Colin lingered at the window. “No falling in love with a Scot now, hear? I expect you back here by summer, if not before.”
She gave him a saucy grin. “No promises.”
The horses began to move. Over the rumble of hooves and tack, he called, “Wait! No promises about coming back or about falling in love with a Scot?”
“Neither one!” She grinned and waved, first to him, then to her assembled family and friends: Claire, William, Mira. Emily and James. Viola, Jack, and Mrs. Denby. Mamma and Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Hornbeam. Mr. Gwilt, Mrs. Besley, Lowen, Jessie, and Bibi. All the people she loved and who loved her. She would miss them, but she was glad to be embarking on an adventure. To be traveling somewhere new and experiencing new things. And despite teasing Colin, she had every intention of coming back. And when she returned, she would be older, more well-traveled, and more experienced. A woman of the world. Then, look out, Sidmouth. And look out, Colin Hutton.
As the hired post chaise traveled north, Sarah shared a smile with her new husband and settled back against the cushions. She recalled the last time she had set off on the long journey to Scotland. How agitated she had been, how sure that Sea View and Mamma would suffer in her absence. She had been unable to give up her desire for control—to try to manage everythingand everyone—for the desire of her heart. Unable to rest in the knowledge that God held her family in His hands.
On that last trip she had felt the cord that bound her to Sea View and to her family stretch tighter and tighter until it threatened to snap and tear a hole in her chest. Now she felt happy and hopeful.
Of course her attachment to her family would remain strong, yet it no longer tethered her. Those bonds would easily survive the distance and the time apart.
In the coach now, Sarah silently thanked God yet again for this second chance with the man she loved, and who loved her back quitediligently.
Upon their departure, Emily had thrust a thick envelope into her hands, and now Sarah opened it. Inside she found a cover letter that introduced the other pages. She read:
Dear Sarah,
I have decided to set aside, at least for now, my Gothic novel of mystery and horror, better suited to Ann Radcliffe, no doubt. Instead, I have returned to my former novel about sisters. I hope you will approve of the opening pages. If nothing else, perhaps it will give you something to read to pass the time.
With love,
Emily
Sarah turned to the next page and began to read.
Sarah Summers carefully lifted the family heirloom, a warm mantle of nostalgia settling over her. The porcelain plate rimmed in gold had been painted with a colorful image of three sisters in Chinese robes, clustered close as a fourth read to them. Papa had given it to their mother long ago.
Sarah ran a gentle finger over the figures, a lump forming in her throat....
As Sarah read on, that same lump formed in her throat once again. She continued reading with a wavering smile and a gratified heart.
Georgie asked, “What is it?”
“The opening pages of Emily’s new novel,” Sarah replied. “About sisters. About us.”
“Us? Good heavens, whoever would want to read that?”
Epilogue
July1821
Sarah Henshall left the bedchamber she shared with her Scotsman, humming a jaunty tune. She wore a flattering deep blue riding habit of her own, one she’d had made soon after arriving in Kirkcaldy. Tailored specifically for her, it fit her perfectly, as did her new life.
As she went downstairs, she saw the new housemaid polishing the gilt-framed mirror in the hall. “Well done, Betty. Everything looks tidy.”
Indeed it did. They had completed the repairs and cleanup after the winter storm in good time. Sarah looked around the ground-floor rooms and felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing her efforts and leadership had been useful as well as appreciated.
Passing the open study door, she glimpsed Effie inside, having a lesson with her music tutor. The girl had finally agreed to more schooling. Not to going away to school, which none of them wanted, but Callum and Sarah had offered to provide a local music tutor and dancing master if Effie cooperated with a new governess who would instruct her in history, literature, and mathematics. In between, she seemed to enjoy spending time with Sarah and her stepfather and was even, on rare occasion, seen reading a book.
Sarah left the house and walked across the gravel drive toward the stables. There stood Callum, leading a chestnut horse, talkingin friendly tones with the groom adjusting a sidesaddle on the sweet brown Thoroughbred Sarah enjoyed riding.
After helping her onto the sidesaddle, Callum effortlessly mounted his own horse, and then closed the distance between them, leaning near for a warm, lingering kiss.
They set out for a ride together, as they often did, around the estate and through the nearby woods and fields. Sometimes Effie joined them, as her lessons allowed.
It was summertime in Scotland, and Sarah relished every warm, sunny hour, which reminded her of balmy days in Devonshire. The countryside around them was carpeted in purple heather, red hawthorn berries festooned the hedgerows, and birdsong sweetened the air. As they rode along the trail, they occasionally disturbed a roe deer or startled grouse into flight. Otherwise, all was peaceful.
