When she was gone, Athena walked over to Mara. She sat down in the chair Cassie had vacated and took her hands in hers. “I know I’ve said it a thousand times in the past three days you’ve been here, but I’m so happy for you and Roarke.”
“Thank you,” Mara said, feeling her throat tighten with emotion as it always did when she thought about the long and difficult road she and Roarke had traveled to get to this point.
The countess suddenly looked away, as if she wanted to say something, but wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. In the end, she inhaled a heavy breath and pushed forward. “I wanted you to know that my previous offer still stands.” She smiled. “Even though I know you won’t have need of it as you once thought, I didn’t know if maybe Bentley…”
Her voice trailed off, but Mara was well aware of her meaning. “It’s true that Bentley has decided to retire from the boxing ring, even though Dr. Harris believes that he will retain the use of most of his arm once it heals. I do appreciate you letting him stay here until the ceremony is over.”
“That was never a problem,” Athena was quick to reassure her, although she gave a wry twist of her lips. “Even if he nearly scared the wits out of my butler when he arrived.”
Mara grinned. “Yes, he does have that effect, but after he comes with me to Eversleigh House to take on his role of head gardener, I hope that people will begin to respect his abilities and his kind nature.”
Athena shook her head. “I still can’t imagine Big B toiling in the dirt.”
“I know,” Mara agreed, “He said it was the only way he would stay with me, and believe it or not, he admitted that gardening was a passion he’d always had.” She shrugged. “I couldn’t imagine my life without him, so I gave in. I just hope he’s prepared to take on the wage I intend to pay him.”
Athena sighed. “Well, then, perhaps I can put the money in a trust for your firstborn?”
Mara was about to refuse, but seeing the hopeful expression in Athena’s eyes caused her to hold her tongue. Suddenly, inspiration struck. “What would you say to another idea?”
Lady Rockford lifted a brow. “Hmm. I’m intrigued.” With her dark eyes sparkling, she said conspiratorially, “Do tell.”
As suspected, Athena was in complete agreement with Mara’s idea, although she tried to discourage her from setting out immediately.
“You can’t gonow! You’re getting married in two hours!” But even as she attempted to change Mara’s mind, she’d handed over the bank draft. In the end, seeing that she couldn’t waylay Mara’s determination, she vowed, “If you don’t return by half past eleven, I’m sending out a search party.”
“Not to worry. I’ll be here,” Mara assured her.
With that, she climbed in the Rockford carriage and made her way across town. Fifteen minutes later, she was staring at Pansy’s narrowed eye. “And ’ere I thought we’d gotten rid o’ you for good.” But even as her voice was haughty, her lips twitched. “Celeste is in the kitchen.”
“Thank you,” Mara replied kindly. When Pansy would have walked away, Mara paused and touched the other woman’s arm gently. “For everything.”
For an instant, she thought she caught the glimmer of a tear in Pansy’s eyes before she drew herself up. “Get on with ye then.”
And Mara knew that was her way of saying,You’re welcome.
As she made her way to the modest kitchen area, she caught sight of Celeste by the stove. She was still dressed in a simple muslin dress and was busy stirring something in a big pot on the stove. It smelled heavenly. She must have heard Mara’s entrance, for she turned around with a curious glance before she continued her task.
“Whatever are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting married today?”
“Well, since you wouldn’t accept my invitation,” Mara pointed out, “I had to come here to give you something.”
“You know that’s impossible,” Celeste noted. “You know what I do for a living.” Setting the pot to the side, she wiped her hands on a towel and asked, “So what can I do for you?”
Mara didn’t say anything, just held out the bank draft. Celeste took it and read the sum before giving a low whistle.
“This is just a shilling short of a fortune. Why does it have my name on it?”
Mara clasped her hands before her. “I wanted to thank you for your help with Bentley and give you a chance at a new life.”
Celeste blinked. “Are you daft?”
“Probably,” Mara said, “But really, I’m just in love, and I want to see everyone as happy as I am.”
“But,” Celeste’s eyes widened. “You can’t just expect me totakethis?”
Mara shrugged. “Consider it a loan, if you must, until you get on your feet. You know,” she said slowly, “I understand that there is a haberdashery on Cheshire Street that is need of new management.”
Again, Celeste blinked. “You want me to take over your shop?” She gave a snort. “Maybe you don’t recall this, but my House is one of the most sought after establishments in London. Everyone knows who I am.”
