necklace. She wanted to be the one to care for Lucy, to hold her and never let her go. But her strength was gone. A sob caught in her throat, and her words spilled forth in uncontrollable fervor.

  “I came so close to losing her.”

  Jane placed Lucy down in the cradle and returned to Amelia’s side and drew her into a tight embrace. Days of pent-up frustration found release as Amelia sobbed against Jane’s shoulder.

  “You were right about so many things, Jane.”

  “Hush now, dearest. It’s all over.”

  Amelia pulled away from Jane and wiped the back of her wet hand across her eyes. “God did just what you said he would. He was faithful.” Amelia sniffed and diverted her gaze. “And you were right about Captain Sterling. Graham.”

  She searched for the words that would accurately describe a feeling she didn’t quite understand. “He told me loved me, Jane.” She could barely force her words above a whisper as the depth of their meaning took hold in her heart. “I hadn’t dared think it could be true, but at the dock, when he rescued us, there was something in his voice. In his eyes.” A warmth swelled within her at the memory.

  Jane reached forward and wiped Amelia’s hair from her face. “And do you love him in return?”

  Amelia pressed her hand to her cheek. A little surge of excitement ran through her as she realized the truth.

  “I do, Jane. I love him with all my heart.”

  Satisfied that Littleton and Kingston were secure, Graham fell in step next to his brother. A brief rain had rolled in and rolled on, and the clouds parted, allowing the sun to once again shine and reflect off the wet streets. Graham yawned and ran his hand through his hair and down his face. He was exhausted. His body ached. His arm throbbed. Despite the discomfort, anticipation soared within him, increasing his pace.

  “Now that we’ve got Lucy, Mrs. Dunne, and Miss Barrett back, we can go home to Darbury and everything will be as it was before,” murmured William, stifling his own yawn. “Everything will be normal.”

  Normal? Not a single thing had been normal since Graham had arrived in Darbury, and judging by the changes stretching before him, Graham wondered if he ever would know normality again.

  Graham threw William a sideways glance. His older brother looked worse for the wear. Mud and soot darkened his cheek. Blood streaked across his coat. Surely he’d judged William too harshly. Yes, his brother had experienced a serious lapse in judgment—perhaps many lapses. But had not Graham done the same? If God could forgive him, could he not manage to forgive his brother in turn?

  And not only that, but Graham had seriously underestimated William’s ability to rise to the occasion when duty called. If the man had failed to take the shot when he had the opportunity, the night before might have turned out quite differently. That relationship, too, had changed and was no longer what it had seemed. William had risked his life to help save another, and there was honor in that action. What kind of brother would he be if he did not respond in kind? “When we get back to Darbury, I’ll talk to Carrington to see what can be done to help with Eastmore’s debt.”

  William r
eleased a shaky sigh. “I appreciate that.” William cocked his head and straightened his hat, which had, miraculously, managed to survive the night’s chaos.

  Graham clapped his brother on the back. “Now that I know you’re such a marksman, I’ll depend upon you to watch over and protect Amelia and Lucy while I am at sea.”

  William snorted. “Marksman indeed. It was a lucky shot. I think I’ll stick to dealing with horseflesh in the future.”

  Graham laughed, and it felt good. Finally, after weeks of turmoil and uncertainty, after months of holding on to regret, he felt the weight lift from his shoulders. He could barely wait to hold Lucy in his arms, to see Amelia.

  “And what of you?” William seemed to know his thoughts. “I trust you are to be a married man in but a day’s time.”

  Graham nodded, the very thought sending waves of anticipation through him. “If she will still have me.”

  “And your duties. When will you return?”

  Graham almost stopped short. After all that had transpired, how could he leave Lucy? Amelia?

  Even just a few short weeks ago, the sea had been his world. He breathed by the rise and fall of the tide. Its rules were his rules. But now, another reality was just as real. One of family. Of love.

  He was honor-bound to return to his duties and did not have long before his responsibilities called him back to the sea. The thought of separation from Amelia and Lucy made his chest ache. Always before his love of the sea and his sense of duty had eventually pulled him back to his ship. Now the promise of a family secured him like a welcome anchor dropped at his final port, his destination.

  But when fighting ceased, when war was done and battles won, could he leave the sea? The only thing he’d ever known? He thought of Amelia and Lucy and let the question linger in the air. The answer came with resounding clarity, for Amelia and Lucy were his future.

  Yes, he could leave the sea. And he would give up much more.

  Graham paused outside the front door of the Sulters’ house, his hand hovering over the latch. He had parted ways with William, who opted to secure a room at a nearby inn. The frosty air soothed his heated spirit, but something in him still felt restless.

  Leaning to the left, Graham peered through the window. Amelia sat in a chair next to the fire. Lucy, looking more like a cherub than a child, slumbered on Amelia’s chest, her curly head tucked tightly under Amelia’s chin.

  Graham let himself in and closed the door quickly behind him, fearing the cool air would disturb the pair. Even though the morning sun was already climbing the sky, the house was quiet. All were asleep, worn out. He tried to be quiet, but as the door fell closed behind him, Amelia jerked her head up. As her eyes met his, a warm smile curved her lips. Inviting him in, drawing him closer.

  The fire’s cordial glow bathed the small room in warm light, playing on Amelia’s golden strands and Lucy’s copper curls. Graham’s chest swelled with unexpected emotion as he touched his fingers to Lucy’s sleeping head.

  He swayed from foot to foot, hesitant to speak lest his voice break the peaceful spell. “Is she all right?”

  “She’s fine, Graham.” Amelia’s words were soft. “Do you wish to hold her?”

  Graham held his breath. He did want to hold her, but he hesitated. “I’ve no desire to wake her.”

  “Nonsense.” Amelia stood from the chair, her movements gentle, and slowly extended Lucy toward him.

  Graham gathered his sleeping daughter protectively in his arms and inhaled her scent. His little girl was perfect, from the copper curls to her dimpled hands. And she was his. “She smells sweet.”

  “It’s lavender.”

  His gaze met hers. He already knew that. It was the same scent Amelia wore.

  She stood close and adjusted the blanket around Lucy, and as she did her hand brushed his chest. Warmth surged through him from her touch, and he heaved a deep breath. At this close range, the fire reflected on the tracks of dried tears down Amelia’s cheeks, a sobering reminder of the day’s events. He glanced around and found the cradle next to the settee. He gently laid Lucy down, pulling the blanket over her and tucking it around the edges. Then he returned his attention to Amelia, aware of a tremor beginning somewhere deep within him.

  Her chest heaved with a shallow breath. Her eyes fell on his arm, and she reached out and touched his forearm with timid fingers. Such a simple touch, yet he felt it to the very core of his being.

  She whispered, “Does it hurt?”

  He shook his head. Indeed, he felt no pain.

  Amelia’s expectant eyes held his and refused to let him look away. He didn’t miss the flush of her cheeks, the shallowness of her breath. “I should have listened to you,” she said. “You told me not to leave the Sulters’, and I did. I am so sorry. Please don’t be angry with me. I know I—”

  He lifted his hand to her cheek and rubbed his thumb tenderly over her soft lips, silencing her. Now was not the time for words, for what words could describe what he felt for her in that moment?

  Fierce longing commandeered his senses as his gaze lingered on her full, parted lips. He tipped her chin upward with his forefinger, his face hovering just inches above hers. She gasped as he pulled her tighter, but she didn’t look away.

  Desire for the woman he loved pulsed through his veins. He cupped the back of her neck, splaying his fingers aggressively through the damp golden tresses.

  Slowly he lowered his mouth to hers, intending to be gentle. He didn’t want to frighten her, not after what she’d been through. But every fear, every emotion from the past three days transformed into possessive passion at the velvety touch of her lips. Discipline of will, his constant companion, fled, leaving behind a yearning unlike any he’d ever known. Boldly, without apology, he deepened the kiss, pressing her body closer to his.

  Beneath his touch her body trembled, but she didn’t resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, trailing her fingers through his hair.

  His lips left hers to move to her ear. His whisper was rough. Desperate. “Marry me, Amelia. Not for Lucy. Not for your inheritance. But for me.”

  He couldn’t wait for her answer before his lips again captured hers. Reveling in the intoxicating scent of her, he buried his face into her neck. He needed to hear her say it. He was a man desperate for the words. Perhaps at one point he could have been satisfied to be her husband in name only. But now, after he had tasted her lips, after his hands had memorized the feel of her skin, it would be impossible.

  Her body weakened underneath his touch, and she pulled back. Large eyes regarded him with curiosity, but not fear. Even in the shadows he could see the flush of her cheeks, the smile curving her lips. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and her chest rose and fell with emotion. A single word sealed his future happiness: “Yes!”

  He released the breath he’d been holding, wrapped his arms tighter around her waist, and lifted her up off the floor. A giddy giggle bubbled from her, and he lost himself again in the wonder of her kiss.

  Amelia now belonged to him. He belonged to her.

  And heaven help him, he would endeavor to deserve her.

  READING GROUP GUIDE

  1. In this story, Amelia risks everything—her future, security, and reputation—to keep a promise to a loved one. Have you ever had to give up something to keep a promise?

  2. Amelia was forced to choose between following the will of her family and keeping a promise to her friend. Do you think Amelia handled her situation in the best way? If you were Amelia, what would you have done differently?

  3. Initially, Graham is unable to forgive himself for some of the mistakes in his past, but over time he learns to accept God’s forgiveness and, in turn, forgives himself. Is there something in your past that you have had a hard time forgiving yourself for?

  4. Do you think that Edward ever really loved Amelia as he claimed? Why or why not?

  5. Amelia grew up without a mother, and when she needed advice, she often turned to Mrs. Hammond.
If you had been Mrs. Hammond, what advice would you have given Amelia?

  6. At the end of the novel, Helena is pregnant and comes to realize that her impressions of Edward were false. How is Helena different at the end of the novel than she was at the beginning? What lessons do you think she learned?

  7. Why do you think Captain Sterling is so reluctant to give his horse a name?

  8. Growing up, Amelia and Helena were very close, but over time, circumstances drove a wedge between them. Have you ever had a relationship in your own life take such a turn? How were you able to repair the relationship?

  9. At the beginning of the book, instead of turning to God for guidance, Amelia relies on her own wisdom to concoct a plan of how she can keep her promise to Katherine. In the end, she realizes that her own strength is not sufficient and learns to rely on God. Has there been a time in your life when you learned a similar lesson?

  10. In what way is Amelia different at the end of the story? In what way is she the same?

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  No relationship is by accident, and I am so thankful for the people God has brought into my life. Words cannot express the extent of my gratitude for those who have supported and encouraged my writing.

  To my husband, Scott, and to my darling daughter—the two of you are my greatest joy and inspiration. Thank you for believing in my dream and going on this journey with me. I am richly blessed.

  To my parents, Ann and Wayne, who have prayed for me and cheered me on through every endeavor, and a special thanks to my mom, Ann, and my sister, Sally, who were my very first readers. Who knew editing could be such fun?

  To my friend and agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, whose guidance has been a blessing on my writing career. Your passion is truly contagious.

  To my editor, Natalie Hanemann, and my copyeditor, Anne Buchanan. Your insight is impeccable, and you both taught me more than you could ever realize. And to the design team, the editorial team, and the marketing folks at Thomas Nelson . . . you guys are amazing.