They exited the building into the afternoon sun. Sabrina blinked several times, her vision adjusting to light. They strolled along High Street toward the famed Pulteney Bridge.
“We’ve been together almost every day the last three months. It’ll seem too quiet without you when I fly back to Florence on Monday.” Nora opened her parasol.
Four months ago, I was a different person. I was scared and thought I had to make up for the last five years by rushing through life. I was so wrong. Life is meant to be savored and lived to the fullest. Life is meant to be enjoyed and surrounded by those you love.
I thought it would be easy to up and leave after the festival and find a job in the States, but now, I’ve found a home in Italy. There is nowhere else on Earth I’d rather be. A part of myself will always live in Texas, but I have to follow my heart and stay true to myself.
“Lorenzo thought that realistically I could be back in Italy by the end of next week.” Sabrina twisted a lock of hair around her pointer finger. “I’m going to stick to my plan and spend that time exploring London.”
They heard the sound of rushing water. The sidewalk opened to a view of the murky brown water of the River Avon flowing into Bath’s iconic horseshoe-shaped weir. A white riverboat unloaded passengers below them.
“After that, if it’s all right with you, I’d like to return to Florence until I figure out my living and working situation. Lorenzo may be happy living on a boat, but I’m not ready to make the jump from land to sea.”
“You’re welcome to stay with me as long as you’d like.” Nora removed her gloves and rolled up the sleeves of her gown to her elbow. “While we’re on the subject of your future?.?.?. I had a thought of my own to throw into the mix.” Her eyes sparkled.
Sabrina rolled her neck from side to side. “Let’s hear it.”
“I think that you should consider starting your own Austen author business. You could offer design services for book covers, format manuscripts, build and maintain websites, and even run their social media platforms. The possibilities are endless.”
Sabrina held her breath.
“That sounds like a dream, but I don’t know if I’d ever be able to get it off the ground.” She lowered her chin. “There are so many others who are better established and know exactly how to help authors. I mean, I’ve tried picking up work as a virtual assistant before. It failed. I didn’t get any takers.”
“The Sabrina I’ve come to know won’t give up without making an effort to try.” Nora snapped her parasol shut. “If you’ll have me, I’ll be your first client. We’ll use the profits fromEntering the Marriage Martto set your business off to a running start.”
“I can’t take your profits.” Sabrina pivoted and faced Nora. “You earned them fair and square through your writing.”
“You helped me plot the story and did all the legwork for the book’s release.” Nora’s brow creased. “I don’tneedthe money. I’d like to put it toward something useful and worthy. After all, without you,Entering the Marriage Martwouldn’t even be published.”
“It was just meant to be for fun.”
“That’sexactlyhow I feel about writing. I never thought I’d ever turn it into an income stream, and here we are.” Nora took two steps closer to Sabrina. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll happily become your silent business partner.”
This is really happening.
Without any shadow of a doubt, Sabrina knew in her heart of hearts that the path ahead, as Jane might write, contained at least fifty miles of good road.
And what is fifty miles of good road? A very easy distance indeed.
Epilogue
Ten Months Later
The mules navigated the winding, twisting pathway from the town up the mountain to the palace. With cars being a rare commodity on Isola Nostrum, each time Sabrina visited Lorenzo’s family it was as if she’d stepped back in time. Passing under an archway made of four-foot-thick stone, she watched as the landscape transformed. Swaying palm trees flanked a sandy mosaic walkway leading to the whitewashed, two-story, one-hundred-room royal palace.
If I didn’t know any better, I might think I was in Santorini. It makes sense knowing that Isola Nostrum has roots as a Greek colony.
An attendant in a crisp white uniform bowed and collected the reins of the mules as Lorenzo, Sabrina, and Nora dismounted.
Lorenzo immediately busied himself assisting the staff with unloading their travel packs from the animals.
A woman in a bold red blazer, white blouse, and black trousers approached the trio. Her ash-brown hair was slicked back into a neat chignon.
Sabrina curtsied. “Your Serene Highness. Queen Aurora.”
The queen placed a hand under her chin. “Rise child. As I advised you the last time you stayed with us, you are a guest of our family, and there is no need for protocol when we’re in private and amongst friends.”
Sabrina looked into the same warm cinnamon eyes as Lorenzo. “Yes, ma’am.” She rose.
