Epilogue
“Well, what do you think of the ocean, Phillip?” Virginia asked while standing in the circle of his arms on the veranda of their rooms at the Mount Vernon Hotel, even though there was a chilly November wind blowing.
They had arrived a few days ago in Cape May, New Jersey, by train and by carriage, the trip a wedding gift from Mr. and Mrs. Wiest.
Phillip kissed her hair, still in amazement that this perfect woman was his wife. “I think it is vast and makes me feel as if I am no more important than one of those grains of sand that were stuck on my boots and pant legs this morning.”
Virginia laughed, and he turned her in his arms and kissed her with all the ardor of a newly married man intent on charming his wife. Sadly, there was a knock on the door of their suite at that moment.
“I ordered us some wine and cheese,” he said. “Seems like luncheon was hours ago, and dinner isn’t until seven.”
She laughed again. “It is a very good thing our cook is a good one. You’ll keep her busy.”
“Are you certain, Virginia? Me moving into that fine house with a butler and maids?” He couldn’t help his worries. It felt strange to think that he would no longer be living at Wolfe Street with Sarah and Eliza and Jenny. “What if I break something or get mud on the rugs?”
She turned from where she was arranging the wineglasses, fruit, and cheese on a low table in front of a thick and comfortable sofa.
“Phillip. Where do you think you’re going to stay?
Will you be letting Timothy’s rooms from Mrs. Kowalski now that he and Sarah are married after hurrying off to the minister without any of us even attending and living as man and wife on Wolfe Street? ”
“No. Of course not.”
“And anyway, a newly promoted up-and-comer at the Wiest Cannery must be able to entertain in the future.”
“Don’t mention it,” Phillip said with a sigh. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this new position, but working for Mr. Everly in the offices will be a challenge.”
“Working with,” she said and handed him a glass of wine. “With. Did you speak to Mr. Turnbull about a second carriage? You’ll need to be able to get around the city if you are calling on customers and vendors.”
“I won’t be doing that until the spring, after working with the accountants and learning from Mr. Everly until then. I don’t know anything about the sales part of it or buying the parts.”
“You will, though. My father would never entrust you with this if he didn’t think you were suited to the work. You are bright, honorable to the core, trustworthy, and loyal, and Father agrees. I’d add extremely handsome,” she said and fluttered her lashes.
“Come here, wife,” he said and pulled her into his arms to kiss her. Heaven. He’d found heaven on earth.