quick smile. “I know how hard that will be for you to do, but I insist upon it. We will post the banns, be married in a fortnight, and then leave for Maryland. Your father left us River Run, and with what money I acquire from the sale of Fairview, we will restore the house and buy anything you wish to fill it with. Not only that, your mother and Fiona are coming with us.”
“My mother and Fiona? I remember Fiona. She was good to me.” A strange memory ran through Darcy’s mind. She saw herself in Fiona’s arms beneath a floor hugging a doll, looking up at the light seeping through the crack. “There was a time she protected me.”
“Yes, and she and your mother cannot wait to talk to you. They are just outside the door.” He rose to call them.
Darcy held out her hand. “First, what has happened to my father?”
Ethan’s smile left his handsome face. “His suffering ended the hour before I returned with you.”
Darcy let out a long breath, grieved he had gone, sorry she had not been there to hold his hand. “And so did Madeline’s. She passed in her sleep at Meadlow.”
Ethan lowered his head. “I am sorry over both. But glad they are in heaven together, Darcy. Try not to grieve too hard.”
“And my mother? Is she well?”
“In body, but her heart is broken that you are hurt. She wants to talk to you. May I call her in?”
Darcy’s heart lightened. Would her mother look the way she remembered, her hair dark, with motherly hands that held her, and a voice tender and sweet? Now to be reconciled seemed to vanquish the former pain, the losses she had endured, the trial she faced.
She pressed Ethan’s hand against her cheek. “Please, Ethan. Call her. Tell her I need her now more than ever.”
35
Two weeks after the Reverend Reed read the banns in church, Darcy and Ethan took their vows. Darcy marveled at the stained-glass windows and thought about her grandfather, wondering how many couples he had married in the course of his ministry. Although she loved Fairview, Ethan let the estate go and sold it for a fair sum, the new owner swearing he would pull the old house down and replace it with a larger one.
Eliza and Fiona accompanied them on the voyage home aboard a pretty sailing ship called The Dove, reminiscent of that first vessel that had dropped anchor in the St. Mary’s River a century before. As in the days of Noah, the dove returned with an olive branch in its beak. They were returning to River Run with peace and joy in their hearts.
Upon arrival at Point Lookout, Ethan paid for a post chaise, and after miles and miles of bumpy, dusty roads, they reached the end of the lane that led to the Breese house. Ethan called up to the driver to stop, and once the horses were settled, he lifted Darcy out and carried her down the sunny path toward the house and the welcoming arms of her dear cousins.
Martha was the first to embrace Darcy as she lay in Ethan’s arms. “Darcy, I have missed you.” She kissed her cheek.
“I have been bored to death without you, Darcy,” said Lizzy.
“You have brought Mr. Brennan back with you.” Martha’s eyes beamed as she looked at him. “So good to see you again, sir. And carrying my cousin once more.”
“We are married,” he said.
The girls squealed at the news and chattered on like magpies. Mr. Breese stepped out the door with his wife and his dog. “My lord, it is Darcy and Mr. Brennan.” They rushed to her, kissed her. “Why are you carrying her, sir?” Mr. Brennan asked.
Once the explanation was given, Mrs. Breese collapsed back against her husband. “Please tell us it is not to be, Darcy,” and much sorrow was expressed. The girls gathered round and Martha wept against Darcy’s shoulder.
“No, no. Do not cry. I shall recover. I know it.”
“It cannot be helped,” cried Mrs. Breese. “I knew it. Darcy, why did you not take care where you trekked? It pains my heart to see you have been crippled.”
“I intend to overcome my condition. I am determined.”
“How? You see your uncle. He still walks breathless. I have watched over him every minute since you left.”
Martha wiped her eyes dry. “We have a very good doctor, Darcy. You remember Dr. Emerson? He can help, surely.”