“I agree. And so does Isolde, especially,” he glanced at Thaddeus with a grin, “since knowing the truth has meant knowing your true feelings.”
Thaddeus could not help grinning back.
After they had a good sense of the numbers, he laid his full plan out to Thomas – and insisted he be allowed to loan Thomas the money to cover the debts, to be paid back slowly and without interest.
“That is too much, My Lord,” Thomas protested.
“It is not,” Thaddeus replied, “because Isolde will not be happy unless her family is safe and doing well. So this is not a loan in my eyes, it’s an investment in my future wife’s happiness, and therefore, the success of my marriage. So I’ll thank you to let me make it.”
Thomas could hardly argue with that, so he simply nodded with a bashful smile and then said quietly, “I am glad Isolde found someone worthy of her.”
Thaddeus thought his heart might burst with pride.
***
They had just finished reviewing the books when Isolde and Cornelia returned.
Isolde came to find him in the study and took him to the drawing room so they could speak privately. Once they were alone, hecould not help stealing a quick kiss. Isolde blushed, and he thought he could get very used to that.
“I came to let you know that I have told my family. I spoke with my mother and Tatiana last night and wrote to Henry in London as well.”
He took her hand and laid it over his heart.
“It will be agony to wait, but I promise you, we’ll be married as soon as your mourning period is over.”
She smiled up at him.
“You’re wrong,” she said. “It won’t be agony. I shall dream of the future every day, and every day shall be beautiful.”
Epilogue
Isolde was overseeing the dinner preparations that night when Cornelia came in, a little breathless, and told her that Lady Hartington had come to call on her. Isolde hurried to the drawing room, a little nervous at what had brought Thaddeus’s mother to her house.
Her stomach clenched as she remembered their last encounter, when the woman had accused her of being after Thaddeus’s money and title. She’d hoped that it was all behind them, but maybe not.
“Lady Hartington,” she greeted her, dropping into a curtsey.
“Miss Fairchild,” Lady Hartington replied, inclining her head. “I will not take much of your time. I came to offer my condolences.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“My son has explained everything, and I … I am sorry for everything you have been through.”
That was certainly not what Isolde had expected. She felt a surge of emotion at this sudden offer of solidarity.
“Thank you,” she said. “Truly, that means a lot to me.”
“I believe I was too harsh on you before. But perhaps when you have children you would do anything for, you will understand.”
“I think I already understand,” Isolde replied softly. “My younger brother and sister, I would do anything to protect them.”
Lady Hartington gave her a sharp look and then suddenly broke into laughter. Isolde stifled her frown of confusion.
"Forgive me, Lady Hartington, I think I missed the joke."
"I am only laughing at myself, dear. I think I see now why I was so wary of you at first. You remind me of myself when I was younger."
Isolde blinked in surprise and then found herself smiling.
