Pearl furrowed her brow. Glancing at Hawker, she saw that he appeared equally mystified.
“Lady Fayne directed us to deliver the parcel to this address,” he began.
“And she instructedmeto return said parcel and give you privacy to examine its contents together.” Turning, Reverend Clarke led the way in the manner of one used to being followed. “You may use my office.”
The rector’s office was cozy and paneled in dark wood. One side of the room held a desk and shelves filled with religious texts and icons. Mullioned windows filled the room with golden light.
“Make yourselves comfortable.” Mr. Clarke ushered them to a comfortably worn sofa. “I’ll be in the nave awaiting your answer.”
“Our answer to what…?”
But the rector had left, closing the door before Pearl could finish her question.
Frowning, she said to Hawker, “What is going on?”
“Only one way to find out.” He looked at the parcel. “Why don’t you do the honors?”
Brow crinkling, Pearl sat down with Hawker beside her. She hesitated before untying the string and removing the wrapping. Inside was a box; lifting the lid, she found two envelopes and a small red velvet pouch. Seeing that one of the envelopes was inscribed with the words “Read First,” Pearl broke the wax seal and read aloud the letter written in Lady Fayne’s hand.
My dearest Mrs. Peabody and Hawker,
As you are reading this letter, you must be wondering about the purpose of your assignment. The answer is simple: this mission has been about you. About taking a journey that has, hopefully, led to important discoveries.
Attraction can strike when one least expects. Sometimes it leads to folly; on rare occasions, it leads to true and everlasting happiness. I will not pretend to know how things will turn out, but I have enclosed some items in hopes that you will find them useful. If it suits you, Reverend Clarke will arrange the rest. I once helped his sister, and he is happy to return the favor.
As the pair of you are exceedingly difficult to shop for, please consider this offering my gift for Christmastide. Whatever ghosts stand in your way, I know you can vanquish them together. For you deserve happiness, my friends…and ’tis the Season for new beginnings, after all.
With fondest affection,
Charlie
Her eyes welling, Pearl looked up and saw that Hawker’s gaze held a sheen as well.
“Lady Fayne knew,” she whispered. “About us.”
“Ain’t a surprise, I suppose. Always said the lady ’as eyes on the back o’ her ’ead.” He cleared his throat. “What’s in the other envelope?”
Pearl broke the wax, her breath catching as she removed the paper. It was a special marriage license; granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, it would allow her and Hawker to marry anywhere and at any time. Hawker picked up the velvet pouch. Loosening the cords, he emptied the contents into his palm.
A pair of gold wedding bands fell out. One large, one small. Both were simple and lustrous, their smooth surfaces ready to be etched with the marks of a new journey. With all the triumphs, challenges, and rewards of a life dedicated to love.
Then and there, Pearl knew that she wanted that ring more than she’d ever wanted anything.
His brows drawn, Hawker held the rings in his palm as if weighing them. She had the sudden fear that he’d changed his mind. That just as the truth had burst into her heart, he’d come to a different conclusion. What if seeing the rings and the commitment they represented scared him off? What if he realized that he didn’t want to commit himself to a woman with a nefarious past?
Closing his hand around the rings, Hawker shoved them in his pocket.
Then he got down on one knee.
“I’d reckoned on you choosing your own band, but there’s still the engagement ring.” His tender expression cinched her throat. “Lady Fayne is right. We deserve happiness…deserve each other. Whatever the future brings, I promise that I’ll stand by your side. That I’ll love, cherish, and protect you…if you’ll ’ave me.”
“Oh, Hawker, I do love you,” she said tremulously. “And Iwantto marry you. But are you certain that I can be the duchess you need?”
“All I need is you. Nothing else matters.” He cupped her cheek. “So that’s a yes?”
She nodded fervently.
He grinned, his eye sparkling with joy. With love that felt like a miracle.
