Heat scorched Eve’s cheeks. She’d been a bit difficult when she was younger. “Yet, you took to the lessons well. You wished to better yourself.”
Cait sighed. “I’m glad I did.”
The two clasped hands and looked out over the water, toward Ireland.
“Mother and father would be happy for you Eve.”
“Father hoped that we’d marry titled gentlemen. Except he expected it to be you before me.” Eve hated that her sister hadn’t found someone of her heart. “Come to London. Live with me.” At least then Cait would have the opportunity to come in contact with titled gentleman and perhaps she too might find love.
“I’m happy here,” Cait insisted. “I’m needed, and in the end, that’s really all a person wants, just as Kilsyth needs you.”
“What of happiness?”
“I am happy, Eve. I promise you that.”
Eve wasn’t so certain but she’d accept her sister’s answer for the moment.
“Besides, if I want more, I do have ten thousand pounds to help me get by.”
In addition to obtaining the Special License for Henry, Norbright had visited her father’s solicitor and learned that Cait also had a dowry that Brendan had been unable to touch. And, as Cait had reached her majority, it was now hers.
It might not be such a large sum to the gentlemen up at the manor, but it was nearly a fortune to Cait and Eve who had once wondered if they’d ever eat again.
“Look, the seals are sunning themselves.” Cait pointed to some boulders along the shore where a number of seals lay.
The two of them walked closer, as they had done when they were children. Such gentle creatures and she’d envied that all they needed to do all day was swim in the ocean and sun on the rocks.
“I hope there are seals at Kilsyth’s estate,” Eve wondered out loud.
Cait frowned. “I don’t believe you’ll find many in Mayfair.”
Eve giggled. “His family seat is outside of Blackpool in Lancashire. The manor looks out across the ocean, much as Harrington Manor does.”
“Toward Ireland,” Her sister sighed.
“Aye.”
They settled on a boulder now occupied by the seals, not bothered that they were surrounded by the mammals.
“I promise to visit as often as I can,” Eve assured her. Cait was the only family she had left. Henry might be her husband and her future, but nothing could replace a sister.
“I’d like that.” Ciat smiled. “And I’ll visit whenever I have a holiday.”
They may live far apart, but they’d not lose touch and one day, perhaps they’d live closer to one another. Only time would tell.
“You should return to your husband,” Cait said. “I’m certain that he doesn’t wish to be parted from you for long.”
“I should.” Eve stood. “I love you Cait.”
“I love you too, Eve, and I wish ye all the happiness.” After the two hugged, Eve had to turn away and brush the tears from her eyes. This wasn’t an ending, but a new beginning, and even though her heart was heavy leaving her sister behind, she grew lighter when she spotted Henry as she neared Harrington Manor.
“Is all well?” he asked with concern.
“Aye. Memories and promises and a bit of nostalgia.”
“I’m not taking you away tomorrow,” he assured her. “In fact, we’ll be staying for the duration, until Pickmore, Ashford and Keegan can travel again, so you’ll have more time with your sister.”
“Thank you, Henry.”
