Chapter Twenty-One
Finn found himself with an unusual amount of eagerness as he stared over the map in front of him. And when Hecate walked in, he knew his smile was wider than normal.
“You look inordinately pleased with yourself, Mr. Finn.” She smiled back. “And where is my tea?”
He turned to the map. “I have no clue. Ask Winnie.” He tapped a long finger on the unfolded sheet. “Here, Hecate. This is how we should go, I believe.”
She came to his side, slowly and with a slight hitch to her step, but no cane. He’d noticed her leaving it behind more and more, and today especially he breathed a sigh of relief. If he had hurt her last night…
“Do you see? It is shorter to take this route to Richard’s, and from there we can make it to the next posting house in a day or less, if the weather holds.”
“And then to Ridlington…another day and a half perhaps?”
“Maybe two. But the going should be fair, since we can take the toll roads for a good portion of the way. If any are clear and easily travelled, those will be the ones.”
She glanced at him. “I think it’s an admirable plan. We can worry about getting to London after reaching Ridlington. Somebody there will know how to go. Probably James.” She noticed his enquiring look. “Sir James FitzArden, my sister Letitia’s husband.”
“Ah,” he answered with a nod. “Family.” He looked glum. “I will have to meet them, won’t I.”
It was a statement, not a question.
Hecate chuckled. “Yes, I’m afraid so. But they don't bite. At least most of ‘em, anyway.”
“Tea, Ma’am.” Winnie entered bearing the traditional tea tray.
“Excellent, thank you, Winnie.” Hecate watched as the girl confidently placed the dishes onto the table and added the teapot and other necessary bits and pieces. “How is everything going below stairs, Winnie? Is your Mama getting on all right? And Frank? Settling in, do you think?”
“Ohyes, Miss.” She beamed. “‘E’s doin’ ever so good.” That was followed by a blush.
“I’m happy to hear it,” answered Hecate, seating herself. “We must see about making sure you all get a bit of time off. Do remind me…”
“Oooh, that’d be awful nice, Miss. I’ll remind yer.” She bobbed a quick curtsey and hurried away.
“Considerate of you, my dear.” Finn strolled to the table, his eyes full of laughter. “Assisting in a romance, are we?”
Hecate sniffed, and poured tea. “Just giving it a helping hand.” She pushed the cup over to Finn. “I’m happy. I’d like everyone around me to be happy as well.”
He watched her eyes, bright and shining in all the myriad shades between blue and green. “Are you truly happy, Hecate?”
She glanced at him. “Yes, Finn. Yes, I am truly happy today.” She sipped, then sighed. “And yes, I have you to thank for it.”
He gazed at her. “I should be the one thanking you.” He took a small tart and put it on his plate, staring at it for a moment as if trying to guess what it was. “You gave me back my life, and now you’ve given me more joy than I ever had a right to expect.”
“My goodness,” she chuckled. “All that?”
“Yes, Hecate. All that.” He kept his voice was tender but serious. “I’m alive because of you. I have my memory back because of you. I have a goal…because of you. And I’ve learned to love because of you.”
She stilled. “Finn…I…”
He held up his hand. “Hush, I haven’t finished. There is one thing I have to say about all this, Hecate. About us. One thing that’s become clearer and clearer every day we’re together. And today I realised I need to ask you something.” He took a breath, wondering what the hell had come over him.
She swallowed. “What’s that?”
“Will you marry me?”
“What?” She stared at him.
“Er…I saidwill you marry me?”
