Autumn's Wild Heart (Seasons #4) - Laura Landon Page 0,43

a hardy, formidable father. She comes from sturdy stock. I only hope she grows up to have your fine form.”

“And I pray she grows up exactly like her mother in every way.”

James sat in the chair near the bed and held his daughter. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She even clutched his finger when he held it close to her little chest, just above her happily beating heart.

“Oh, Nella. She’s beautiful.”

His wife laughed. “No, she’s not. Not yet anyway. Your aunt tells me that no baby is born beautiful. They become beautiful over time.”

“Well, our daughter is the exception. I think she’s the most beautiful babe ever born. And,” he said, taking his eyes from the baby to look lovingly at Nella, “I think she’s going to have your beautiful hair.”

Nella simply beamed and reached for his hand. “You’re not disappointed then, that she isn’t a boy?”

“I’ve never been happier in my life. There will be plenty of time for a boy. But, for now, a girl suits me just fine. After all, our boy will need an older sister to keep him on the straight and narrow path, won’t he?”

Nella laughed tiredly. “I’m glad you’re pleased,” she said. “Now, what should we call her? Have you chosen a name?”

“I haven’t thought of that. Have you?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to name her after my mother. She would be so happy if she were here.”

“What was your mother’s name?”

“Eliza.”

“That’s beautiful. We’ll call her Eliza.” James looked down at his daughter and smiled. “Hello, Eliza Petronella. Welcome to your family.”

James watched his new daughter for several wonderful moments, then looked at his wife.

“Have I told you recently how grateful I am that you chose to save me that night?”

“Quite often, husband.”

“Then, let me say it again so you never forget. I love you, Nella. If I could live a thousand lives, I’d wish to live them all with you.”

He lifted her hand and pressed a sweet kiss as a tear of joy slid from her eye. In that moment he saw exactly what he must do.

She’d saved him from the world.

Now he would give her back to it.

Epilogue

“I’ve changed my mind, James,” Nella said as they neared the Marquess and Marchioness of Grantville’s town house. “Let’s return home.”

Her husband smiled down at her, then reached for her hand and held it. “I’m right here with you, Nella. We won’t be alone. Patricia and Rosamonde will be here and so will Candleton and Pomeroy.”

“I know, but…”

“You’ll be fine.” He drew a finger down her cheek. “And you look beautiful.”

Nella trembled like a leaf in a gale storm. This was the first time since they’d married that she’d returned to London. The first time she’d ventured into a large formal affair in the year and a half they’d been married, and she wasn’t sure she had the courage to go through with it.

Everyone would be there—the ones who had ignored her, the ones who had shamed her.

Nella thought of everything that could go wrong: Blanche’s two conspirators could turn their backs on her; the guests could snicker and giggle at her; there might be rude comments about how she looked in James’ arms as they danced. Or gads, she might even fall on her face.

This night was bound to be a disaster. James could even get into a fight defending her honor like he had the first time he’d come to London after they were married.

Why had she let her husband talk her into coming to Town?

Nella knew his idea had taken seed the moment she’d mentioned to him that try as she might, she couldn’t dance. Hearing her regret, James had taken it upon himself to hire a pianist. He’d moved the piano into the solarium where they would have a larger space, and he had taught her himself.

He was a brilliant instructor. Kind and encouraging.

She treasured every moment of those hours as she learned to float in his arms about the solarium. She’d stumbled over and over as she strove to put her feet where they belonged. And then he’d forced her to look into his eyes, to keep her gaze fixed on him as they moved. And magically, she began to dance.

He himself was a marvelous dancer, but she had known he was. She’d watched him every time he’d partnered one of the sought-after debutantes during several Seasons. She’d sat on a chair at the side of the room and watched with envy as he’d twirled