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Her question was the same each time she saw Orris. Abram had not left his room unless for bathing since his arrival. “Yes, Mama. I believe he is coming around to himself. I do not think he had properly mourned the loss of his friend until his brother was… prevented from harming Violetta.” Orris took a seat beside her mother.

“We so appreciate all that he had done for this family. What will happen to their bodies? I believe he will be responsible for their final resting places.”

“He is to take them back to Ireland the moment he is better. He has written to his father explaining all that occurred.”

“This entire ordeal… I can only imagine what his father is going through. Not only to have a stain on your legacy, but to lose a child. It is a type of trauma I should never hope to experience.” Mama sighed. “What of you and your sister? How are you feeling? Violetta will not even come from her room.”

“Give her some time. She had been through a great deal. She was so frightened when we found her. I think she needs a minute to get over the embarrassment of throwing propriety to the winds at Lord Hartinton’s feet and for being used as bait. She did not deserve that, at all.” Orris shook her head, the situation still too unfathomable to be believed.

“Yes, well. The news has made the papers. We shall require a moment to allow the scandal to subside. For once, I do not care what they waggle their tongues about. As long as my children are safe.”

The statement was heartening. Orris had not known how her mother would react, but she did not want to keep anything from her this time. She deserved to know everything. There was still the matter of how she felt about Abram. There was no reason to bring up the subject until he was past the shock of all that had happened, though.

“I am sure Violetta appreciates your support, Mama,” Orris said.

She placed the napkin on her lap and waited as the servants poured her tea and set out the breakfast of sausage, soft boiled eggs, and light pastries. She didn’t feel much like eating yet, though.

“Orris,” Mama said, “I am so proud of you. All of you. I have raised strong women who follow their hearts, know their minds, and are willing to fight for those they love. Of course, titles and wealth are admirable, but what I want most for each of you is happiness.”

Orris placed a hand atop her mother’s. “Mama, I appreciate you for your kindness, and I am grateful to have you as a parent.”

Before they could say anything more, Abram walked into the room and took a seat opposite Orris.

“Ma’am,” he said to Mrs. Gray.

“Good morning, Lord Abram. I am glad to see you are better and walking around.”

“Yes, ma’am. I have a question to ask. A favor, really,” he said.

Mama looked to Orris, but Orris did not know what he was going to inquire about.

“Yes?” Mama said.

“I intend to ask your brother-in-law for permission to marry Orris—if she’ll have me. I know we should court properly, but I hope you consider these past few weeks we’ve spent together as enough. And… I cannot imagine life without you. I thought for a moment, all I wanted was the wind at my back and to find joy in living a life of frivolity. You have made me want more. More than I could have ever conceived had I not met you.” Abram bent on one knee. “If you would have me, Orris Lillian Gray, you would make me entirely new through your love.”

Orris blinked back tears. “Yes!” she exclaimed. She couldn’t believe he was discussing this—he hadn’t even asked her until now. And she felt the same. He made the world feel right. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”

Abram smiled at her, evidently at a loss for words for once.

Mama beamed. “Yes, we shall write to the girls’ uncle immediately!”

“Yes, Mrs. Gray, but I should also like to ask my father for my mother’s wedding ring to give to her. I wondered if you and your daughter might accompany me home. To Ireland. I would love for you both to see my home.”

“Yes,” Orris said, her heart beating against her chest. She wanted to fall into his arms and kiss him, but she had to show some decorum. She would fall into his arms later.

“Despite the enthusiasm of my daughter, I still need to agree,” she said, glancing between them. “And I do. I have never been to Ireland, Lord Abram. May I call you just ‘Abram’? You shall have to show me every corner of the country. If we are to expand our family, I want to see every loch and shore.”

“Yes, ma’am. Though it pales in comparison to the beauty of the ladies of Gray Manor, I think you would love it there,” he said.

“Oh, Abram. I should tell you that flattery will not earn you any more favor in my heart, as you have saved one daughter and are marrying another, but I do love a good compliment. Please continue.” Mama laughed, the sound booming off the walls. She grabbed Abram’s hand as Orris looked on.

Her heart was full, and though she had not thought marriage would be part of her journey, she could not have been happier for the love she’d found with Abram.

She listened as Abram told them tales of his childhood running about his father’s lands. It had been days since she had seen the light in his eyes with which she had become so taken early on. As much as she loved her sisters, she had not seen herself as a lady. She thought she would have had to compromise who she was in order to become a wife. But Abram helped her see, it was not a loss of herself when one found the right person. Her life was richer, bolder, and there was nothing she wanted more than to be at Abram’s side.

What she appreciated most, what she looked forward to most earnestly, were the new memories they would make together.

Chapter Thirty-Four