Epilogue
I ask you to pass through life at my side—to be my second self, and best earthly companion.
Charlotte Bront?
B ATH , E NGLAND
In the wide, curving row of elegant Palladian architecture, the Buchanan townhouse was number 2. Overhead the patter of servants’ feet in the attic reminded Juliet of Cole and Bella. She stood in the formal withdrawing room with its blue damask walls and gilded mirrors, so new that a drift of sawdust scented the air. Awed, she looked out a tall window at the most spectacular Bath sunset yet as it broke over the chamber in soft coral waves. A benediction on another blessed day.
What hadn’t she and Leith done here in England?
They’d gone to the Pump Rooms and taken the waters. Promenaded in the blossoming parks. Stood with mouths agape in the grand abbey with its rainbow-hued stained glass, where the voices of a convent of medieval women once reached the vaulted ceiling in worship. Juliet was especially taken with the abbey’s west front with its stone ladder of angels.
Leith’s practicality amused her. “Since they’re winged, why rely on a ladder?”
“Have you not read of Jacob’s ladder in Genesis?” she’d teased. “Since they’re very old angels, perhaps they’re simply tired or their wings are tarnished.”
She pondered it now as the sun sank lower, till it was nearly extinguished like candle flame. The closing of the door behind her made her smile. Leith approached, encircling her with his arms so they faced forward and admired the remaining view.
“We should probably walk to the river in the last of the light,” he said.
“The river—at this hour?”
“Nothing like seeing Bath by moonlight from the Avon.”
“Romantic. Will you navigate?”
“Aye, though I can’t promise smooth sailing with you in my sights.”
“You’ve given me the honeymoon of my dreams.” And made me nearly forget the disaster in Glasgow . She sighed as he kissed the hollow of her shoulder. “Just when I think there’s nothing left to delight in, you find a way.”
“And I’ll keep trying till the end of my days.”
“So you’ve forgiven me for thinking you a mere merchant and trying to matchmake you with my sister.”
“I forgive you everything.”
“How blessed we are to have come to this. I still can’t quite believe that I’m yours and you’re mine.” She turned round again to face him, struck by the undisguised emotion in his eyes. “And a moonlit ride on the Avon followed by more hot chocolate and reading by the fire with you is heaven on earth.”