Page 72 of For Your Arms Only

"They won't for long," he told her, still grinning like a schoolboy. "I intend to marry her.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

That day was one of upheaval, as John and his family left. Even Marianne, who spent most of her time in the nursery with her children, came to bid them farewell. Alec shook his cousin's hand, recognizing how much he owed the man. Without John, Penford would have been sorely neglected for the last several months, and no one could have been more gracious in the face of such crushing disappointment.

"Thank you," he said.

John's grin was wry. "Think nothing of it. I could do no less for my aunt."

“I’m forever in your debt, and for far more than the comfort you gave my mother."

"I know you would have done the same, had our positions been reversed." Too late John realized what he said; his face flushed, and his eyes veered away.

Oddly, Alec didn't feel the sting this time. In fact, it might have been the greatest compliment John could have paid him, presuming Alec's honor equal to his own. "Of course. I hope you still consider Penford partly your home. Your family will always be welcome here."

John cleared his throat, still awkward. "We do, thank you. Good-bye, Alec."

Alec walked with him to the waiting carriage. He helped his aunt inside, then stood back to wish them all safe journey, and the coach was off. His mother and Marianne went back into the house, but Julia waved her handkerchief until they had turned at the end of the long drive.

"The house will be so quiet now," she remarked when all that remained was a cloud of dust to mark the passing of the coach. "First John, Aunt Hayes, and Emily, and soon the Turners will be gone."

Alec smiled to himself. "Oh? Will that bother you?"

She sighed. "Yes. Perhaps it would bother you as well, were you ever here." She turned and went back into the house.

Alec let her go; he planned to be around much more in the future, but not, he hoped, to be bothered by Cressida's absence. He stood in the sunshine for several minutes, just admiring Penford. It was his home again, where he would bring his bride, and, God willing, raise his children. He had never thought of all that. Penford had not been his house, and he hadn't thought of marriage until now. The prospect was a very pleasing one. He took a full breath and set off to hurry through the daily business before meeting Cressida.

* * *

Callie sat up in bed when Cressida slipped back into their room. “Cressida?” She covered a yawn, looking puzzled. “You’re awake early.”

Cressida flushed. “Yes.” Awake most of the night, between decoding Papa’s journal and then. . . Alec. She was sure every sinful pleasure had left a mark on her, but when she glanced in the mirror it was more a glow of happiness. In fact, she looked remarkably well for such a wicked woman.

"Will you come see Granny this morning?" Callie rose and put on her dressing gown.

"I do every morning," Cressida exclaimed. She sat at the table and began pulling the brush through her hair, tangled from Alec’s hands.

Her sister watched her for a moment, bemused, then realization dawned on her face. Cressida, seeing it in the mirror, cringed. “I thought you might have other plans today,” was all Callie said, though.

She put down the brush. "You can tell, can't you," she said quietly.

"No," said Callie after a moment. "I have a strong suspicion, though. . . "

Cressida rubbed her thumb along the brush handle. “I spent the night with Major Hayes.” Callie gasped. "I’m in love with him.”

"Are—Are you—?” Callie seemed to be struggling for words. “And what does he feel?”

She bit her lip, still concentrating on the brush. Callie alone knew the extent of her indiscretion years ago with Edward, and Cressida heard the worry in her sister's voice. No doubt this appeared much the same as that circumstance to Callie, but then, Callie didn't know Alec and how completely unlike Edward he was. "We’re going for a walk this afternoon."

"For what purpose?"

Cressida shrugged sheepishly. "I don't know."

Callie closed her eyes and said nothing for a long minute. "Then I shall reserve judgment until you return." She came and wrapped her arms around Cressida’s shoulders. "I must know whether I should hate him with every fiber of my being and send Tom to fight him, or love him as my brother."

Cressida blushed even as she laughed. "I certainly hope the latter!"

Her sister smiled. "So do I. For your sake, so do I."