Epilogue
"And how is our wee one this mornin'?" Chloe asked as she stepped into the nursery. Izzy's eyes lit up as she watched Chloe slip through the crack of the door. There was a smile on Chloe 's face that made Izzy anxious. The spark in Chloe 's eyes only added to Izzy's suspicion.
"I'm well,but you look like the cat that swallowed the canary. You have news," Izzy observed as Edward stretched and let out a cute little yawn that melted Izzy's heart. She never thought in a million years to have someone who could steal her heart every second of every day. Nor did she think that there was room for anyone other than Aaron. Yet, Edward had wiggled his way into every faucet of Izzy's heart.
"Aye, I do,"Chloe answered as she pushed the letter into Izzy's hands. "Jacob returned me letter."
"Isthat the lad that has stolen your heart? And here I thought it was?—"
"It was Jacob,"Chloe answered in haste as if any other name was cursed. "It has always been Jacob, and it shall always be Jacob."
Izzy couldn't helpbut chuckle as she carefully stood with Edward in her arms. The baby was so small and fragile. Izzy didn't think she would ever be able to wrap her head around the fact that he was part of her just as much as he was a part of Aaron.
"Doye think me brother will allow him to come visit?" Chloe asked as Izzy settled Edward into his crib and gave the nanny a quick glance.
"You'll haveto talk to Aaron about that yourself. But I would suggest you make sure you understand that your brother will think the lad is coming to propose."
"Wouldthat be so bad if he was?" Chloe asked as her eyebrows rose. There was hope in Chloe 's eyes that reminded Izzy of her youth. She bobbed her head and let Chloe 's optimism seep into her bones. Although Izzy didn't know much about Jacob, she was certain that whomever Chloe picked, he would be the perfect match for her.
"I don't thinkyour brother is ready for that milestone in your life. Getting married is a big deal; you're bound to that person for the rest of your life. It's not a decision you should make lightly."
"Saysthe woman who was forced to marry me brother on pain of death?"
"Consideryourself blessed to be able to marry who you want," Izzy said. "If you talk to your brother with that angle, he's sure to see things your way. Just don't take him for a fool."
"I would never,"Chloe said as movement in the corner of Izzy's eye caught her attention. She turned to the window and tilted her head as she watched a carriage come charging down the lane. Izzy stole a glimpse at Chloe as confusion and wonder flashed through them.
"Are we expectin'company?" Chloe asked as she tried to keep the hope from her voice. Izzy couldn't help but smile as she gave a little shrug.
"Maybe you should go downstairsand see who has come to pay us a visit," Izzy encouraged. Without another word, Chloe took off for the door and disappeared down the hallway before Izzy could even bid Edward goodnight.
"Takecare of him till I return," Izzy ordered the wet nurse. The girl smiled and bowed low. Izzy's stomach flipped as she thought of Chloe being reunited with Jacob. After all the pining the two of them gone through to finally reach this point, well, Izzy had to be sure to catch the moment for herself.
Stoppingat the bottom of the steps, Izzy craned her neck as the doors opened. Her heart skipped as she strained her ears to listen for Jacob's announcement.
"Lady Blakesmith,"the footman announced. All the hope and anxiety that filled Izzy had drained from her. As much as Izzywanted to know the name, she couldn't put a face to it. She moved swiftly to the foyer hoping to reach the front before the servant could inform Aaron. The last thing she wanted was for Aaron to be troubled by a misunderstanding.
"Lady Blaksemith,"Izzy started as she came around the corner with a hand extended, ready to shake. Izzy stopped the second Lady Blakesmith came into view. Her heart sank before launching into her throat. "Melina?"
"Izzy? Oh, I was so prayin'I'd see ye before I saw Laird McNeil," Melina said in a flurry. The concern on Melina's face seemed out of place. All in all, she looked flustered and spent. "Is there somewhere we can talk in private?"
"Melina? What are you doing here?"Izzy asked as she rushed to Melina's side and threw her arms around the girl. How long had it been since she saw Melina? Suddenly a rush of sorrow came over Izzy as memory after memory came crashed against her. "Do you know…"
Melina pausedat the door to the sitting room and let out a heavy breath. "I'd rather speak in private if it's all the same to ye."
"All right,"Izzy answered as she glanced over at Chloe who flashed a confused and cautious glare at Izzy. Izzy lifted her hand as her eyes shifted to the top of the stairs. As much as she wanted to hear what Melina had to say, Izzy knew her husband should have been in the room as well. "We'll talk. But I think Aaron should be in here."
"Please,I just need ye to understand," Melina pleaded as she grabbed Izzy's hand. "Me faither was a vile man. There were a great many things he had me do that I dinnae want to. Marryin' Aaron was to be one of those things."
"Melina, you need to relax,"Izzy said as she guided Melina to the couch and had her sit before she passed out from excitement. "Have something to drink and take a moment to collect yourself. You have to understand, it's been a year since we've seen you, let alone heard a word from you."
"I ken,and there's nay excuse other than I was scared," Melina explained as Izzy walked over to the table and poured Melina a stiff drink. "Ye see, I was in thetonwhen I had received yer husband's letter explainin' me faither's demise. In the back of me mind, I kent that would be me fate one of these days."
"You write your own fate,"Izzy argued as she handed Melina the dram of whiskey.
"Me faitherwasnae liked by very many people. He often blamed others for his shortcomin's. It was so tiresome watchin' him fall apart. But there was nothin' I could do to stop him or change his mind. His bitterness grew as did his rage. It got so bad that even his dogs were fleein' his side. I took it as a sign and left before I could get swallowed up in his madness. I'm sorry. Me faither wasnae a very stable man. It's sad what has become of him, but I promise I'm nothin' like him."
"Yes,well, I think it's important that you're aware that your father tried to kill me," Izzy said, trying to keep all emotions outof her tone. But the truth remained the same. "He dangled me over the edge of a cliff and tossed me over it."
