Others leave.
I don’t care about anything. I become lost in how Katherine smiles, full and bright and at peace with the world and me. For the first time since the Winter Palace ball, her hands lovingly wrap around my neck, and we publicly hold each other. She waltzes in my arms and beams, happy to be with me. Finally, I get to enjoy the last dance with my wife.
Chapter 47
KATHERINE—OURFAMILY: THEM, ALLMYSISTERS ANDME
The final torch in the garden is extinguished. I watch it from the windows in Jahleel’s study. All have gone but the family, as he puts it. We sit together as Scarlett serves him her special tea.
“That was particularly stressful. It’s good to know old Tavis wasn’t so bad after all.”
“Not so bad, Scarlett,” Jahleel says. “Not great, but not evil. And despite everything, he did love your sister.”
He cranes back in his chair. “Now, maybe he can stop haunting me.”
“But didn’t you just send his father to a rat-infested prison?” Scarlett points him back to his teacup.
“Someone should pay for a loyal son’s death.”
She crosses her arms. “I think you shouldn’t give any balls for several years.”
“I agree.” Georgina sits holding her silent husband’s hand. “But I’m sure you’ll draw a crowd waiting to see who gets exposed.”
I turn from looking through the glass to gazing at Scarlett and Georgie. “Sisters, I’m sorry I didn’t share what was happening with Tavis and our finances.”
“We’ve forgiven you and him a long time ago.” Scarlett clasps my hand. “Thom-Wilcox Coal is going to be wonderful.”
“And it is for you and Georgie’s children. I spent my share on Tavis.”
Jahleel nods, but he’s busy setting up his jade chess set again. I’m enthralled and scared and can’t wait to get him alone to praise his bravery and box his ears. We have plenty of time; there is no need to rush an early death, aggravating his temper by the likes of Prahmn.
Stephen comes into the room like he’s waltzing. “The last auntie is in a carriage and has left Anya House.”
He drops into a chair like Jahleel did, as if anchors of ships from Trinidad hang from his arms. “The Cheapside citizens enjoyed themselves. They think peers are odd.”
“So basically, nothing has changed.” Scarlett comes to him and rubs his shoulder.
Mr. Steele and his basket kitten come. “The runners report that Palmers has met with the magistrate and is now on his way to Marshalsea Prison.”
That news draws smiles from everyone.
“Good night, all. Lada needs a good brushing and some cream. She did so well.”
“You, my friend,” Jahleel says, “did good, too. You’re always the best at finding information.”
“Happy to serve.” Swinging his basket, the faithful steward leaves.
He’s a much better cat mother than me. “I wish Papa knew how evil Mr. Palmers was. Lord Mark, are you well?”
“No. I’m …” Lord Mark stutters for a moment. Waves of emotions crash on his countenance. “… not better.”
I feel everything for him—embarrassment, anger, betrayal, and sadness. Things could be so different. They should be different.
“I’ll gain no more heartache or ruin from my father’s dressingdown.” Lord Mark stands. “I’m a successful composer, thanks to my wife. We’ve leased a home not too far from here. We have a future that doesn’t depend on Prahmn.”
He stoops to his wife. “Georgie, you and this little one are the most important people in my heart. I’ll never put you or our children in harm’s way trusting someone who has hate in his soul, even if we share the same blood.”
He picks my sister up, carrying her like a new bride. “Torrance, we’ll be staying the night.”
