Emmaline cut a glance to Leopold, who remained standing behind her. “Yes, it did. I’m glad.”
“Me, too. And I’ll be glad to have you back at Hawthorne Hall. After you have a proper visit with your mum and sister, that is. Come whenever you’re ready.”
Her face lit with a mixture of relief and joy. “You mean that?”
“Indeed, I do.” Another squeeze of her hands and then she released her.
Emmaline bid her farewell and hurried back to join her family. Bella watched as they departed, glad to have reconciled with the girl. Then she straightened and turned to Leopold. Her heart swelled at the sight of him standing there, a half-smile on his handsome face. He looked well pleased.
“How did you like my performance, my lady?”
A laugh bubbled through her. She sailed into his arms, hugging him. The moment her arms were around him, he grunted, as though in pain. She stepped back.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“No need,” he said. “I’m a bit sore still, that’s all.”
She had a thousand questions to ask him but didn’t dare in the presence of her father. She needed Leopold all to herself for that.
“Bella, my dear, I don’t know who this man is, but I’m certainly grateful for the help,” her father said.
She flushed hot, her cheeks burning. She didn’t know how to introduce the two of them. Thankfully, Leopold stepped in.
“Leopold Thornhurst, my lord. Your daughter and I met in Driftbell.” He gave her a sideways glance, that playful smile still lifting the corner of his mouth. “In the bookshop.”
“Indeed? I should like to hear all about that,” her father said. “Do you enjoy books, too?”
She recognized the hopeful look on her father’s face and laughed. Not only at the way her father hoped she had found someone like her, but the fact that Leopold more than liked books.
“I enjoy books quite a lot. Especially ones written in strange languages,” Leopold replied. He held his arm out for her. She took it, sliding her hand in the crook of his elbow. “My carriage is waiting outside. Shall I give you a ride?”
“Hawthorne Hall is quite a ways,” her father said. “Are you certain?”
Still grinning, he said, “Oh, I’m counting on it.” He slid her a roguish glance.
They filed out of the Hall of Justice, the last of the dispersing crowd.
Her father said, “Did you know my Bella has a talent for translating strange languages?”
“Does she, then?” Leopold gave her a surreptitious wink. She stifled a giggle. “I should like to hear all about that on the ride back to Hawthorne Hall.”
Her cheeks ached from smiling as they stepped out into the golden wash of midday sunlight. His fingers brushed hers, then laced through them with quiet certainty. He gazed down at her with love and adoration gleaming in his pale brown eyes. And for a moment, everything was perfect. Whole.
The curse was broken. Her father was safe. And Leopold had chosen her. The weight of courtrooms, shadows, and whispered fears lifted, burned away in the light.
Everything was right. And with him beside her, it finally felt like her life had begun.
Epilogue
Marigoldemittedawistfulsigh as she leaned back into the cushions of the sofa holding the now-cold mug of tea. Fatigue lined her eyes as she fought back a yawn.
“I loved that story,” she said. “That was the best one yet.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Hilde smiled, happy to have put her in a better mood.
But it was late. And Linnea would have her head for keeping her up far past her bedtime. There was a doctor’s appointment in the morning. Though her sister hadn’t returned from work yet—she called and said she had to stay another shift—Hilde was certain she’d want her daughter in bed at a decent hour. Now, it was approaching midnight.
“We best get you up to bed now.” She rose and motioned for Marigold to do the same.
