In the cool afternoon air, he stood behind the stable with a pile of freshly cut logs at his feet. The sun beat down on him as he swung the heavy ax, sweat dripping from his brow and dirt smudging his hands and arms. With each powerful strike, he split another log, trying to drown out thoughts of Daphne that continued to haunt him. He didn't stop until the stack was twice its original size.
Thoughts of Daphne still dominated his mind.
“Take it easy, man,” Camden said, coming to stand beside him.
Alex hefted the ax again. “Bugger off.”
“That is hardly the way one speaks to their cousin.” Camden took another step. “Something is clearly bothering you.”
"At present, the only thing bothering me is you." Alex kicked the split chunks of wood out of his way and set up a new log. "I have work to do and no wish to be distracted."
Camden sat on a nearby log and turned his attention to Alex. “You are unbearable of late. What has gotten into you?”
"Nothing that concerns you," Alex said through gritted teeth as he swung the ax again, "and nothing I wish to discuss."
“Camden, my love.” Rebecca came strolling around the corner and directly into Camden’s arms. “I was told I would find the pair of you back here.”
Camden embraced her, staring down at her, his gaze soft and warm. “Did you have a nice visit?”
“Oh, yes, but I am sorry to report that Daphne is no better.” Rebecca glanced at Alex, a knowing glint in her eyes, then turned back to Camden. “She is out of bed but withdrawn. Phoebe said she has hardly touched her meals and spent little time with Henry because she does not wish for him to see her in such a state.”
Alex's heart constricted at the mere mention of Daphne's name. The news that she was still forlorn only added to the weight on his shoulders. He had never intended to hurt her and hated himself for doing so.
“I am sorry to hear she fairs no better.” Camden lowered his head, resting his chin on the top of Rebecca’s head. “Perhaps we can do something to cheer her up?”
“A splendid idea, but what? I have not seen her so...,” Rebecca paused, her brow drawing together as if she were searching for words, "distraught since Roland died." Rebecca nibbled her lower lip, a look of concentration coming over her. “But I do not wish to drag you into my family's problems.”
Camden shook his head, and said, “Silly woman, do you not know that I would do anything for you?”
Rebecca's lips curved up, her eyes sparkling with love as she gazed at Camden. The way they looked at each other, with such adoration and tenderness, made it obvious to anyone around that their love was deep and true. They were like two rare gems, treasuring each other in a world of their own making.
Alex watched Rebecca and Camden with a deep longing. He had never seen two people so at ease in each other’s company, speaking only with their eyes and lending the other small gestures of affection. Alex had once commented on the rarity of such an intense connection. Rebecca had smiled and shared the tale of his ancestors who had once lived in Almerry Castle, Sir Ariston Beauchamp and his beloved wife Isabel - a couple much like Camden and Rebecca who shared a love so powerful it could not be broken by distance or time. According to Rebecca, Ariston and Isabel shared a love so strong that, even now, they could be heard calling to each other across the mists surrounding Almerry Castle.
A wave of emotion crashed over Alex, and he knew with certainty what it was - love. His heart swelled as he thought about having a love like Camden and Rebecca shared for himself. Daphne. He was meant for her and she for him. Without hesitation, he dropped the ax from his grip and ran as fast as he could toward the Chesterfield's house.
Toward Daphne.
Rebecca called after him, “Where are you going?”
Alex did not slow his pace as he yelled over his shoulder. “To claim my own bit of magic.”
"I am glad you've come to your senses." Rebecca's gleeful voice echoed through the air. "Now hurry."
Alex's boots pounded the ground as he sprinted across the countryside, down the path leading from Almerry to the Chesterfield's house. He bounded up the porch steps and yanked open the door, his heart racing with urgency. The startled butler sputtered as Alex stormed past him, taking the stairs two at a time and shouting for Daphne. "Daphne! Where are you? I have to talk to you!"
Sweat pooled on his forehead and his heart pounded as he continued up the stairs. He was panting when he reached the first landing. "Daphne," he gasped, "I really must—".
She set her foot on the first step then paused at the top, surprise knitting her eyebrows together as she surveyed him with a glint of curiosity shining in her eyes. "What are you doing?"
He quickly strode up the stairs and pulled her into his embrace, crashing their lips together in a passionate kiss. She pressed her palms firmly against his chest, but found herself melting into him as the intensity of the kiss increased. Overwhelmed with emotions and the need to share them with her, he pulled back. “I am an idiot.”
Her eyes widened, hope flaring in her gaze. “I am not sure I understand.”
Alex stared at her, his chest heaving. His hands trembled as he reached for hers and ran his fingers over her delicate skin in a slow, rhythmic pattern. He looked up into her eyes, and the weight of all he’d been keeping inside suddenly became too much for him to contain. “I was lost in my own delusions and unable to see what was right in front of me. But you opened my eyes, Daphne. I love you with all my heart.”
Moisture gathered in her eyes, but she did not speak.
Alex dropped to one knee, still clutching her hands. “Marry me, Daphne. You will never worry about anything again. I will see to everything you and Henry require. Most of all, I will love you both with every piece of myself until the day I die. I swear it. I will be the most reformed rogue London has ever seen.”
