‘One of the most formidable I know,’ said Martha. ‘And I even include Frankie in that.’
Thea grinned at her. ‘I am glad it only took attempted murder to bring you together.’
‘Oh yes,’ said Martha. She looked a little contrite. Thea knew the situation had been eating at Martha’s consciousness, despite her resolve.
‘It wasn’t you,’ she said. ‘It was Miss Bellegarde. YourAbrusdidn’t work, and he woke up, so she did him in with some arsenic. She just told me. And to think I resented having her in the house all those years.’
‘That’s actually quite the relief.’ Martha smiled. ‘The seeds must have been too old.’
‘I’m pleased,’ said Thea, ‘but now there is nothing to stop us. What shall we do with our future?’
‘You can recreate the cabinet,’ said Martha. ‘And take as much of the house as you like to do it. No doubt Frankie will fly with the garden too. You are on the advisory board for the queen and you will make all of your own links and contacts. Experts will bequeuing up to share their knowledge and even more people will be seeking yours. You have established yourself as central to the future of natural philosophy, and that is unheard of for a lady.’
Thea glowed in response to Martha’s praise. ‘And you must go exploring again, if you wish,’ she said. ‘Now you know with certainty that I will be waiting, and there is nobody to get in the way. When you are home, we will plan the gardens and collections together and the children will have no better people to educate and shape them. What a family we shall be.’
Martha slipped an arm around her waist. ‘I have plans for you tonight, Your Grace,’ she said, dropping another kiss onto Thea’s lips.
‘And I for you,’ said Thea, pressing Martha against the wooden back of the carriage. ‘But not just for tonight. For the rest of our lives.’
THE END
