The Music Box (48 page)

Gaby laughed, enjoying the expression of utter incredulity on Aunt Hermione’s face and, more astoundingly, on Chaunce’s. “Once Bryce and I combined our suspicions, we unraveled your scheme like a ball of wool. Of course, we needed to be sure, because we were eager to return the favor. So we did the only practical thing. We went to see Dr. Briers. We explained our intentions to him, and he was more than willing to help, since he also happens to think you two make an ideal couple. He divulged the truth about your supposed illness. That was all we needed. The rest was easy, thanks to our family.” Gaby cast a tender look about her. “We all know how much you two love each other, how right it is that you become husband and wife. But we also know you never consider your own needs. You’re too busy worrying about ours. Well, it’s time you understood that your joy is ours.” Tears glistened on Gaby’s lashes, and she gestured for Chaunce to seal his marriage as the vicar had advised. “Enough chatter. Kiss your bride, Chaunce. We’re all waiting. It’s up to you to make our family complete.”

Chaunce swallowed, his eyes damp. Then, rife with emotion, he gave a brief nod and turned to face Hermione.

The two of them smiled at each other, a sense of lightness hovering between them, and Chaunce lowered his head, brushed Hermione’s lips with his.

A jubilant cheer erupted in the chapel and the entire family surged forward, surrounding the bride and groom in a sea of good wishes and love.

“I’m beginning to relish these weddings I conduct at Nevon Manor,” Vicar Kent declared to Gaby and Bryce, after offering his congratulations to the bride and groom. “One could become accustomed to these delightful, unorthodox displays of emotion.”

“Then isn’t it fortunate you’ll be back here tomorrow when Marion and Goodsmith, Ruth and Wilson, truly do wed,” Gaby laughed.

“And don’t forget Thane,” Bryce added blandly, keeping a perfectly straight face. “I’m sure his day of reckoning won’t be far off if Hermione has her way. Why, I’m sure she’s already begun concocting enticing plans for his future—with the help of her ingenious new husband, of course.”

“Didn’t we plan an extended wedding trip for those two?” Thane demanded. “If not, I think we should.”

“No, thank you, Thane.” Hermione appeared at his side, patting his arm reassuringly. “Thanks to all of you, I have everything I want right here at Nevon Manor. Chaunce and I will be remaining at home, won’t we?” She turned glowing eyes up to her new husband, who’d come to stand beside her.

“Absolutely.” Chaunce’s lips twitched. “Now that our lemon water has been unmasked, we’ll have to be even more resourceful in our next venture.” Abruptly, his amusement vanished, and he gazed solemnly at Thane, Bryce, and Gaby. “Thank you. I’m not a man of words, but I want you to know …”

Gaby stood on tiptoe, kissed his cheek. “We love you, too,” she whispered. With that, she moved to her aunt, hugged her fiercely. “Be as happy as we are. I can wish you nothing more miraculous than that.”

Stepping back, she clapped her hands to get the crowd’s attention. “Everyone, Cook has prepared a mouthwatering feast—”

“In secret again,” Cook called out good-naturedly. “I’m glad tomorrow’s wedding breakfast can finally be prepared out in the open.”

More laughter.

“Let’s escort the bride and groom to the manor and begin the festivities,” Gaby concluded.

“There’s no music for them to exit with,” Marion murmured in dismay. “We didn’t have time to arrange for—”

“Ah, but there is.” Eagerly, Gaby dug into Bryce’s coat pocket, extracting her music box and opening it to release the silvery strains of “Für Elise.” “What better way to begin a marriage than with a music box that now holds nothing but joy?”

“Joy and Beethoven—I can’t think of a more perfect combination,” Bryce replied, drawing Gaby to his side, “other than the breathtaking woman who brought them into my life and the lucky man she married.” Tenderly, he kissed her.

On that note, the chapel doors were flung wide, and everyone poured outside, running, stumbling, even limping toward the manor—a family bound by something more profound than the eye could see. Limitations ceased to exist, supplanted by the deeper knowledge that life’s truest blessings were indeed theirs.

The music box played on.

And Wonderland reigned at Nevon Manor.

When I used to read fairy tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of one.

—
Lewis Carroll,

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Andrea Kane is the
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels—including fourteen historical and twelve contemporary novels—that have been published in sixteen countries and translated into more than twenty languages. Whether she’s writing about Regency England, America on the brink of civil war, or New York Police Department detectives caught up in mayhem and murder, Kane’s ability to create unforgettable stories has earned her a loyal worldwide following.

Kane published
My Heart’s Desire
, her first historical novel and the first book in the Barrett Family series, in 1991. Others quickly followed, including
Samantha
, the second book in that series;
Echoes in the Mist
and
Whispers in the Wind
(the Kingsley in Love series); and the acclaimed Black Diamond, Thornton-Bromleigh Family, and Colby Coin series. Stand-alone historic romances include
Dream Castle
(1992),
Masque of Betrayal
(1993),
Emerald Garden
(1996), and
The Music Box
(1998).

Kane’s groundbreaking romantic thriller
Run for Your Life
(2000) became an instant
New York Times
bestseller. This was followed by a series of suspense novels featuring NYPD detective-turned-private investigator Pete “Monty” Montgomery. Kane’s current contemporary series introduced FBI special agents Sloane Burbank and Derek Parker. Other thrillers include
No Way Out, Scent of Danger, Twisted, I’ll Be Watching You, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice,
and, most recently,
The Line Between Here and Gone.

Kane is a self-proclaimed “cerebral” type, and prides herself on her questioning, analytical mind, which has led to her passion for mysteries. She has spent many happy hours with the classic novels of Agatha Christie, trying to outsmart Hercule Poirot.

She is also a die-hard sentimentalist. She cries at old movies and believes in striving for happily-ever-after. In Kane’s words: “The idealist in me loves writing romance, and the pragmatist in me loves writing suspense. I feel very fortunate that I’m able to combine the two, and give you books that keep you at the edge of your seat, but at the same time, make you care.”

Kane lives in New Jersey with her family.

Andrea Kane as a little girl, with her first puppy, Inky, named for the black spots on his white back.

An eight-year-old Kane, a proud sleepaway camper for the first time.

A photo from Kane’s trip to the Thousand Islands (on the border of Canada and the United States) to research and write
My Heart’s Desire
. Kane toured the area by boat.

Kane and her husband, Brad, trying to simulate a novel’s cover pose while wearing period clothing.

Kane and her daughter, Wendi, outside Buckingham Palace during a weeklong research trip to England in 1998.

Kane and her daughter at Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World Resort. Kane believes that the castle is the most romantic place for creative inspiration.