Harrison returned the smile. “Are you certain you don’t want me to have a go at reciting the poem?”
“I’d rather you just use your own words.”
As everyone around them went completely silent, Harrison took the list she was still holding from her, stuffed it back into his pocket, shoved a strand of hair that was now blowing in front of his eyes aside, then smiled. Taking hold of her hand, he dropped to his knee again.
“I knew from the moment I met you that you were an unusual woman,” he began. “Probably because you were dyed an unusual shade of orange, and you didn’t seem all that concerned about it. As I got to spend more and more time with you, though, I realized you are the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever known. You’re beautiful, certainly, but more importantly, you have a most generous heart and a thirst for adventure I believe you’re only just now beginning to understand. If you would agree to share the rest of your life with me as my wife, I promise I’ll do everything within my power to feed that thirst of adventure and love you as no man has ever loved a woman for the rest of my days.”
Gertrude blinked to clear the tears that were clouding her vision as all the ladies surrounding them immediately began dabbing at their eyes and sniffling ever so quietly, although Miss Henrietta and Mrs. Davenport took to practically howling as they cried into handkerchiefs Asher provided to them.
“I would be honored to share a life of adventure with you, Harrison. You’ve captured my heart quite like I imagine a pirate would capture a ship, and because of that, I’ll not be content to live my life without you. I’ll love you for the rest ofmydays, days I know will no longer be merely ordinary, but extraordinary.”
The moment she finished talking, Harrison was on his feet, pulling her close as he cupped her cheek in his hand, leaned toward her, and then ... he kissed her.
Everything in her world settled to rights as she slipped her hands around Harrison’s neck and relished the feel of his lips on hers.
When he pulled away from her, though sooner than she would have liked, he then surprised her by scooping her up into his arms and striding with her directly toward the sea.
Before she could grasp what he was up to, he tossed her into the air, and shrieking with laughter, she hit the water, unsurprised to feel his arms lift her up against him a moment later. Exchanging grins, they dove into the waves, Gertrude knowing this was only the first of what would certainly be more adventures. Looking up to the sky, she grinned and lifted up a prayer, thanking God for blessing her with the love of an extraordinary gentleman.
Epilogue
THREEMONTHSLATER
Taking a step back from the dress form, Mrs. Davenport regarded the latest dress design she’d been working on, nodding in satisfaction at the draping she’d managed to create.
“How lovely, Hester,” Miss Henrietta said as she walked across the completed design studio at Miss Snook’s School for the Education of the Feminine Mind. “In all honesty, I’ve come to believe you’re almost ready to teach a class on your own.”
Mrs. Davenport shook her head. “While that’s very kind of you to say, I don’t believe I’ve learned quite enough to start teaching just yet. Although...” She smiled. “I have been enjoying my new position as house mother, and thank you again for offering me such a position.”
“You’re very good with the young women,” Miss Henrietta said, stopping beside Mrs. Davenport before she ever so casually fanned her face with a fancy piece of ivory vellum. “And speaking of one of our young ladies...” She held out the vellum. “Look what was just delivered from our social secretary.”
Drawing in a sharp breath, Mrs. Davenport held out a hand that was trembling ever so slightly and took the piece of vellum, blinking a few times to clear the tears that were now clouding her vision. Bending her head, she began to read.
The pleasure of your company is requested at
47 Broadway
To celebrate the engagement of
Miss Gertrude Cadwalader
to
Mr. Harrison Sinclair
Monday, October the Eighth
at Ten o’clock.
Responses delivered to
47 Broadway
Miss Snook’s School for the Education of the Feminine Mind
Mrs. R. Davenport, Miss Henrietta Huxley, Miss Mabel Huxley
“I am still all aflutter Gertrude agreed to allow us to host her engagement celebration here,” Miss Henrietta said after Mrs. Davenport raised her head. “Mabel and I are simply tickled our old home has had such new life breathed into it. Mr. Barclay has declared he’s going to personally see to the renovations of the third-floor ballroom to ensure Gertrude will not be disappointed on her special day.”
