Page 27 of Harrowing Hall

“And now she finally has only many generations removed.” It all made sense now. “She found her way back to where she was always meant to be.” He cupped Maude’s cheek, never more grateful. “Youhave come home, Lady MacLauchlin.”

“So it would seem.” Peace replaced the sadness in her eyes. “And may Lady Annabel know that.”

“I do not doubt she does.” He dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “As you said, we no longer need to move the portrait nor lock Harrowing Hall at this time of year, for she is finally at peace knowing you are home in all ways that matter.”

As it turned out, he was right because a heaviness left Harrowing Hall after that and was never felt again. Lady Annabel’s younger picture was returned to its rightful place and overlooked the MacLauchlin’s great hall year-round. The annual unrest and strange happenings that had taken place leading up to All Saints’ Eve ceased, and all doors were left unlocked.

“So how shall we fill these hallowed halls with intrigue once more?” Maude wondered some time later. She smiled at Lady Annabel in passing as they walked down the stairs, as grateful as he that, in some strange way, she had ensured Maude never doubted her place at MacLauchlin Castle. That she and Blake were truly destined for each other. “Should we put our matchmaking days behind us?”

“That sounds rather dull.” Blake grinned at her. “When we have more to bring together, aye?” He considered it. “Perhaps your sister, Prudence, could stand to find love again?”

“Perhaps.” The corner of her mouth curled up. “I was thinking the Duke of Argyll seems to be a nice fellow.”

“You think to pair them when she tried to ruin his reputation?”

“I do.” Maude nodded once, having clearly given it ample thought. “What better way to heal old wounds? And theywouldmake a striking pair, would they not?”

And so they went on to discuss such things time and time again over the years. Brought together many and even failed on occasion. Yet, as Lady Annabel, their ghostly fortune teller and much-beloved ancestor, had promised, they did so as they led a long, happy life together. A life that unified many loves that were every bit as strong as their own.

The End