Her talk with her mother had helped her to see her misperceptions. While she’d attributed her father’s sternness to disapproval, Mama had told her that it stemmed from a different place altogether.
“Papa was stricter with you than Max because that was what you needed,”Mama had explained.“Papa has always loved you, but before his injury, he was too indulgent. To be frank, he spoiled you, dearest. After his recovery, he was determined to be a better father…and he was. He always acted with your best interests in mind.”
In her heart, Fi had always felt her father’s love, and the talk with Mama had lifted a weight from her chest. It also allowed her to speak the truth.
“I wanted to apologize, Papa. For being, well, difficult at times,” she said in a small voice. “And for not always being honest.”
“Regardless, I am proud of you, Fiona,” Papa said gravely. “Of the girl you were and the woman you’ve become. You have, and always will have, my love.”
“I love you too.” Fi sniffled. “But please,pleasedon’t make me cry. I don’t want my eyes to get puffy and ugly.”
“You have your mama’s looks; you could never be anything but beautiful.” Papa clasped her shoulder. “But you also have my ambition and drive, which means you are capable of doing whatever you set your heart upon. As I’ve learned, that is both a blessing and a curse. I did not want you to make the same mistakes I did—wanted to make sure you knew what truly matters in life.”
His words came back to her.
“The people you love and who love you in return,” she said softly.
“Love is the true key to happiness.” Papa’s eyes glinted. “And you are happy, my dear?”
“Yes,” Fi said tremulously. “Very.”
“Good. Because that, my dearest girl, is all I have ever wanted for you.” He kissed her cheek. “Now, I will leave you in good hands.”
Turning, Fi saw that her husband was waiting. Hawk and Papa exchanged polite greetings before the latter went to find Mama for a dance.
“Had a good chat?” Hawk asked.
“The best.” Fi sighed happily. “You were right. I should have talked to my parents ages ago.”
“I am rather good at giving advice I don’t follow.”
“Your situation is different.” Knowing that he was referring to the secret he kept for Caroline’s sake, Fi felt compelled to defend him. “You gave your word, and you are a man of honor. I only hope that you no longer carry the burden of guilt.”
“I don’t.”
The love in Hawk’s gaze warmed her to the tips of her dancing slippers.
He brought her hand to his lips. “Because of you.”
Over the past three weeks, she and Hawk had shared their deepest selves. It had been scary and wondrous and the opposite of their initial agreement. And they could not be happier.
As for work, Hawk and the Quorum had wrapped up the Sherwood Band matter, and Fiona and the Angels had fulfilled their quest to find Lillian O’Malley. At present, Lillian was in prison. The judge had been lenient in sentencing, based on Sir Swinburne’s testimony that Lillian had, herself, been a victim of Wilkes and assisted in his defeat.
Mrs. O’Malley had visited Lillian frequently, as had the Angels.
“Six months will be over before you know it. You will be all right,”Fiona had said.
“I already am.”While small, Lillian’s smile had been real; her bruises had begun to fade.“I am free of Wilkes. And I have Mama and friends who care about me. After I serve my debt to society, I shall have a chance to start afresh. To show you that your faith in me was not in vain.”
“Show yourself, if you must.”Fiona had squeezed Lillian’s hand.“I already know how deserving you are.”
Since closing their cases, Hawk and Fiona had both decided to take a brief hiatus from work. They’d wanted the freedom to enjoy newlywed life…which they had. Rather abundantly. Indeed, beneath her tiered, sky-blue skirts, Fiona could feel the aftermath of her husband’s pre-ball passion trickling down her thigh.
It made her feel naughty, excited, and, most of all, loved.
For their bonding hadn’t just been physical in nature. They’d spent long, lazy hours talking in bed and taking companionable strolls through the park. Sometimes they said nothing at all, just cuddled while they read. They also spent time with their friends and family, weaving their lives seamlessly together.
Fiona fell more in love with her husband every day. His acceptance melted away her insecurities; for the first time, she felt no pressure to do or prove anything. She didn’t have to be the perfect lady, daughter, wife, or even investigator.
