by Anne Herries
‘Are you awake, Sarah?’ John whispered close to her ear. ‘I have been watching you sleep. You are so beautiful when you sleep…’
‘I was dreaming,’ Sarah said and snuggled up to him, inhaling the slightly salty scent of his skin. ‘We were together in a garden bright with flowers and there were children playing nearby. I think they were our children, John.’
‘Did that make you happy, my love?’
‘Yes.’ She looked up at him as he pushed himself up on his elbow, gazing down at her face, looking into her eyes. ‘Yes, it made me very happy. I think that we have a wonderful future waiting for us, John. I have been thinking about the house, the changes I want to make—and the gardens too. We should plan those together, have them landscaped properly. This is a wonderful old house, and it should be cherished and lavished with care and love. It will become a home that we can be proud of—a home that our children will grow up in and be proud to bring their own children to one day.’
‘Then that is what we shall do,’ John said and touched her cheek with one fingertip. ‘Whenever I went to Daniel’s home, or to others of my friends, I used to envy them. Their houses seemed so full of light and warmth and happiness. When I came back here I was aware that it was dark and full of shadows, but I did not know what to do to change it. I married Andrea because she needed help, but also because I was lonely and empty. I thought that she would help, but she withdrew from me more and more, especially after the child was born. It may have been my fault or perhaps…’ He shook his head. ‘That is over. I have you now, the woman I truly love—and between us we shall make a family.’
‘Yes, we shall, my love,’ Sarah said and drew her down to him. He began to kiss her, softly at first, gently, but then the hunger flared between them and their passion swept them away to another place where there was nothing but the beating of two hearts and the sweet rhythm of bodies perfectly attuned. ‘I love you so much, John…always with all my heart.’
‘And I love you, my dearest Sarah,’ he murmured. ‘My soulmate, my lovely wife…’
Sarah gave herself up to the pleasure of loving. All the doubts and fears of the past years were swept away by the white heat of their passion as they moved together, holding each other close.
Chapter Twelve
Sarah took a last look at the dining table before going to change for the evening. It was their first real party and she wanted everything to be perfect. The long mahogany table was set with gleaming silver, crystal glass, beautiful porcelain and garlands of flowers that twined along the centre. She moved one glass a tiny fraction, and then stepped back, well pleased that it was all as she had ordered it.
‘May I have a word with you, Mrs Elworthy?’
Sarah turned to see Ruth standing a little way off and smiled. The girl was perfectly amenable these days, though she sometimes thought she wasn’t quite happy.
‘Yes, of course you may, Ruth. What was it you wanted to say?’
‘I have had another letter from Mr Palmer, Mrs Elworthy. After I had the first of his letters, which Mr Elworthy found for me, I wrote to Richard, telling him that I had a job here and that you had been kind to me—but also that we had almost starved after he left us. He has sent me money and asked me to go out to him. He says that we shall be married.’
‘Ruth!’ Sarah stared at her in surprise. ‘That is news indeed. Do you wish to leave us and go to the West Indies?’
‘Yes, I think so, ma’am,’ Ruth said. ‘Richard says that he has a good house—not a big beautiful house like this, but adequate. I think it would be better for my daughter to know her father.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Sarah agreed. ‘If it is what you want, you must go.’
‘Thank you, ma’am. I shall leave after your houseguests have gone next week. I wouldn’t let you down while you are entertaining, though you have more than enough servants here now. Mrs Raven says that she had to turn two girls away this morning.’
‘Yes, we have all we need these days,’ Sarah said. ‘But I shall miss you, Ruth. I think we have come to like each other now, don’t you?’
‘Yes, Mrs Elworthy,’ Ruth said, her face glowing. ‘I wouldn’t leave you for another employer—but to be Richard’s wife, that is something I have dreamed of.’
‘Yes, I am sure it is,’ Sarah said, smiling at her. ‘It is a good opportunity for you, Ruth, and I wish you every happiness.’
‘If I could be half as happy as you, I should think myself lucky,’ Ruth told her. ‘Mr Palmer isn’t Mr Elworthy. I think he may not always treat me as he ought—but I am willing to take the risk for my daughter’s sake.’
‘Then I wish you good fortune,’ Sarah said. ‘Come to me before you leave and I shall give you a present.’
‘Thank you, ma’am. You have been very kind.’
Sarah nodded to her and Ruth went her way. She looked at the table again, and then went out into the hall and made her way along the landing to her own apartments. Ellie was there laying out her gown for the evening. It was a midnight blue silk and trimmed with exquisite Brussels lace at the neck. Ellie smiled as Sarah walked in, two King Charles spaniels at her heels. John had asked her what she wanted as a birthday gift. Sarah had asked for the dogs, and the sound of their scampering feet meant that these days the house was never silent.
‘This is a lovely dress, ma’am,’ Ellie said as her mistress came to look at it. ‘I think it becomes you as well as anything you have.’
‘But will it fit me?’ Sarah said. ‘Were you able to make those adjustments that I asked?’
‘Yes, quite easily,’ Ellie said and smiled at her. ‘I have added a ribbon band here and there, but it does not look out of place. Try it on and see what you think.’
‘If it does not fit, I am in trouble,’ Sarah said with a rueful laugh. ‘Most of my dresses are a little tight. I think I must have some more made soon.’
‘Yes, ma’am, for you are bound to expand a great deal over the next few months…’
‘Yes, I am,’ Sarah agreed and laughed. The excitement was in her eyes, because she was sure enough of her secret now to share it with her friends. She had told John as soon as she suspected that she was with child, but he had already guessed. She wondered if Elizabeth might also have guessed, but she had not seen many of her friends for some months, though Tilda had come to stay with her for a few weeks late in the summer, before returning to town. ‘It is exciting, Ellie, but also a little frightening. I know Arabella has her little girl and is perfectly well again, but the first time is a little unnerving.’
‘Oh, you should not be frightened,’ Ellie said. ‘There were nine of us at home before my mother stopped having babies. She said there was nothing in the world easier, though she made enough fuss for an hour or two—but afterwards, when the babe is in your arms…well, Ma says you forget all the rest.’
‘Yes, I am certain of it,’ Sarah said. ‘I do not truly mind, Ellie. I am looking forward to a big family. We want at least two boys and two girls.’
‘Well, you’ll have to see what God sends you,’ Ellie said, laughing as she lifted the gown over Sarah’s head and smoothed the full skirts down on her hips. The buttons at the back of the bodice did up easily, and because of the style she did not look in the least fat, though her face had a certain bloom that advertised her feeling of contentment.
‘Yes, that is well done, Ellie,’ Sarah said approvingly. ‘I cannot see what you have altered so I am sure that no one else will. I am very pleased with it.’
‘Thank you, ma’am,’ the girl said. ‘It is a pleasure to do things for you, Mrs Elworthy.’
‘Thank you, Ellie.’
Sarah sat while her maid arranged her hair in a becoming style that left one fair ringlet hanging over her shoulder, the bulk of her hair piled high in curls on her head. She had just finished the task when the door leading through to John’s dressing room opened and he came in.
‘Am I too early?’ he asked. ‘I can come back if you are not ready, my love.’
‘Mrs Elworthy is ready apart from her jewels, sir,’ Ellie said. ‘I can return later if I am needed.’
‘You will not be needed until later tonight,’ Sarah said, and the girl bobbed a curtsy before going out. John came to stand behind Sarah, placing one hand on her shoulder as he looked at her in the small dressing mirror.
‘Have I told you recently that you are beautiful?’
Sarah twisted her head on one side. ‘I am not sure if it was this morning or yesterday—but much too long anyway.’
John laughed and bent to kiss the back of her neck, which made her tingle. ‘I have a gift for you, Sarah. Shall I put it on for you?’
‘Yes, please,’ she said, smiling as he placed a diamond-and-sapphire choker around her throat. She touched the magnificent necklace, thinking how well it set off her gown. ‘Are these the Elworthy sapphires, John?’
‘Yes. I inherited them from my grandmother. My brother has the bulk of the family jewels, of course, but my grandmother left all her personal estate to me. I had them reset for you, Sarah. They came back from the jeweller today. They are more attractive now, I think. Do you like them?’
She touched a hand to the glittering jewels. ‘They are exquisite, John. Thank you for having them done for me. They are exactly what I need tonight with this gown. I was wondering whether to wear the pearls or diamonds, but these are very grand.’
‘They are my gift to say thank you for transforming this house into a home,’ John said, giving her a loving smile. ‘I still walk into rooms that used to be dull and dark and wonder how you did it—but you have and I am very grateful.’
‘I learned about design and elegance in Italy,’ Sarah said. ‘Some of the houses there were very grand, but also tasteful…and that is what I wanted for our home, a mixture of elegance and warmth. Guests must be able to sit down and feel comfortable, but it is nice to have elegance in some of the rooms—to create light and air.’
‘Yes, and that is what you have done,’ John told her. ‘You have brought light to this house that was filled with shadows.’
‘We have blown them all away,’ Sarah said and stood up, moving into his arms and leaning up to kiss him on the lips. ‘Soon we shall have our child, John—a playmate for our darling Nathaniel.’
‘You don’t mind that he is thought by most people to be my first-born? I shall of course divide my estate when our children are older. And naturally Sir Andrew’s land has come to Nathaniel. He will grow up to expect that he inherits that, but everything else must be shared between all our children for there is no entail on my inheritance.’
‘Shall you tell him the truth one day?’
‘Perhaps, if I think he is able to understand it without being distressed. But whatever the future brings, he will know that he is loved—our child in all but blood.’
‘We must pray that it is enough for him. I have some money of my own,’ Sarah said. ‘As you know, Arabella settled ten thousand pounds on me when she married, and I have what my father left in trust for me, which is a similar amount. I want you to use some of it to buy more land, John. Something close by us that you can manage with the help of your bailiff.’
‘Yes, you would,’ he said, understanding her mind. ‘We must protect all our children.’
‘I do not want there to be quarrels one day,’ she said and looked up at him. ‘But our guests will be waiting, John. Arabella could not stop praising the house when she saw it, and even Mama was impressed. I think she may finally be won over when I tell her my news.’
‘Are you going to tell her this evening?’
‘Yes, I think so,’ Sarah said. ‘You don’t mind?’
‘Of course not,’ he said and looked at her indulgently. ‘I am hoping that this visit will bring me Mrs Hunter’s approval at last.’
‘Oh, I am sure it will,’ Sarah replied, laughing at him. Her happiness was so great that nothing could mar it, and besides, she knew that her mother had already mellowed towards John, was beginning to approve of his quiet ways and gentle manners that hid nerves of steel. She slipped her arm through his and looked up at him. ‘Come, my dearest, let us go and greet our guests…’
Sarah glanced around her long dining table, looking at the happy faces of her guests. They had all suffered. Elizabeth had been kidnapped and might have died had her beloved Daniel not arrived to save her at the right moment. Arabella had been alone and lonely until Charles came into her life. She too had been at risk from the spite of evil men, but Charles, John and Captain Hernshaw had saved her. Sarah had escaped a fearful kidnap only to wander friendless, her memory gone, until Arabella and dear Nana had taken her in. She had had to wait some years before finding happiness, but now, despite all that had gone before, she and John had found the life of peace and content that both had wanted.
Getting to her feet, Sarah lifted her glass. ‘It is such a happy day, to see all my friends and loved ones gathered about this table,’ she said. ‘Arabella, I owe you so much. Without you and Nana I might have died. Charles is my dearly loved brother, who has done so much for me. Elizabeth and Daniel have been such good friends that I do not know how we should go on without them. And my dearest Mama…who has, I believe, forgiven me at last. Tilda, and everyone else. I want to thank you all for coming to stay and I should like to tell you our news, which I think Elizabeth has already guessed. John and I are to have our first child. So now I should like you all to toast the future…happiness and love to us all…’
John stood and raised his glass to her from the other end of the table, her friends getting to their feet to raise their glasses aloft.
‘To love and happiness,’ Elizabeth said. ‘Your news has given us all great pleasure, Sarah.’
‘To Sarah…and John,’ Mrs Hunter said. ‘May you always be as joyful as you are today.’
Charles, Daniel and John raised their glasses.
‘To friendship and the ladies we love,’ they said as one. ‘May we all live in love and peace together…’
ISBN: 978-1-4268-2196-7
A WORTHY GENTLEMAN
Copyright © 2007 by Anne Herries
First North American Publication 2008
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
® and TM are trademarks of the publisher. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
www.eHarlequin.com
*Banewulf Dynasty
†The Hellfire Mysteries
*Banewulf Dynasty
*Banewulf Dynasty
**The Elizabethan Season
**The Elizabethan Season
††Melford Dynasty
†The Hellfire Mysteries
††Melford Dynasty
†The Hellfire Mysteries
enter>