“Violet, it’s me.” He pulled off his hat and held it to his chest. “It’s Sebastian.”
“No,” she whispered as she took another step back. The children hampered her steps as they clung to her skirt. She continued to shake her head and mouth the wordno, and the children stared at him with eyes now wide with fright.I’m a stranger to her. She doesn’t know me anymore. She has a good life now, and who am I but a dark shadow from her past coming back to haunt her?
“Mr. Bastin,” Ottilie stepped forward, breaking tension. “What are you doing in Margate?”
Violet blinked and turned her head as if Ottilie’s voice awakened her from a dream. “Jack Bastin?” she said.
Ottilie nodded. “Yes, may I introduce—”
“Sebastian John…” she said, looking back at Jack.
“Greyson.” He furnished his true last name for her, his voice a mere whisper as tears choked him.
Violet’s bottom lip trembled, and a sob escaped her throat.
Jack threw down his hat and ran to embrace her.
Chapter Twenty-One
Nothing in the world issingle;
All things by a lawdivine
In one spirit meet andmingle.
Why not I withthine?
—Percy Bysshe Shelley,“Love’s Philosophy”
Frances and Sebastianraced on the grassy area of Fort Green, squealing with delight as Jack chased them. He caught a child in each of his arms, swung them around, and planted a kiss on each of their cheeks before standing them back on their feet.
“Again! Again!” they shouted, bouncing on the tips of their toes.
“Your uncle needs a rest from this game,” Violet said with a laugh. “And I’m afraid it’s time for your morning lessons.” She waved at Miss Cole, who strolled toward them.
“No!” They cried in unison, but a stern look from Violet stilled them. “Yes, Mama,” they said and ran to clasp Miss Cole’s outstretched hands.
“I do believe that is the same look you used to give me when I was their age.” Jack laughed.
“Yes, and to think I was only seven at the time,” Violet teased.
Frances turned and waved before she crossed the street with Miss Cole, and Jack blew her a kiss. “Frances is so like her namesake; it’s uncanny.”
“She’s the image of our dear sister and has the same lively spirit. Her energy is boundless. I’m afraid she tires out Sebastian sometimes.”
“Don’t concern yourself. Twins share a soul and understand each other’s needs. They will always take care of one another.”
“The way you and Frances always did.” Violet smiled.
“I still dream about her,” Jack said.
“I do too. But mostly, I dreamt you were alive. And now you are here.” She clutched her brother’s arm and rested her head on his shoulder. “I still cannot believe this isn’t a dream.”
He kissed her forehead. “It’s no dream, sister. I fought long and hard to find my way back to you, and tomorrow, we will travel to London and meet with Sir Richard’s solicitor. Then Mama’s childhood home will be ours.”
“That is wonderful to hear, but I will forever be furious with you for risking your life by engaging in an illegal duel.” Violet linked arms with her brother as they strolled west along the promenade toward the Nelson Pier. “Sir Richard is a military man; he could have killed you.”
“Believe it or not, I learned something about war and self-preservation during my years in America.”
