She abruptly ceased breathing. Withdrawing her hands from his grasp, she stood and walked away from him, and then turned back. “Don’t say things like that.”
“Why not?” he asked evenly. He rose to his feet, but remained where he was. “Don’t you want to hear the truth?”
“You don’t understand what you want—”
He interrupted with a snort. “You act as though I’m still that naïve man who left England. I’m nearly thirty years old, Ada. I have probably seen more of the world than you ever will—or will want to. We have both suffered loss and heartache, and yet, you would deny me the chance for us to live a happy life together simply because you’re the one who’s scared to open yourself up to romance again.”
Ada’s lungs began to expand as she drew several deep breaths, panic coursing through her veins. As if a dam broke, she blurted, “I can’t stand the thought of losing you too. It nearly broke me when I lost Archie in such a devastating manner. I’m not sure I could survive it again.”
This time, he dared to move closer to her. She backed up a step or two, but he reached her and folded her within the circle of his comforting arms. As he gently lifted her chin to meet his gaze, tears stung the backs of her eyelids.
“My heart. When it comes to me and you, our love won’t be the kind to falter. If lightning strikes again, it will be because we want it to.”
Moisture clung to the tips of her lashes before it slowly coursed down her cheeks. Brandt leaned down and gently kissed it away. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
“There’s no rush. We can take however long you want. But Arabella would be sorely disappointed if I didn’t keep you in our lives.”
She leaned back slightly, confusion making her frown. “I thought you said you’d given her up?”
He shrugged, a sheepish expression crossing his face. “That may have been a small white lie to get you here.”
She couldn’t help herself. A laugh bubbled up in the middle of her chest. “And the fact you were drowning yourself with drink?” she prompted.
This time he grinned broadly. It was as if the sun had appeared from behind the clouds. “We must do what fate demands.”
She shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”
He sobered, his tone becoming husky. “More like hopelessly in love. With you.”
Just as he was about to lean down and kiss her, a small voice piped up from the doorway, “Did it work? Are you in love?”
This time, Ada laughed fully. Laying a hand against Brandt’s cheek, she said, “As a matter of fact, we are.”
Epilogue
2 weeks later…
* * *
Ada sat in the maroon and cream parlor at Matron Manor, but unlike the first time she had been sitting there, unsure of what life had in store for her, today she glanced down at the emerald engagement ring on her left hand and found it almost too unreal to comprehend that she was about to be a married woman. Again. While she would have the love of another man of worth, she was also going to gain a daughter. At long last, she would have the child she’d always wanted but could never have on her own. It had taken Arabella to complete the circle.
“Mrs. Givens. How lovey to see you again. May I offer my congratulations on your upcoming marriage?” Mrs. Claudine Grant joined her in the parlor. Ada was thankful that the council hadn’t been upset with her for changing her mind and having the driver unload her things at the Clarke townhouse. Of course, Brandt’s mother and father had been overjoyed at their impending nuptials and offered their felicitations before deciding that they would retire to the country permanently.
Ada was worried she might have overstepped, but Lady Effington had waved a hand and said, “My dear, I have long waited for the day I could leave the congestion of the city, but it was concern over Brandt that kept me coming back. Now I can rest happily knowing that he will soon be settled with a woman who is worthy of his love.”
After that, Ada had stopped by to see Maggie. At first, her friend was wary about admitting her, but after Ada had explained the reasons for her visit and the regret about how they had parted, the tension had started to ease.
“I realize now that prank was poorly done on my part,” Maggie said quietly. “I’m sorry it put you in a difficult position.”
“It did at the time, but later, I discovered it was the best thing that could have happened.”
When they had parted, Ada found that her steps were a bit lighter. But there was still one more thing to be done. She had spoken to Brandt at length about her work at the Manor. She still wished to make a difference, so that’s why she was there today.
“I admit I was surprised to receive your letter for a meeting today.” Mrs. Grant folded her hands in her lap. “How can I help you?”
Ada reached into her reticule and withdrew an envelope, which she handed to her. “This is for the Manor.”
At first, the lady’s eyes were curious, but they soon widened when she opened it to find several hundred pounds inside. “This is very… generous of you, Mrs. Givens. But are you certain Mr. Clarke doesn’t mind such a donation?”
