"Very well," she said at last, her voice calm. "Lead the way."
And so, he did.
Jasper knew he had to count every victory when it came to their reconciliation. He planned to court his wife all over again during this Season. He needed to show her—with his actions and words—that he was a safe place for her to fall, that her heart was at no risk of being bruised if she gave it to him again.
As she passed through the grand entrance of the home she was meant to rule, her gown brushing the marble floors, Jasper watched her greeting each staff member, smiling and asking their names. He could see the gentle, happy Abigail of old—not the stoic, embittered soul forged by his betrayal. And he knew, with a certainty that settled deep in his bones, he wouldn't stop until he found her again.
She was here now, walking beside him as he showed her to her quarters after they had greeted the staff. He had his daughter. He had his wife.
At last, they were all under the same roof.
And the next chapter of their story had begun.
Chapter 38
When the carriage arrived at Jasper's London townhouse, Abigail was greeted formally by the steward. Upon entering the home, Mr. Holling inquired if he might show Mrs. Rigby and Emmeline to the nursery and adjoining rooms. Once they'd gone, Jasper stood beside Abigail, calmly introducing her to the assembled staff as they welcomed her with quiet deference.
Afterward, he turned to her and said gently, "Allow me to show you to your rooms. I'll return in an hour to collect you—plenty of time to freshen up after our journey."
Abigail gave a slight nod and followed him upstairs.
The rooms prepared for her were elegant and spacious, with an adjoining door that—she was certain—led to Jasper's chambers. She tried the handle and quietly turned the lock, unwilling to offer even the appearance of invitation.
True to his word, Jasper returned precisely an hour later. He offered his arm. She rested her fingers lightly on it.
"Let's check on Emmeline," he said with a smile. "I'm sure she's quite eager to see you."
He led her up a second flight of stairs to the nursery.
Inside, Mrs. Rigby sat on a plush rug, surrounded by a pile of wooden blocks and cloth dolls. Emmeline looked up and cried with delight, "Mama!"
Then, spotting Jasper behind her, she added cheerfully, "Papa!"
Jasper's expression softened into a radiant smile, warm enough to fill the room.
Abigail's heart tugged. It was still difficult to share her daughter—still strange. For most of Emmeline's life, it had been just the two of them. When her little girl had begun calling Jasper "Papa" in February, Abigail had told herself to be content that he brought Emmeline joy. That joy, she reminded herself, was what mattered most.
"I'm taking your Mama on a little tour. Are you having fun with Mrs. Rigby, my darling?" Jasper asked, crouching in front of her.
Emmeline lifted her arms in silent request. He picked her up with ease, settling her against his hip.
Abigail turned away, choosing instead to study the nursery. From memory, she noticed the changes immediately. Jasper had said he'd refurbished it after learning about Emmeline. The wallpaper was new—a delicate floral design replacing the faded print she recalled from visiting Charlotte as a girl. A soft rug now covered the floor, and the furniture had been restored or replaced.
Jasper crossed the room to a painted toy chest and opened it. "These were Papa's toys when he was a boy," he told Emmeline, naming each item as she pointed in delight.
Abigail moved toward Mrs. Rigby, who was just rising from the floor.
"How are you finding everything? Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?" she asked in quick succession.
"I am quite comfortable, please don't worry over me, Your Grace," Mrs. Rigby replied with a soft smile, patting Abigail's cheek.
"Thank you for coming with us. Your presence means more than I can say," Abigail said, placing her hand over Mrs. Rigby's.
"I wouldn't wish to be anywhere else, Abigail."
Abigail smiled, gratitude swelling in her chest. Mrs. Rigby stepped forward and gently took Emmeline from Jasper's arms.
"Time for Mama and Papa's tour, little Dove," she whispered, using the endearment she'd used since Emmeline's birth.
