My tailor is better than yours.
I ordered this first day I asked for your hand.
This is right.
D.
That was weeks ago. He was so sure of us. Fine. I wept.
Patience held me. We were both sobbing sacks.
“Come now. How are we, capable women, made weepy by sentimental men?”
“Ashbrook can sing a little, just like the duke. I’m done for.”
“Jemina, you love him. You’re very done.”
“I want to be the good woman he sees wearing this gown. The woman Hope calls Mama. I didn’t think I deserved a second chance, not after letting everything go with theMinerva.”
Patience wiped at her tears. “The disaster wasn’t your fault. You deserve every happiness. And so does Ashbrook. He and Hope are the lucky ones. They captured your heart.”
“I should tell him, Patience. He should know that I love him before we marry.”
She grabbed my arm. “But you’re not dressed.”
“This can’t wait.”
“Yes, yes it can. When he sees you next, it will be as his bride, one with hope on her lips and in her heart.”
Patience was right.
Always right.
“Dress me. Make me pretty.”
“Easy task.”
“I’m all freckled and red.”
She steered me to the vanity and held the gown to my chin. “Beautiful, especially with those freckles and such glowing cheeks.”
The mirror reflected my growing smile. Even my eyes had a bubbly grin. I was pretty sure I loved the man I was to marry. I respected him greatly. I already loved Hope. When he called me her mother, it healed a little of my heart.
Just a little.
This time, no matter what, I wasn’t letting go. As long as I kept my head above the waves, I’d hold on to their light.
CHAPTER 39
DANIEL—WEDDEDDISCLOSURES
In the formal study of Sandlin Court, Daniel stood with Hope at his knee, staring at the duke and his stepson, Lionel.
“Pa-Papa,” she said, ducking and hiding, playing peekaboo with Repington. “He’s nice.”
“Little Miss Thackery, don’t tell anyone,” the duke said. “It’s our secret.”
“Princess, I will take you to the parlor. I think I must have a word with the duke.”
