AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you, Your Grace,” James murmured gratefully. “You won’t regret it.”
“No, I don’t believe I will. As for thanks, thank my wife. In the end, it appears she was far more objective than I.” Pierce studied James thoughtfully. “You’re a lucky man, Chapman. My advice is that you never again wager so invaluable an asset as the woman you love.” With that, Pierce retraced his steps to the dining room.
Daphne and James stared after him. Then, Daphne turned back to their guest. “I agree, Mr. Chapman. Savor this opportunity to regain Sarah’s love. ’Tis the last chance you’ll be given.”
“Daphne?” Sarah’s voice interrupted whatever James had been about to reply. “I’m in the midst of lessons. Is there some—” She halted, all the color draining from her face. “James.”
Tactfully, Daphne moved off. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll rejoin my husband for breakfast.” She gave Sarah a reassuring smile. “Should you need me, you know where I’ll be.”
“Your Grace?”
Daphne was halfway down the hall when she heard James summon her. She paused, glancing over her shoulder. “Yes?”
Sarah’s hand was clutched tightly in his. “You have my unending gratitude,” he called. “You and your husband.”
Even from a distance, Daphne could see the joy trembling on Sarah’s lips. “Be happy, both of you,” she returned warmly. Her lips curved. “All three of you.”
Light of heart, Daphne strolled into the dining room. “Do you think Mr. Hollingsby might require an assistant?” she asked Pierce brightly as he stood to ease back her chair.
Pierce’s chuckle was rich. “My thoughts exactly, Snow flame.” He grew sober. “Sarah is pleased, then?”
“Elated would be a better choice of words.”
“And why not? She’s with the man she loves,” Elizabeth interjected, sipping her tea. Noting Daphne’s questioning look, she explained. “Pierce told us about James and the delicacy of the situation. I, for one, think it’s wonderful.”
Daphne clasped her husband’s hand. “As do I.” She gazed pointedly from her mother to the vicar. “Isn’t it wondrous when fate sees fit to grant those who are deserving a second chance at happiness?”
“Yes, Snowdrop.” It was the vicar who replied. “ ’Tis truly a miracle.”
Pierce brought Daphne’s fingers to his lips. “Tell me, do you think Chapman’s restlessness can really be abated? After all, he’s never stayed in one place long enough to set up his own soliciting practice, much less to build a home and support a family.”
“Definitely.” Daphne popped some raspberries into her mouth, her eyes alight with mischief. “Fatherhood has a way of inspiring great changes in men, wouldn’t you say?”
A corner of Pierce’s mouth lifted. “Indeed I would, Snow flame. Indeed I would.”
Spirits were high when the Markham carriage arrived at the schoolhouse two hours later. Waiting only until Pierce had handed down her mother, Daphne practically leapt
to the ground, eagerly surveying the bustling scene unfolding around her.
Workmen scurried about, calling to each other as they organized their materials and good-naturedly sidestepped the inquisitive, exuberant children. Over the clattering wood, Miss Redmund’s stern voice rang out, admonishing the students and demanding that they behave.
She might just as well have been ordering the wind to be still.
“I’d better assist Miss Redmund,” Daphne determined, exchanging amused looks with the vicar. “Else she’ll have apoplexy before the construction even begins.”
“Daphne!”
Having spotted her, Timmy snatched up a small box, yanking off its lid and simultaneously racing over. “I brought ’enry,” he announced proudly, shoving the lizard under Daphne’s nose. “I was ’oping you could watch ’im fer me while I’m working.”
“I’d be delighted.” Daphne was torn between chortling and retching as the thick smell of mud and grass accosted her. Breathing through her mouth, she peered closer, seeing a flash of dark green slither through the reeds.
“There ’e is! Ye see ’im? Isn’t ’e great?”
“Yes, and yes.” Inadvertently, Daphne inched away. “He’s splendid. Only what exactly is his bed made of?”
“Oh, lots of stuff I found in the barn. Yucky stuff. Lizards like yucky stuff, especially when it’s wet.”
“Lizards are also notoriously shy,” Pierce interjected, biting back a roar of laughter. “So why don’t we put his lid back on and give him some privacy among all these strangers.”
