“Anne, you know I care for you, don’t you? And I would like nothing more than to ... pursue a future with you, but at the moment my own future is rather uncertain.”
It was her turn to say “I understand.” She reminded herself of her resolve to avoid romance and live a single, useful life. But her heart felt heavy as she walked him to the door and said good-night.
Miss Fitzjohn invited Anne to join her and Jasper for dinner at Painswick Court. She had invited Mr. Palling as well.
Though happy to share a final meal with Katherine and Jasper before leaving Painswick, Anne was nervous to return.
When she arrived, Katherine greeted her warmly. “Thank you for coming. Jasper has news to share, but he wanted you to hear it too. Come in and sit down.”
Louie padded into the hall to greet Anne, and she bent down to rub his silky ears, tears pricking her eyes at the memory of Lady Celia doing the same.
She accepted a glass of champagne and listened as Mr. Palling described the recent promising offers he had received for his mills.
She noticed Katherine meet Mr. Palling’s gaze, a new twinkle in her eye.
Finally Katherine said, “Enough suspense, Jasper. Do tell us your news.”
“Very well. As you know, I recently spent a few days away in London. I confided my travel plans to Aunt Celia before I left, but I didn’t announce them to anyone else because I feared the outcome. Of course I was dreadfully sorry to learn upon my return that I’d been absent when Aunt C died. I regret I was not here for you, Kat.”
“I know. Go on.”
“The judge advocate general, after reviewing the minutes of my case, recommended that the conviction be reversed. He argued I should not be punished for neglecting to seek a method of redress—a duel—that is forbidden by both the military and the common law.”
“Oh, I’m so glad!” Anne enthused. “And relieved.”
Jasper nodded. “I am as well.”
“This calls for a celebration indeed,” Katherine said. “I see why you requested champagne.”
“What will you do now?” Anne asked. “Rejoin your regiment?”
“I think not. I wouldn’t behave differently if and when another such challenge arose. And it most likely would. I believe I will get out. Resign while I still have a commission to sell.”
“About time.” Katherine raised her glass. “Hear, hear, and huzzah.”
After the toast, Jasper turned to her. “And how are you, Anne? I hope the events of the last few weeks have not shaken you too badly?”
“Not too badly,” she replied. “Though I shall not soon be agreeing to sit at any sickbeds.”
“I hope there are no ill feelings,” Katherine said. “We know you did you best for Mamma.”
Anne swallowed. “Thank you.”
Jasper smiled at her across the table. “In fact, we miss you here, Anne. Miss Stark as well. The place is far too quiet with you two gone. Not to mention dear Aunt C.”
“True,” Katherine said, her gaze lingering on Albert Palling. “And we appreciate you joining us tonight. The both of you.”
Later, when Anne was preparing to depart for the evening, Katherine took her aside and said, “Might I ask one more favor of you?”
“If I am able.”
“Will you go to Valley View Lodge with me tomorrow? I wish to pay a call on Rosa Stark. And her child.”
Anne instantly felt on her guard. “Rosa ... told you about him?
“Yes, right before she left. Although I already knew.”
“Oh? Did your mother tell you?”
