Hope wrapped her arms around her sister. “You goose,” she scolded tenderly, “Mama has only wanted you to be safe and provided for. Dr. Westbridge would have done that very well indeed. But she has never asked you to sacrifice yourself. If your decision disappoints her, it will be because she frets that you will be left to fend for yourself. But Daniel will not let that happen.”
Verity let the words sink in. Acceptance. She had craved it all her life. A feeling of belonging. And it had been there all along. In the heart of her parents, the kindness of her sister, the willing duty of her brother-in-law. Relief flooded her body so that she grew heavy with the delicious weight of it, until it siphoned out and left her with a sense of peace.
“Thank you,” she said softly, returning her sister’s embrace. “You are all so good to me.”
“For better or worse, we are family,” said Hope. She took a steadying breath. “And that is why I must ask one thing of you.”
Verity sat up straight and looked at her sister, a pinch of nerves returning.
“Do not speak of your intentions to anyone else,” said Hope, “not until Dr. Westbridge has returned. I know you believe it impossible, but you might yet change your mind. And he deserves to hear it from your lips. He may surprise you. Perhaps there is more to him than you have seen thus far. If, after speaking with him, you are determined to pursue this course of action, then so be it. But grant your betrothed that much.”
“I am willing,” Verity said immediately. “I shall continue to write to him in the manner in which we have done, which is civiland proper and not demanding in the least. And I shall welcome him home, for he may remain a good friend if he wishes it. I cannot believe he will have changed in a way that will affect my decision, but, as you say, he deserves that much.”
“Good,” Hope replied. She pushed on her knees to stand. “Now, I think breakfast is in order. I would like to hear the rest of the news Daniel has for us. And then, it seems, we shall have to take the carriage to Thorn Bush Hall and see if the Trentons are in.”
Verity bounced up from the bed and hugged her sister once more. Then she grabbed her hands and danced a little jig all in a circle until Hope laughed and protested that it was time to get dressed.
“What shall I wear?” cried Verity. “It is a day for celebration. We must look our best. I know! I shall fetch my favorite hat and add a new ribbon, perhaps even some flowers from the garden. The war is over. Our men are coming home!” And she skipped across to her bell-ribbon to summon her lady’s maid.
“Shoo, now!” She waved her hands at her sister, who had been standing still so as not to be knocked over by Verity’s energetic motions. “We must clothe and feed ourselves and acquaint ourselves with the details of the news. And then we are off! The streets will be filled with revelers and it shall take forever to reach Thorn Bush Hall. Why are you still standing there?”
She began to push her protesting and laughing sister toward the doorway. As soon as Hope had left, Verity leaned with her back against the door. She sighed a happy, satisfied sigh. It was a beautiful day! And, more wonderful than any other thought, Mr. Cole could be coming home!
