“It’s beautiful,” she said through fresh tears. “I love you, too, Sebastian.”
The dowager tapped her cane. “Well, now. While they sort things out, I need to ask your opinion on my collection of teas, Paula.”
Laughing, Sebastian pulled Katie closer and kissed her. It was a long, lingering, passionate kiss—and Katie no longer cared whether anyone saw them.
“I don’t want to tempt you to the dining room before you are ready, but when you sent word you were coming, Cook outdid herself. She made the most delicious meal, starting with turtle soup, which is my favorite. And of course, we all want to hear all the news! I’ll meet you both there. ”
It had been a hectic week for Sebastian. Between meetings with the magistrate, the Crown, and even the King himself, he had managed to get to Sussex and speak with Latham. He had been pleasantly surprised his friend had been thrilled about the match. His only request was that they hold the wedding in the chapel at their home since Frankie was so close to her delivery date. Sebastian was happy to oblige.
“I apologize for taking so long to get here,” Nelson said, entering the room.
“Quite all right. You’re still in time for dinner.” The duchess nodded to an empty seat next to Paula. “I’m so glad you made it,” she said with a knowing smile.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
Over a course of turtle soup, Sebastian supplied the latest update.
“The pauper’s section of the Blackfield Cemetery became the ultimate resting place for Rosco Black. As far as the other two, Gummy is being held with Doogan in a goal, secured by guards until their fate is decided. They knew about him going to the caretaker’s cottage, but they weren’t aware of the women buried in a small plot next to it. While that does not exonerate them from the crimes they took part in, they may have valuable information that can be used to solve other crimes that Black perpetrated, ” said Sebastian. “But their fate is in the hands of the courts now.”
“Black used his job for personal gain and his own dark and twisted tastes. He was notorious for taking bribes but also for feathering his nest with female prisoners. Many have disappeared, and we suspect they are the ones in the cemetery. I suspect they will continue to uncover things for days,” Nelson added.
“What a gruesome, twisted man,” said Paula with a shudder.
“At least he can no longer inflict harm on anyone else,” the dowager said. She turned to Katie and dabbed her eyes. “I am so thankful you were spared.”
Katie reached out and squeezed the dowager’s hand. “Not everyone is lucky enough to have a fairy godmother,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears. “Thank you, Duchess, for all your encouragement and support.”
“Tsk! You give me too much credit. You are perfect for each other, and that made finding each other easy. Besides, having you here gave me a chance to have daughters—and I hope you both will continue to indulge me.”
“Of course,” Paula said.
“We consider ourselves lucky to have you!” Katie added.
The older woman sniffled. “Thank God that’s behind us,” she said with a thump of her cane. “We are fortunate to have escaped the widow and that horrible Mr. Black. But do we know why they pursued Katie? It makes no sense,” the dowager said.
“Because the widow asked him—at least that’s what I’ve gleaned from Doogan and Gummy. They said he would complain but continued to do her bidding. She wanted to hurt those that she perceived had hurt her…”
“But in a way that couldn’t be connected to her,” the dowager concluded. “The widow Deville was a horrible woman, but I certainly never wished her dead. She could have had a much better life than she chose. She would be devastated over your happy news.” The dowager paused. “We should probably focus on the wonderful, happy occasion we have been blessed with tonight.”
“Quite happily,” Paula said. “Besides, your townhouse is closer to Gunter’s than Mama’s is.”
“Aha. I knew the stars were aligned when I invited you girls to stay,” the dowager said with a chuckle.
“Whatever or whoever was in charge of aligning the stars our way, I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Sebastian said.
Growing up, Sebastian had never been like other youths, prone to spouting off poetry and falling for every pretty girl he met at a ball or a house party. He’d always been a man of action. Someone who had put his military career first and then his security work and several other ventures. Although he always enjoyed the company of women, marriage had never been a priority for him. Until the night he met Katie. Now, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. She was the loveliest, most adorable, and bravest woman he’d ever met. And he couldn’t wait to marry her so he could finally be alone with her.
He winked at Katie above the rim of his wine glass, enjoying the pretty blush that tinted her cheeks. Ah, yes, he was definitely looking forward to their honeymoon.
Epilogue
Latham Manor ~ Sussex, England Christmas Day, 1825
“This feels like a dream, Mama,” Katie said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
“Your papa would have been so proud to see his little girl all grown up and getting married,” her mama said, dabbing at her eyes. “You honor me by wearing my dress. With the small touches the modiste made, it looks as if it was made for you.” The dress of cream silk gauze had an underdress of creamy white satin, padded at the hem. Pearls and crystals were sewn into intricate designs on the bodice and the cap sleeves. Katie had fallen in love with it when her mother showed it to her.
“I’m honored that you allowed me to wear it, Mama.
