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The next morning, William and Jamie, landed at the doorsteps of the Parker cottage, with a wagon in tow to escort all the occupants back to Kinnaird Castle. Fiona had tasked herself with the duty of finding the old ailing minister and getting the truth from him about her husband’s birth order. She had fled to the woods, as Jamie and William rode together on the wagon.
Jamie had approached the door, William lingering by the carriage, to avoid a likely seething Marianne at the door. Jamie knocked and was greeted by Amelia, tired, but smiling. “Good morning, my love.” He smiled and kissed her hand. Amelia blushed at the intimate name and gesture, so public. “Good morning, Jamie. Come in!” He nodded and entered, and Amelia waved to William to come in as well.
They walked in and were allowed to enter the bedroom to visit Henrietta. She was sitting up in bed, with Marianne helping her to eat warm broth. They all seated themselves around her, and Henrietta smiled at her guests. “Welcome, gentleman. I’m sorry I cannot welcome you with more flourish, but I wanted to see you both after what you did to save my Amelia.”
Amelia beamed with pleasure, and both men bowed their heads in thanks. ‘Twas nothing, me lady. We wanted tae be of service. Jamie is the hero,” William replied. He glanced at Marianne whose eyes were looking anywhere but at him. Jamie stood to kneel by Henrietta and take her hand in his. “Me lady, perhaps Amelia has already told ye, but I would like tae ask if ye would mind if Amelia became my wife.”
Henrietta nearly glowed with happiness. “Ah, that’s what I was hoping we’d discuss.” She looked down at Jamie with fondness. “Amelia has told me everything about you, and all that you’ve done. I would be proud to have you as a son-in-law, my dear.” She placed her other hand on top of his.
Jamie smiled, and said, “Thank ye. Yer daughter is very special. She means everything tae me, and I couldnae let her go tae that madman. I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.” He stood and returned to his seat next to William. “Lady Parker,” he continued. Marianne stood. “Mr. Fraser and I will leave you all to discuss matters.” Without looking at him, she walked past William, and he followed obediently and closed the door behind him.
Jamie paused for a moment and then said, “Lady Parker, I would like tae help ye with yer husband’s debts. Now, that Amelia has agreed tae be my wife, ye are family.”
Amelia looked surprised and touched at such a gesture. “Jamie, we could not lay the burden of this at your feet. You did not ask for this.”
He smiled. “Yer burdens are my burdens, my love. Please permit me tae help. Me grandda was a viscount, who wanted nothing tae do with me, but had no male heirs save me, and he left me his home. I have been waiting for an opportunity tae sell it, for I donnae plan tae live there, and I would like tae use this money tae save yer father.”
Tears fell from both Henrietta’s and Amelia’s faces, and they did not speak for a few moments as they gathered their thoughts.
“My son, I have not experienced such kindness or generosity in the whole of London. We have spent too long in the clutches of societal structure and rules, and it has lacked warmth and true friendship. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jamie nodded. “‘Tis only right for a family tae be together. And, we are here tae bring ye all to the castle, if ye are well enough tae move. My mother would think of nothing better than tae wait on ye until ye feel a return of yer health.”
Henrietta nodded in agreement. “I do believe a bit of fresh air would do me good. What do you think, Amelia?” Amelia was still full of emotion at the warm interaction between mother and soon-to-be son-in-law. She wiped her tears with her hand and said,” Aye. I agree, Mother. Let us go and move to our new home.” But, suddenly, despite her happy change in circumstance, a memory of last evening came through her mind like a flame. “Wait. What about Donald? The lairdship? Everything?” Her heart quickened, and she started to go pale.
Jamie stood. “Donnae worry, lass. Me ma has gone tae the minister who was there to register my father’s and uncle’s births. He will help us find out the truth. Calm yourself. Right now, I will go find Marianne tae assist ye ladies to pack, and then William and I will help ye tae the wagon, Lady Parker.”
“Thank you, my dear.” And he left the bedroom, leaving Amelia and her mother slightly in shock at their change of fate.
Henrietta beamed warmly at her daughter, and then coughed slightly. “My dearest Amelia, you have chosen a man with something more valuable above all the others that have courted you: kindness and generosity. This is an invaluable trait; one that can last a lifetime.”
Amelia wiped a tear from her eye and went to hug her mother. “Oh, Mother. I am so blissfully happy. You are well, father will return home, and I love a man who loves me back. Can you think of anything more wonderful?”
Henrietta tapped a finger on her lips thoughtfully, and then she smiled. “Bring me, your father, and Lady Kinnaird beautiful grandchildren.”
Amelia blushed at the reminder that her mother did not know that she had already engaged in such an act that would bring about children. “Mother! ‘Tis too soon to hope for such a thing.”
“Ah well. I believe I am ready to get dressed and to have a little journey.” And Amelia helped her mother out of bed to help her dress, for there were ready to leave the cottage for good.
