Page 84

“Oh, Ronan.” She touched two fingertips to her mouth, her eyes enormous and luminous. Her gaze dipped to the unopened letter. “You risk much.”

He gave her a lazy smile. “Nae. The risk is in not asking you to share my life. To be my wife. I don’t think I could bear a future that doesn’t include you in my life every day. Will you marry me, Mercy?”

Flicking a finger at the crisp rectangle, he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion, “No matter if that letter brings good news or bad?”

“I want to. Lord knows I want to.” She crinkled the letter in her fist. “But what about your family? Your brother?”

She didn’t have to clarify which brother she referred to.

“Sanford has no say over my life. My parents want my happiness, and…” He winked. “My sisters are completely besotted with you.”

A slow smile curved Mercy’s mouth, growing larger and larger. “Then, yes. I will marry you, Ronan. I love you so very much.”

He let out a triumphant whoop that startled the poor birds from the flowering cherry tree’s branches. “Thank God.”

“I tried not to love you. I felt it was wrong.” She kissed his scar. “But my headstrong heart wasn't having any of the misgivings my mind was. My heart knew even before I did that we were meant to be together.”

“As did mine, my love,” Ronan whispered against her mouth.

The letter was temporarily forgotten. Mercy was in his arms, and he showed her with kisses the many ways he loved her.

I am to marry, Chasity.

I honestly didn’t think God had ordained that marriage

would be part of my destiny. I was prepared to spend my life as a spinster.

Nonetheless, come next week, I shall be Mrs. Ronan Brockman. Joy and I have

both found our true loves. I have to believe that you and our other dear friends will too.

~ Miss Mercy Feathers in a letter to Miss Chasity Noble

Pelandale House drawing room

26 March 1818

Three in the afternoon

Ronan sat beside Mercy on the settee as they awaited Lady Amhurst’s imminent arrival. Their usual composed selves once more, his parents occupied the chairs opposite. Corinna and Marissa hadn’t yet returned home, which was just as well.

Steam spiraled upward from four cups of tea. No one had taken a drink yet, as if they all waited for Lady Amhurst to arrive. Mercy simply could not think of the woman as her mother yet. It was too surreal and too new.

Unsure what to expect from Lady Amhurst’s visit, Mercy was relieved the girls wouldn’t be about should things become dramatic. After reading her mother’s letter, Mercy didn’t think that would be the case. Nevertheless, it was wise to err on the side of caution.

“Father. Mother.” Ronan’s baritone interrupted her reverie. He took Mercy’s hand in his, and his parents exchanged meaningful looks.

He meant to announce their betrothal now?

Before the countess arrived?

“If you mean to tell us Miss Feathers will soon become an official member of our family, Son, you have our blessing.” The marquess gathered his wife’s hand in his and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I pray you are every bit as happy as Rachael and I.”

“Indeed,” her ladyship said, a pleased smile wreathing her face. “We could not be more delighted to welcome Mercy into the family.”

Mercy hadn’t expected their immediate acceptance.

Humbled and grateful for their kindness, Mercy managed a throaty, “Thank you, my lord and lady.”