“London.” Hecate finished his sentence with a grin. “Yes. Yes, we do.”
“How…” his jaw dropped and his mind blanked, leaving him speechless.
“Never mind that,” she waved it away. “First we have to visit Richard, and then Ridlington Chase. After that, it’s on to London, where we shall put an end to that imposter’s claim to the Faversill estate.”
“Uh…” Bereft of words, Finn simply stared at Hecate, wondering if he could ever love her more than he did that minute.
*~~*~~*
As soon as the decision was made, the Doireann Vale household leapt into action.
Well, some of the residents leapt into action, others scratched their heads and wondered if their mistress had completely lost her mind.
“It’s not a good time of the year to travel, Miss Hecate,” said Dal sombrely. “The roads, it’s already snowed…you have no idea what kind of weather you’ll drive into…”
“I know that, Dal. Truly.” Hecate’s response was placid. She had determined on the way forward, and all her senses were approving it. She was doing the right thing. However, she remained quiet for a moment and watched her friend as he paced around the room.
Opening her mind, she allowed herself to see his emotions, swirling around him in shades of greens and blues.Indecision. Confusion. Uncertainty.Good God.He didn’t want to leave.
It hit her so clearly she almost gasped. Why hadn’t she seen it before? That question was simple to answer. She was so wrapped up in Finn that she’d failed to see what else was happening around her. Within moments she had formed a stratagem she hoped would help ease his mind.
“Dal, I do need to ask a favour of you. And I hope you’ll agree…” She framed her next words carefully. “You know how much I love Doireann Vale. This house has come to mean so much to me. A home of my very own, with friends and acquaintances, like a garden that is just beginning to flower.”
He nodded. “I do indeed. It has become home to me also.”
“I’m glad,” she smiled. “This trip I must make with Finn…and please believe me, Imustmake it, Dal—since everything I trust is telling me it’s right—this trip will leave Doireann Vale without a protector.” She took a breath. “Unless you would be kind enough to stay and look after it for me.” Dal’s quick glance at her did not go unnoticed. “Of course, I hope that Lady Augusta will remain here as well, since I believe she is not interested in returning to the Metropolis. I haven’t discussed it with her yet, but should the two of you be here in my absence…well, I cannot begin to tell you how much worry that would lift from my shoulders.”
He was silent for long moments.
Then he met her gaze. “You would travel without me at your side?”
She crossed the room and laid a hand on his sleeve. “At some point in my life, I must. We both know that.”
He nodded. “Indeed yes, this is true.” He looked out the window. “I have often wondered when the time would come that you no longer needed me.”
“Oh no, Dal,” Hecate frowned. “I willalwaysneedyou. I am stronger with you at my side, knowing that I have something so precious as your friendship and support. You are as necessary to me as breathing, and you are part of my family. I could not care for you more if you were, in truth, my brother.”
At that he turned and looked down at her, his face creasing into a gentle smile, his eyes warm. “I echo your sentiments, dear Miss Hecate. Our lives have been enriched by this knowing of each other, I think.”
“That is very true, Dal. Although I will say that you have done more enriching than I have. We are somewhat uneven on that scale.”
“Not so,” he disagreed. “You have treated me with respect. You have trusted me, taken me into your confidence and never, for one moment, did I feel that the colour of my skin or the nature of my upbringing made a jot of difference to you.” He placed his hand over hers. “I would never have received such treatment from anyone else in this country but you, Miss Hecate. Believe me when I say that knowing you has enriched me most fully.”
She battled tears. Dal’s words came as a complete surprise, but after a few moments, she accepted the truth of them. Dal was Indian through and through, and in the eyes of far too many British, he was not “equal”. It was sad, but he was right…it was indeed the way of the world.
“We’re lucky we found each other,” she said, taking a rare liberty and leaning her head against his shoulder. “So you won’t mind remaining here while Finn and I go to London?”
“As long as you promise to take care of yourself, Miss Hecate,” he admonished sternly. “I shall inform Mr. Finn of his duties toward you. You are not to overtax yourself. You are to eat properly…”
Hecate laughed. “Dear Dal. Thank you for being you. I’m sure that Finn will welcome your words of wisdom.” She paused. “I trust him, Dal. Almost as much as I trust you. He is a caring man; I’ve seen that in his heart. He has been through some terrible times and those fires have strengthened his resolve, I believe.”
“He is the one, then?”
Dal was probably the only person who could ask that question using those words. She understood.
“Yes.” She swallowed, finally accepting the inevitable. “He’s the one.”
“Then be sure he makes you happy, and go to London with my blessings.” Dal freed his arm and put it around her shoulders, giving her an unexpected and surprising hug.
