Chapter Twenty-Two
The plans were made, the route they would take was carefully mapped out, and all the associated details had been finalized.
Hecate and Finn were ready to embark on their trip, having sent a message to Richard and Cressida to expect them within a few days.
Finn found himself unusually nervous at the thought of meeting Hecate’s family, but at least Richard was a known quantity, so he was going to begin with the easiest part of it all. And he blessed the brief glimpses of a wintery sun that shone intermittently on the morning of their departure.
Dal, Augusta, Winnie and Frank had gathered on the front steps to see them off in the travelling carriage that would take them to Branscombe Magna. From there they would procure another one for the next leg of their journey—to Ridlington Chase.
“You’re sure you have everything, Hecate?” Augusta looked concerned. “You don’t have many bags…”
Hecate grinned. “I don’t need many bags. Just the basics for me. This isn’t an extended round of winter visits, Augusta. My family knows me well enough not to care about the number of my dresses, and we shouldn’t be in London for too long.”
“Well, if you’re sure…” Augusta gave her a hug. “Thank you, Hecate.”
“For what?” Hecate blinked in surprise.
“For giving me a life that I never hoped to have. You may not realise it, but you helped me step out of the person I was, and into the person I should have been. I can never thank you enough for that.”
“You did it yourself, Augusta.” Hecate shot a quick glance at Dal as he buckled the final straps over the bags on the back of the carriage. “Don’t stop now. You’ve found your heart. Follow it.”
“I will,” grinned the older woman. “I certainly will.”
“We’re ready,” called Finn, holding the carriage door open.
Hecate went down the steps to Dal’s side, briefly touching his arm. “I will miss my companion. But I shall be content knowing that he has all that I care about in his charge.” She looked up to the top of the steps, where Bub had come out to sit tall and enigmatically next to Augusta.
“There they are, Dal. My house, my cat and everyone in it is now under your control.”
“I shall attempt to keep it all in good heart, Miss Hecate.”
“Keep yourself in good heart too, Dal. You might even share a little of your heart. I believe it would be welcomed.”
“I will keep that thought in mind. Please take care of yourself and come back to us soon.”
She moved to the carriage and let Finn help her inside, following her to sit opposite as soon as she was settled. Dal closed the door, and she reached out once again to lay her hand on his where it rested on the rim of the window. “Stay well, my dearest friend. We will send word if we can.”
Dal nodded, his eyes dark and filled with emotion. “Safe travels.” He stepped back and nodded at the driver.
And they were off.
Hecate was surprised that tears filled her eyes as they drove away from Doireann Vale.
“It’s difficult, isn’t it? Leaving one’s home and those one loves…” Finn reached out and touched her knee.
She nodded. “Yes. It’s the first time Dal and I have been apart in an age. He was there when I recovered consciousness from the accident and he’s been there for me ever since.”
“A truly good man,” observed Finn.
“All that and more.”
She took a breath and looked out the window at the bare countryside, dappled here and there with mounds of snow that hadn’t quite had enough sun to melt them.
“We will be back before Christmas, Hecate.” Finn spoke firmly. “I promise we’ll be here for Christmas.”
“I would like that,” she mused. “Our first Christmas together. As a family. Of sorts.” She grinned at him. “Bub isn’t much fond of all the fuss…” Her breath caught. “Oh lord, I shall miss him too…”
Finn slid from his seat to snuggle in beside her. “We can turn back…”
