tell you the apple peels would reveal our future husbands?”
“You did, and you were right.”
Eseld stepped back and gave her a satisfied grin.
While Uncle Matthew shook Alexander’s hand, Laura turned hesitantly to Eseld’s mother. “I hope you are well, Mrs. Bray?”
“I am indeed.” She leaned forward and kissed Laura’s cheek. “Welcome back. I am glad to see you.”
Amazement flooded Laura. “Are you?”
“Absolutely.”
Laura took a steadying breath and turned to introduce Aunt Susan.
In his last letter, Uncle Matthew had invited Susan to stay with them at Fern Haven as well. Mr. Gillan, however, preferred to stay at an inn near the harbour with most of the crew.
Greetings over, Eseld announced in a singsong voice, “We have a surprise for you! We are hosting a party in your honor.”
“Really?”
“Yes, to celebrate your homecoming and your marriage.”
“My goodness . . . how kind,” Laura breathed. “Thank you.”
“It is planned for tomorrow.”
“We thought you would need to rest from your journey first,” Mrs. Bray added. “Your old room is ready for you and your husband.”
“Unless you’d prefer the guest room again?” Uncle Matthew sent Alexander a teasing grin.
With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, Alex replied, “No, thank you. I will happily share with my wife.”
After showing Aunt Susan to the guest room Alexander had once occupied, Laura and her groom retreated to her old room.
There, he helped with her fastenings and bent to kiss her neck. “Are you glad to be home?”
“I don’t know that Fern Haven is home, but I am certainly glad to be back.”
“Did you ever imagine the two of us sharing a room here? At least, with your aunt and uncle’s consent?” He winked.
“No. Feels strange, does it not?”
“Feels good,” he replied, turning her in his arms and murmuring against her lips. “Feels right.”
In the morning, Laura rose before anyone else in the family and dressed herself simply. Quietly letting herself out of the house, she hurried over to Brea Cottage, eager to see Miss Chegwin.
Mary was in the kitchen, pouring tea.
She looked up at her entrance. “Laura! Dynnargh dhis.” She threw wide her arms, and Laura entered the older woman’s embrace.
“Myttin da, Mamm-wynn.”
Hearing the commotion, Jago came in, hair in more disarray than usual. “Ah. Our Laura. Myttin da.”
“Good morning to you too, old friend. You are keeping well, I trust?”
“Indeed I am.”
“Good. And you are both coming to the party?”
Mary nodded. “We wouldn’t miss it. Newlyn asked Jago to help with preparations and to play during the festivities.”
“Did she? I am glad to hear it.”
Laura visited with them awhile longer, then returned to Fern Haven.
The party preparations began a short while later. The men set up a white open tent on the sands of Greenaway, Laura’s favorite beach, just down the path from Fern Haven. Then they set up a long table. Everyone helped carry down chairs for the older folks as well as plenty of blankets for a picnic-style meal.
Later that afternoon, Laura watched as Jago helped Newlyn carry big heaping platters and urns of tea, the usually timid maid smiling her thanks at the big man. Soon, the long buffet table was overflowing with food of all descriptions, including a large cake and a bowl of punch.
Laura walked over to the old cook-housekeeper. “What a feast you’ve prepared, Wenna,” she praised. “You must have been working for days.”
“Indeed I was,” she replied. “But many were eager to help—Newlyn, Miss Chegwin, and several other neighbors.”
“The captain and I sincerely appreciate it.”
“Oh, miss.” Wenna squeezed her hand. “You know we would do anything fer ye. Fern Haven just ain’t the same without ye.”
Laura hugged her and went to thank the others who’d contributed to the feast.
The Trenean family came bearing their instruments and began playing joyful music. When Jago finished his work, he went to join them, playing his hurdy-gurdy with skill. Newlyn watched him, admiration shining in her eyes, and Laura was delighted to see it. Delighted for them both.
Alexander brought her a plate of food, and Laura ate every morsel, savoring the delicious, familiar tastes of home, and the beauty of the day.
Eseld stepped near her and asked, “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Oh yes. Everything is perfect. Thank you for suggesting the party.”
“It was Mamm’s idea.”
Surprise flashed through Laura. “Was it?”
“Yes. Though I eagerly seconded the notion!”
Taking Eseld’s arm, Laura led her through the crowd to Mrs. Bray. Reaching her, she began, “Thank you, Mrs. Bray. Eseld tells me the party was your idea, and I sincerely appreciate it.”
Looking self-conscious, Lamorna Bray glanced at her daughter.