Jessica (19 page)
Soon there was nothing to be seen of them.
“And how will our lives touch from now on?” asked the older woman suddenly.
“They will not. There is no reason why they should.” Jessica looked away quickly.
“I was referring to my son, Nicholas.”
“No. You need not concern yourself that there is anything between us.”
“I do not concern myself, at least not in the way you hint at. I admire a woman who is so loyal to her friends. Such people are gem stones, Miss Durleigh.”
Jessica stood. “There is still nothing between Nicholas and me. It begins to grow dark now and I must drive back.”
“You know that you are welcome here, Miss Durleigh.”
“So complete a volte-face?”
“And why not? I think we understand each other and respect each other now.”
“Yes, I think we do.”
“Perhaps you should tell Rosamund that if she wishes to return here and to go to her wedding from here as my daughter-in-law, then she, too, is more than welcome. If we are to set the past behind us, then I think we must do so completely. There must be no loose ends to entangle the future.”
“I will tell her. Good night, Lady Amelia.”
“Good night, Miss Durleigh.”
“Jessica?”
She turned, holding Jinks’ bridle. Nicholas walked from the stables, across the driveway to where she stood. “Sir Nicholas.”
“I came as soon as I knew where you were.”
“You need not have concerned yourself, sir.” She quelled the tumultuous longing which seized her at seeing him again. It was all finished
—
he had made that abundantly clear.
“Why did you wish to see my mother?”
“That, sir, is surely my business.”
He stiffened. “Assuredly it is, Miss Durleigh. Shall I accompany you back to Applegarth, for darkness will soon be upon us?”
“There is no need.”
“Damn it, I want to!” he snapped.
“Do not raise your voice to me, sir, for I am not one of your lackeys.”
He nodded. “With that remark I will agree, and I apologize for having raised my voice. I apologize, too, for my unforgivable behavior in the recent past. I have since been thoroughly convinced of the error of my ways.”
Her hands were trembling, and Jinks shook his head free of her, shuffling his feet slightly. “I don’t understand.”
“You surely have heard of my ignominious capture and imprisonment by Jamie Pike? I had imagined the whole of Henbury was ringing with the tale.”
“I had heard, yes.”
“His purpose was to set the record in order, concerning you, Jessica.”
“Oh, Jamie.” She looked away.
“I can still feel jealous when you say his name so softly.” He reached out to take her hand. “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”
Could she? The hurt had run deep. But when she looked at him she knew that she loved him and wanted him. She nodded. “I can forgive you, for I love you. You know that I do.”
He drew her closer, untying the ribbons of her bonnet and tossing it onto the dogcart. Twining his fingers in her thick hair he pulled her face to meet his in a kiss that was long and gentle. “And I love you, Jess,” he murmured.
She held him tightly, her eyes shining with happiness. How this day had changed, swinging her from the depths of despair to the heights of joy.
He saw a movement in the window behind and saw his mother standing there. She smiled at him and turned away. His arms tightened around Jessica, “What spell have you cast over my formidable mother?”
“No spell. We understand each other, that is all.”
“Jess, have you forgotten my brother now? Is he completely in the past?”
“Yes.”
“So, it is Nicholas Woodville you embrace now, not the ghost of Philip?”
She looked at him. “How could you think that? My anguish at thinking I lost you was proof enough of my love for you. I thought my heart would break.”
“I was a jealous boor, and do not deserve a second chance.” He kissed her again. “And so I will not muff it this time. Will you marry me, Jess?”
She stared. “Marry you? But I am not a suitable wife for you, Nicholas. Not with my past so well known by everyone.”
“
I love you and I want you. You shall be Lady Woodville, for I am set upon it. Will you marry me?”
She closed her eyes, nodding. “Yes.”
He laughed, swinging her into the air. “Henbury church bells are going to be worn out shortly, with three weddings to celebrate.”
“Three?”
“Yes. Ours. Rosamund and Francis. And Tamsin Davey and Harry Parr.”
“I had no idea.”
“Harry told me this morning that he intends asking her. I was thinking
—
you’ll not need Applegarth now, will you?”
She smiled, kissing him. “It will make a fine wedding gift for them,” she murmured. “And I have a necklace for Rosamund,” she added.
Copyright © 1980 by Sandra Wilson
Originally published by Fawcett Coventry (ISBN 9780449500835)
Electronically published in 2015 by Belgrave House/Regency
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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.