She eventually pulled away from him, and he wiped her facewith his thumb and tucked her long hair over her shoulder. He leaned forward as much as he could, and she met him halfway. He framed her face with his hand and kissed her, allowing the softness of her touch to numb any pain and to shed optimism on their future.
“Marry me,” he breathed, unable to hold the request back. “I will protect you and Henry. I will love you—both of you—until the day I die. These last few years have been an endless nightmare without you. Thank God I’ve woken up.”
Her face was mere inches from his, and her eyes met his with such honesty, such intensity, it seemed as if they had never been apart. She leaned forward, and her loose hair fell against his skin. A grin toyed with her lips, and a bit of brightness flashed in her topaz eyes. “Not even war or smugglers can keep us apart, can they?”
She trailed her finger through his hair and pressed a kiss to his lips before whispering, “Of course, I will marry you. It was only ever you.”
Chapter44
Charlotte smiled down at Henry as he yawned in her arms. His white eyelashes fluttered against his pink cheeks, and his chest rose and fell with comfortable sleep.
She could not resist smoothing her hand over his white-blond curls and covering his little hand with hers.
Memories of his abduction and the horrifying events that accompanied it would always haunt her, but in this singular moment he was safe, and with any mercy he’d never remember a bit of it. She wished she could be so fortunate, but the events of the past month were seared into her brain with such intensity that they would always be a part of her.
She recalled the sight of Mr.Walstead’s lifeless body on the stone floor. Of Roland’s lifeless body on the Persian rug. Of Anthony injured. Of Henry screaming in fear at Thoms Cottage.
She squeezed her eyes closed to black out the thoughts.
It was over.
Now, they only had to figure out what to do with the King’s Prize. Technically, the collection of emeralds was owned by Roland, and as such was a part of his estate. Even so, she wouldnot rest fully until they were out from beneath Hollythorne House’s roof.
The door opened, as did Charlotte’s eyes, and Sutcliffe stood in the doorway to her bedchamber with a stack of linens in her arms.
“I did not hear you.” Charlotte motioned to the lady’s maid. “Come in.”
Sutcliffe did as she was bid, but her every movement was void of her usual enthusiasm. A shadow crossed her round face, and she stopped in the middle of the chamber. “May I beg a word with you?”
Charlotte turned to place Henry in his bed. “Of course.”
Sutcliffe set the linens on the bed before she faced Charlotte. “I owe you an apology, Mrs.Prior. A formal one. I want to tell you with the highest sincerity that I never meant to tell Mr.Timmons about the emeralds. I honestly was not aware of the significance, and I never would have intentionally betrayed your trust.”
“Oh, my dear. You have nothing for which to apologize. Mr.Timmons deceived you. Cruelly.”
Sutcliffe shook her head, her fair brows drawing together. “I still don’t know how I could have been so foolish. I fear I will feel shame for it until the day I die.”
Charlotte reached out to take the woman’s hand in her own. “You are not foolish. Do not allow yourself to believe it for a minute. You have a good, trusting heart. ’Tis only a pity that such goodness was not matched.”
Sutcliffe nodded. “You are kind to say so.”
“One day a man will come who deserves the loyalty and trust you have to give him, but Mr. Timmons proved to you,quite clearly, that he is not that man.” Charlotte drew a sharp breath. “And while we are speaking of forgiveness, it is I who should be apologizing. In the midst of my own anger, I spoke very harshly to you the morning we discovered Henry missing. At the time I was so blinded by fear that I could not see the anguish others were enduring. As your friend, I beg your forgiveness.”
“All is forgiven.” Sutcliffe smiled tentatively, slowly pulling her hand from Charlotte’s. “But there is something else that must be spoken.”
Charlotte tensed.
It was quite unlike Sutcliffe to be timid and hesitant.
Sutcliffe pressed her lips together and then drew a deep breath. “I appreciate every opportunity you have extended to me, but I must find another position. Given what has transpired I cannot remain in your employ.”
The words echoed. And hurt.
But they were not a surprise.
After what they’d all just experienced and the embarrassment Sutcliffe likely felt about her relationship with Mr.Timmons, Charlotte did understand.
She wanted to plead with her lady’s maid, herfriend, to change her mind, but she knew Sutcliffe. She would not have made such a decision lightly, and now that her decision was made, it would be useless to attempt to sway her otherwise. “Where will you go? Back to Leeds?”
