The Artful Match

by Jennifer Delamere

  There was an uncomfortable pause. Cara hated that this had dampened their happy reunion, but she wasn’t going to shy away from the truth. This was a day for total honesty.

  From the way Rosalyn and Julia looked at one another, Cara realized they’d both known the watch was gone. And neither one had told her. “Why did you do it?” she insisted.

  “I didn’t pawn the watch,” Rosalyn said. “Believe me, I was devastated to lose it.”

  “You lost it? How? When?”

  “It was when I was tricked into going to that brothel my first night in London two years ago. Even though I escaped, the watch ended up in the hands of the woman who owned that terrible place. I tried to recover it but was never able to.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I suppose I was trying to save your feelings. You were so alarmed when you learned what happened to me. I thought if you knew the watch was lost, you would be even more distressed. It meant so much to all of us, but you’ve always been especially sensitive. . . .” Rosalyn’s voice trailed off, and she looked unwilling to finish her sentence.

  “And yet if you had told me, you would have saved me from worse anguish. I’ve spent weeks thinking you’d callously pawned it. In the future, please don’t think you’re doing me a favor by hiding things from me. I am quite grown up now.”

  “We can see that,” Julia agreed. She looked at Henry as she said this.

  Henry sent Cara a loving glance and one of his special smiles that seemed reserved only for her. The kind that melted her insides. She would never, ever grow tired of them.

  “May I see the watch?” her father said.

  Cara set it gently in his outstretched hand. He opened the latch and ran a finger over the engraving inside the cover. “‘Oceans can never separate us,’” he read softly. He gave a long sigh. “My dear, sweet Marie. How I wish you were still here.” He lifted his gaze, taking in his three daughters with misty eyes. “But I have you, my daughters, and I am grateful.”

  Cara, who was seated next to him on the sofa, threw her arms around him. In a moment, her sisters joined in. They hugged each other all at once, crying, but also laughing at the humor of trying to crowd onto the sofa and the joy of being together again. Seated on Cara’s other side, Henry did his best to keep out of the fray.

  The door to the parlor swung open. Langham and Amelia walked in, and Langham said brightly, “It looks like the party is already underway! What did we miss?”

  Still laughing, they untangled themselves from the sofa.

  “You’ve missed a lot, as it happens. However, we have lots of time to catch up,” Cara said.

  She slipped her hand into Henry’s. He gave it a kiss that was filled with promise.

  Epilogue

  JULY 1882

  CARA COULD NOT HAVE ASKED for a more beautiful day. The sky was a brilliant blue, providing the perfect contrast to the green landscape of summer. An ideal setting for the two figures on horseback she could see in the distance. Amelia had grown into such a confident horsewoman, able to follow Henry through fields, across streams, and along wooded trails.

  Seated on the lawn chair next to Cara, her father also watched the pair. “That is one lucky child,” he observed.

  After Cara and Henry had returned from their honeymoon in Scotland, Papa had come to live with them. Amelia had taken to him right away. He’d assumed the role of a kindly grandfather and taught her to call him Abuelo. Thanks to him, the girl had become an expert at draughts—a game Papa still referred to by the American name of checkers.

  “She is blessed.” Cara squeezed his hand. “As am I.”

  Since her father’s return, Cara had seen so many of her most cherished dreams come to pass. Her wedding. Her honeymoon. Bringing her father home to live with her and Henry. Her presentation at court—it still gave her heart palpitations when she thought back to that momentous occasion when she had curtsied to the Queen, and how Her Gracious Majesty had given her a kind smile. It would always be one of her most treasured memories.

  Cara had never been good at waiting, and yet somehow she had survived the long months until her wedding day. Every minute had been worth it, eclipsed by the joy of walking with her father into the church so he could give her away to the man she loved.

  Before her marriage, Cara and her father had stayed at the Morans’ home. They’d spent countless hours together, talking over many things, healing the pain of loneliness and loss that had lodged in their hearts for so many years.

  There had also been letters from Diego, describing his family’s joy at Paul’s happy reunion with his daughters. Paul hoped to do something more for Diego one day—perhaps send money to allow him to become an apprentice in a good trade.

  Also during those months, Henry’s diligent efforts regarding his business ventures were bearing fruit. Thanks to Langham’s contact with Mr. Everson, the industrialist had become an eager investor in the mine. He’d brought several other men into the partnership as well. Cara’s heart swelled with pride whenever she thought of this, because she had been the one to suggest contacting him.

  A delightful surprise was that Mr. Everson was not only aware of George Müller’s orphanage but had been a frequent contributor. He had been overjoyed to learn of Henry’s fiancée’s connection to the orphanage. He told them, “I discovered that the more money I gave to Müller, the more my business prospered. I went to hear him speak and heard his message of God’s love and forgiveness. All powerful lessons that I continue to benefit from today.”

  Mariana, now Mr. Everson’s wife, had pretended to roll her eyes at this blatant sentimentality, but Cara could tell she was touched by it as well. They were a happy couple, if wildly different from one another.

  There were still challenges to face, but the situation was not as precarious as it had once been. One contributing factor was Langham himself. His showing at the Grosvenor Gallery had been a modest success, and his reputation was growing. He’d sold several paintings and been commissioned for more.

  Langham had also accepted an invitation to join the board of the international shipping company run by Mr. Kinnard. Impressed by the new, positive trajectory of Langham’s life, Mr. Kinnard had at last consented to become his future father-in-law. The directorship, plus the generous dowry Louise would bring with her, would keep the pair solidly afloat and enable Langham to keep painting.

  Off in the distance, Henry and Amelia reached the stable yard and disappeared from sight. This only heightened Cara’s anticipation. Soon the house would be filled with people. Julia and Rosalyn and their husbands were due to arrive from the railway station at any minute. Jacob Reese and his wife were coming as well. Langham and Louise were already here, along with the Eversons, who were acting as Louise’s chaperones.

  The only people who had not accepted Cara’s invitation were Lord Nigel Hayward and Sarah, who was now his wife. Cara felt a touch of sadness as she thought about them. Henry had done his best to try to mend the situation. He’d made overtures toward them and the Needenhams, but it was going to be difficult to win their trust and friendship—if it could be done at all. God was abundant in mercy, but people’s forgiveness was often harder to obtain. Henry had reminded her that this problem was in God’s hands. She would keep praying that the answer would come in its proper time.

  There was plenty of room for everyone, now that the east wing was complete and the family had taken up residence there. Cara had spent the last two months overseeing the redecorating of the west wing, to be used primarily by guests. She wanted the rooms to offer beauty and comfort, so that all who stayed in them would feel welcome. Morestowe Manor was impressive, but in Cara’s heart, the most important thing was that it be a home.

  Once everyone had gathered, Cara was going to unveil a secret that she hoped would please everyone—even, and perhaps especially, the dowager countess. It was a painting of Amelia, Henry, and Lady Morestowe. She had finally put on canvas the idea she’d first had all those months ago af
ter Amelia’s riding lesson, when the three of them had looked so happy together. That image had never left Cara’s mind.

  The dowager countess had eventually resigned herself to having an unconventional daughter-in-law, but her interactions with Cara were still cool. The thawing process was ongoing, and one that Cara advanced any way she could. Lady Morestowe’s manner did seem to be growing less abrasive. Perhaps Langham’s successes, as well as Henry’s, had begun to assuage her fears and would one day allow her to fully embrace Cara as a member of the family.

  Only Henry and Langham knew about the painting. Both had seen it and praised it heartily. Cara had wanted their approval before showing it publicly. Since the relationship between her and the countess was not yet on solid ground, Cara did not want to risk setting back her efforts by offending her mother-in-law.

  Both brothers had agreed the portrait was flattering to all, especially to the dowager countess. Cara’s goal had been to capture the beauty she’d seen in her face at that moment: an image of the woman’s younger self. Her bright expression had melted the years from her face, and Cara had seen the positive aspect of her pride as a reflection of inner strength. To a lesser extent, Cara hoped she’d captured that same quality in Amelia. The two were very much alike, though Amelia was not a Burke by bloodline. Cara hoped she might get them to see what they had in common, and to build on it.

  “The painting is aspirational,” Henry had said. “It shows the three of us enjoying one another’s company and celebrating our victories together. It looks so appealing that we’ll all naturally strive for more of the same.”

  Langham’s appraisal had been more succinct: “The old lady can’t help but be pleased despite herself!”

  Cara fervently hoped they were right. What if her mother-in-law hated it? Perhaps it wasn’t wise to present it in such a public setting after all. It was possible Henry and Langham could have misjudged her reaction.

  There wasn’t time to brood over it, however. Soon everyone would gather, and she would have to follow through with her plan.

  Henry and Amelia approached, walking together across the lawn. They both had mud spattered on their clothes and boots, as the woods had not yet dried out from a recent rain.

  Seeing Papa seated next to Cara, Amelia broke into a run, not stopping until she had reached him and submitted to his hug. She said cheerfully, “Are we going to play checkers this afternoon, Abuelo?”

  “That depends on what Miss Leahy has planned for you.”

  Amelia looked around, then smiled when she saw the governess was not present. “She won’t mind a game or two.”

  “You need to get cleaned up and change your clothes,” Cara said. “You’re having tea with the grown-ups today, remember?”

  Amelia made a face. “Do I have to?”

  “I promise you’ll find it interesting.” Cara didn’t offer further explanation, as she wanted the painting to be a surprise for Amelia, too.

  Amelia heaved a sigh. “All right.”

  “You need to change, too,” Cara said to Henry.

  “Yes, my love,” he said meekly, but not before pulling her close and planting a fervent kiss on her cheek. He was dirty and sunbrowned and looked immensely happy. She stepped back, but only because his nearness made her pulse race, and she was aware that Amelia was watching them, as she always did, with alert curiosity.

  “Go on, then,” she ordered. Henry answered her attempt at severity with a wink.

  The next few hours passed in a flurry of activity as the guests arrived and Cara oversaw countless hostess tasks. The new arrivals settled into their rooms and eventually began filtering back down to the terrace. Cara was glad when, in the midst of everything, she was able to pull Julia aside.

  “Were you able to get to the sanitarium?” Cara asked.

  “Yes. Last week.” Julia had taken an interest in Delia’s illness and had gone to see her several times. “They are doing all they can for her. I wish we had a cure, but that is some time in the future. Delia is weak but cognizant of all that is going on. She asked me to send her thanks to you and Henry. She is happy and relieved to know you are keeping Amelia. I think she feels terrible for what she did and guilty for not being a good mother.”

  “Amelia will always have a home with us. I don’t think my love for her could be any greater.”

  Julia nodded. “I can see that whenever you are with her.” She touched her chin thoughtfully. “It reminds me of a verse in Psalms that says, ‘God setteth the solitary in families.’”

  “You have a Scripture for every occasion,” Cara teased. “But who knows better than we do the pain of being without parents?”

  “Cara, we’ve had our disagreements over the years, but I’m glad you were right about Papa.”

  “And I’m grateful you found him.”

  They looked at one another, relishing the new understanding they’d gained that bridged all past differences.

  It was a lovely moment, if quickly interrupted by Langham coming to inform them that everyone was on the terrace, famished and ready for tea.

  Cara’s thoughts returned to that conversation several times during the meal. She watched Amelia interact with Henry and Papa and felt deeply grateful that she’d been able to help this child. She believed God had allowed these good things to show Cara she was forgiven for her mistake with Robbie and released from her vow never to oversee children again.

  She was glad Jacob was here, along with his wife and son. Jacob had once exhorted her to seek out God’s plan for her life. On her wedding day, Jacob had told her with tears in his eyes that no one could be as happy as he was that she had found it.

  As tea was nearly finished, Henry stood. “Your attention, please, everyone. I believe my wife has a few announcements.”

  “Hear, hear!” Langham said merrily.

  Henry helped Cara rise from her chair, presenting her with a flourish. “Ladies and gentlemen, Lady Morestowe.”

  A delightful sensation went through Cara whenever someone referred to her by her title. She was Lady Morestowe! It made her proud, and yet it was humbling, too, when she thought of how far she’d come. She looked at the many faces smiling up at her. Even her mother-in-law was doing her best to appear at ease, although there was no one here except her sons whom she might once have considered worthy of her company.

  “Today we celebrate a number of happy milestones,” Cara said. “The first is Langham’s recent success during the spring show at the Royal Academy.” She picked up a newspaper. “If I may quote one eminent art critic: ‘We see in Mr. Burke’s work great promise. His paintings exhibit a compelling blend of artistic influences, which he uses to create a signature style. The finely rendered details in every painting have the breath of life in them.’”

  “Bravo!” Louise enthused as Langham puffed out his chest. Together, the group lifted glasses of lemonade to toast Langham.

  Cara set the paper aside and extended a hand toward Julia to draw everyone’s attention to her. “Another happy milestone I would like to acknowledge is Julia’s successful completion of her first year at the London School of Medicine for Women. She has passed every course with honors.”

  This brought a round of applause, which Julia acknowledged with an appreciative smile.

  “Does this mean she might get her nose out of her books—at least until classes resume in October?” Papa said, sending a wink her way.

  “I hope so,” Michael replied with a laugh. “Sometimes I lose her for hours at a time.”

  Julia had the grace to look abashed. She laid a hand on her husband’s arm. “But I always make it up to you later.”

  A spark of love passed between them. It made Cara happy every time she saw it. Julia, who had once been determined to remain a spinster, was now happily married. She was also fulfilling her calling to the medical profession. Best of all from Cara’s point of view, Julia would remain in England. Cara marveled at how wonderfully God had answered each of their prayers.

  C
ara cleared her throat. “I have one more piece of good news to share, and I have Rosalyn’s permission to do it.” She looked at her oldest sister, whose face was aglow with joy. Rosalyn glanced at Nate, who sat next to her. He wore a smile of immense satisfaction.

  “As you all know,” Cara began, “Rosalyn is in the chorus of the current production of Patience at the Savoy Theatre. However, in November she will take on a new role. It won’t be on the stage. I cannot wait to meet my future niece or nephew.”

  This brought on a bigger round of applause, and much backslapping for Nate.

  Papa looked overcome. “My beautiful daughters,” he murmured, smiling through tears. He pulled out a handkerchief and blew his nose.

  “And now for your news, my love,” Henry prompted.

  Now that the moment was here, Cara found herself tongue-tied. She could see Jensen waiting at the door for her signal to bring out the painting. Everyone looked expectantly at her, clearly wondering what was coming next.

  “Perhaps I might say something,” Henry offered. “I would like to reiterate how honored we are to have you all here as our guests.” He waved an arm to indicate Morestowe Manor. “This place has seen a lot of changes over the past year and a half, as you all know. There were not only the structural alterations but refurbishments for the interior as well. Those changes would not have been accomplished half so well without my lovely wife. Her talent for decorating, as well as her love for this house, have made this place what it is today. A home for our family.”

  He laid a gentle hand on Amelia’s shoulder, and she beamed up at him.

  “Cara’s artistic talents are not to be overlooked, either,” he continued. “Today, we unveil the newest addition to our vast collection of family portraits.”

  He gave a nod to Jensen. The butler brought out the easel the painting was set on, covered with a cloth.

  This was the moment Cara had been waiting for—in all its thrilling and yet terrifying glory. Now she understood the nervousness that had nearly overwhelmed Langham before his first public showing last fall.