Epilogue
“How dare you bring that man here?” Lavinia’s muffled shout held a note of panic.
Helena cringed as something heavy banged against the wall, rattling a nearby painting.
“You’re being ridiculous,” Lord St. Ambrose bellowed back. “My child will have a father.”
Helena paused mid-pace in the study and cast a wide-eyed look at her beloved Sebastian. “Do you think Reverend Adair can hear them?”
The clergyman had been whisked away to an unused drawing room the moment Lavinia realized what Lord St. Ambrose intended.
Though Lavinia hadn’t yet raised her voice fully, her face had turned an alarming shade of red, prompting Helena and Sebastian to slip into the study once the minister was safely tucked away.
Sebastian left his chair to gather Helena into his arms. She melted against him, savoring the lean strength of his body. “I’d wager everyone on the estate could hear them, darling. Your sister and St. Ambrose might bring down the roof if they get much louder.”
Helena pulled back slightly to meet his gaze. “Is that supposed to comfort me?”
His grin made her breath catch, as it always did.
She hoped she never lost the thrill that came with being the recipient of his attention.
“The castle has seen worse rows, Helena. Don’t you remember how Edith and Fergus were at each other’s throats not long ago?
And now they’re happily married, off to enjoy their wedding night. ”
A tentative smile softened her lips. “They did seem happy, didn’t they? Leaving Aldmist Fell will be easier knowing Edith is here to watch over Fergus.”
He chuckled, pulling her close again and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “He’s a grown man, Helena. He doesn’t need a nursemaid.”
“Perhaps, but I find comfort in knowing he’s not alone.”
“Alone? Have you seen the swarm of McTaggarts in this castle?”
Sebastian’s teasing brought a smile to her face. She knew Fergus needed a helpmate—someone to love—and he had found that in Edith.
Helena would rest easier still if she could see Lavinia’s future secured. Her sister loved Lord St. Ambrose, and he adored her. Surely there was a way for them to find their happily-ever-after. What other choice was there? They had a child on the way.
She nibbled her lip, twisting her fingers together in a tight knot. “Lavinia will be furious with me for telling St. Ambrose about the baby.”
“She’ll forgive you in time, love. One day, she’ll see you had her best interests at heart.”
The shouting had stopped, and a moment later, the door swung open.
Lord St. Ambrose appeared with Helena’s sister at his side.
Lavinia looked surprisingly composed, despite the earlier commotion.
Her smile was tight, but when she met Helena’s gaze, there was a hopeful spark in her blue-green eyes that eased Helena’s spirits.
“As you may have heard,” Lavinia said, “St. Ambrose has offered marriage. I’ve been given little choice but to accept, and we have need of witnesses. Are you and Lord Thorne available?”
“Of course.” Helena approached her sister cautiously. “Lavinia, should we speak privately first?”
Lavinia shook her head, and Helena’s heart sank.
Losing her sister’s friendship after the years they’d been separated would devastate her.
But then Lavinia released Lord St. Ambrose’s arm and rushed forward, clutching Helena in a fierce embrace.
Helena hugged her back, her relief spilling out in a breathy laugh.
“Thank you,” Lavinia murmured in her ear. “I’m so frightened of what lies ahead, but I know you mean well.”
Helena drew back, eyes flooding with happy tears. “Trust St. Ambrose to protect you. Trust in our love for you. We will face this together.”
Lavinia nodded, offering a watery smile. “I do trust you.”
St. Ambrose put his arm around Lavinia and gazed at her with such love that Helena’s heart felt as if it might burst. “Thank you, Lady Thorne. You’ve made it possible for me to have everything.”
For a man who possessed wealth and power beyond Helena’s imagination, he offered the best proof possible that she’d made the right decision. Her sister would be well settled in marriage with a man who would love her forever.
Perhaps Helena had a natural talent for matchmaking. Unfortunately, she’d run out of candidates in need of a spouse before fully exploring her abilities. She supposed she would have to be content with her role in Fergus and Edith’s match, and now her dear sister’s marriage.
She clapped her hands. “It’s time. Reverend Adair has been kept waiting long enough. Shall we join him?”
She led them toward the small drawing room where the minister waited, thrilled to witness the beginning of Lavinia’s new life as Marchioness of St. Ambrose, yet anxious about how her sister would fare once the ton discovered the marquess had wed his mistress.