AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His answering smile was the embodiment of tenderness. “Did you give up all hope of motherhood when your ability to conceive was taken from you? No. You
built your school and made a family for yourself.” He brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “What’s to prevent me doing the same?”
Even if she’d had the words to counter his question with good sense, she was certain her mutinous mouth would’ve refused to utter them.
And he wasn’t done yet. “Your past matters to me not one whit, other than the fact that it led us both to that school. I love the woman I see before me, the soul in her eyes.” His own brimmed bright with emotion. “That’s who I love, more than anyone or anything on this earth. I cannot imagine myself marrying anyone else. Not ever.”
Fresh tears spilled unchecked down her cheeks, and he gently thumbed them away. “As for my profession, you’ve shown me there is more than one way to save lives and make a difference. I’m weary of chasing criminals and looking for the worst in people, tired of disguises and subterfuge. I’m a good constable, but my heart tells me I make a much better teacher. I’d like to stay on—forever, if you’re willing to have me.” He caught her hands and raised them to his lips. “Will you have me for your husband, Headmistress?”
She bit back a sob as all her objections died away in the face of his unrelenting love. A heavy weight lifted from her heart. “I will.”
His lips parted on a grin that radiated pure joy. Turning his head, he called out to Sir Gonson and Tavistoke, who’d been joined by Loxdon, “She says she’ll marry me!”
Her face flooded with heat as congratulatory shouts rang out on every side. Tremors of trepidation ran through her as Will’s friends and colleagues gathered around to be introduced. But with him there beside her, standing as proud as if he’d just announced he was marrying a royal, her fears soon subsided. If he wasn’t concerned about her past, then neither was she.
Concealed within the folds of her skirts, Will’s fingers threaded hers, pressing their hands palm to palm. As always, his touch kindled in her a fierce desire. It no longer came as a shock, but rather something to be anticipated, even enjoyed. She glanced up and saw he was smiling at her, his heart in his eyes.
Never again would she have to confront the dark alone. Will would be there for her. His love and his strength were now hers to lean upon. Whatever the future held, they’d face it together.
Epilogue
Jacqueline turned before the looking glass in a state of pure delight, admiring the rich mint silk, creamy lace, and delicate embroidery.
“It is perfection!” she sighed, meeting Sabrina’s eyes in the mirror’s reflection. Tears threatened. “I cannot thank you enough.” Having a wedding gown made had necessitated precise measurements—and in her case, unimpeachable discretion.
“It was my pleasure,” replied Sabrina. A sly grin stole over her face just before a small, white satin bag slid over one of Jacqueline’s shoulders. “Open it.”
Taking it, Jacqueline untied the cord and upended the bag over her other palm. A gasp broke from her at the sight of the fat, creamy pearl that fell into her hand. “I cannot possibly—”
“You can,” her friend responded firmly. Plucking the pearl from Jacqueline’s palm, she unfastened the fine gold chain on which it was suspended and refastened it around her throat. “Besides, you are about to become Lady Danbury. You must look the part.”
Indeed. Jacqueline didn’t wish to shame her newly knighted groom. Will had been recognized by the king himself for his years of service and heroic efforts on behalf of the crown, and was now a member of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
“Very well, then,” she said, embracing Sabrina with heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you, dear friend!”
As they made their way downstairs, Jacqueline smiled in the silence that had befallen the school. Her girls were already at the church, and the only sound that permeated the halls now was that of busy hammers and an occasional muffled shout from one of MacCallum’s men.
The repairs and renovations were almost complete. Even now, the new wing was receiving the final touches. In just a few more weeks, it would be ready to house another forty young ladies-in-the-making. Tavistoke had already signed off on the order for furnishings and other necessary supplies, and Mrs. Hayton had her ladies’ circle sewing like mad to make more dolls.
Including her staff, over one hundred souls would be in her care.
Our care.
Will had indeed resigned from Gonson’s Boys to take on the task of not only continuing to teach, but helping her manage the growing school. Though disappointed to lose “one of his best men on the ground,” Sir Gonson, who’d recommended him for the knighthood, had blessed their union. He’d also surprised Will by requesting that he act as special advisor for the new branch office he planned to open in Piccadilly. It was a request Will had happily accepted.
The carriage ride was spent in cheerful conversation with Sabrina and Tavistoke’s new wife, Eden, with whom she was fast becoming friends. On arriving, the pair bustled her into the vestibule to don her veil.
Her stomach fluttered with sudden nerves. I’m getting married. Me! I’m going to be Mrs.—no, Lady Danbury. From orphaned pauper to Lady Danbury…
“A pity your family could not be here,” said Eden, handing her a spray of fragrant pink roses.
Jacqueline barely refrained from pulling a wry face. Eager to be reunited with her only living kin, she’d written Hélène concerning her impending nuptials within moments of the date being set. The letter of felicitations she’d received last week in return had contained her sister’s polite regrets, its stiff formality making it clear Hélène had no desire to renew ties. In retrospect, Jacqueline supposed it was a blessing. Had her sister come, there would have been questions for which she wouldn’t have wanted to provide answers.
In any case, her real family wasn’t in France. It was right here.
“Are you ready?” whispered Tavistoke, who was to stand in for her deceased papa. He’d made her his ward years ago after claiming her as a distant relation through the French branch of his family, but few had known of it until recently. Now that Boucher was gone and it was safe to acknowledge their connection, he’d made it common knowledge. No one would dare question her legitimacy now.
“I am,” she said, her heart light as she took his arm.
