Page 156 of From Rakes to Riches

Despite the early hour, the docks were busy. Several ships were anchored along the piers and longshoremen worked industriously to unload crates of tobacco, spice, olive oil and rum, the precious cargo guarded dockside by burly crewmen who awaited its distribution. Theodore asked one such fellow where the nearest post was situated and they headed in that direction.

They’d only walked a block from the water when they heard the hawk of a newsboy who stood on a wooden box near the corner, waving a copy of the daily print in the air. Lola thought nothing of the ordinary scene she’d come to identify with the bustle of city life until they neared the lad and deciphered his call more clearly.

“Duke trampled by prized stallion!” the newsboy hailed loudly. “Read about His Grace’s tragic death.”

Lola and Theodore’s eyes met before he hurried straight to the lad and purchased a copy of The Times.

“Let me see. What does it say?” Lola asked breathlessly as she clasped Theodore’s arm and rose on tiptoe, attempting to read the paper as he moved them away from the flow of pedestrian traffic.

“Leinster’s dead,” Theodore exclaimed, his voice rich with disbelief as he scanned the paper. “He was thrown and trampled by his own horse!”

“That’s horrible,” Lola said though her voice trembled. “Is there more?”

“According to witnesses, Leinster lost his temper with his prized stallion and began whipping the horse excessively. When Leinster realized he had been seen by two attendants, he attempted to mount and leave, but the horse threw him immediately and trampled the duke in its hurry to get away.”

“But what does this mean for us, Theodore?” She wouldn’t jump to conclusions even though her heart pounded like thunder in her chest.

“You’re free, Lola. You’re free from his accusations and charges. Without the duke to pursue prosecution, you’re beyond blame.” He chuckled heartily and grasped her shoulders, the newsprint crinkling against her gown as he kissed her excitedly. “Not only that, but there’s commentary in the article about the duke’s behavior toward animals. You’re mentioned as having taken heroic action.”

“What? Let me see that!” Lola snatched the paper, scanning the page as tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision. “I’m exonerated?”

A wave of relief swept through her so strong she sagged against Theodore’s side, unable to speak as emotion clogged her throat. But he knew. He felt her trembling, sensed her every emotion, and pulled her against his chest tightly.

“Yes, it’s true, Lola. You’re free to live here, anywhere, to walk with your head held high because you were brave and courageous. Then, and today. We can build our life together without worry or fear.”

“It feels wrong to be happy,” she whispered, tears of relief overflowing to her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly. “But he’d become a horrid, despicable man.”

“That’s true.”

“And we don’t have to leave London. I can see my family again.” She turned and looked up into his face, a whirlwind of emotions making her unsteady even though her smile emerged. “And the whole world can know how much we love each other.”

“Let’s go home,” he said as he matched her grin and offered his hand. “Our life together awaits.”

30

TWO WEEKS LATER…

Ashimmer of excitement spiraled through Lola as she rang a silver bell to gain everyone’s attention. It was Theodore’s idea to host an elegant party at his town house and announce the wonderful news of all criminal charges being nullified. Friends and family were gathered on the terrace beneath a velvet night sky filled with twinkling stars, while she stood next to the man she loved on the threshold of a future she had trouble believing was true. But this was her life now. A life of true love. Days and nights filled with happiness, hope, and possibility.

“Thank you for joining us this evening.” Theodore’s deep voice resounded across the marble tiles and quieted the last whispered conversations. “Lola and I have invited you here to share extraordinary news and I’ll not keep you in suspense. All complaints against Lola have been dismissed. To that end, a reporter from The London Times has interviewed Lola and plans to write a story about her heroic act of compassion. With that in the past, we look to the future. Please raise your glass and join me in celebrating Lola and this very joyous occasion.”

Theodore took a hearty sip of champagne and leaned down to speak to her privately. “I know you were hesitant earlier, but would you like to say a few words?”

“I suppose I have to, don’t I?” she said with a reluctant smile. She rang the bell again and looked out at the circle of guests. Her parents stood directly in front alongside her sister Anna and Lord Huntington. Sofia and her brothers were to the left, while Lady Margaret and her betrothed, Viscount Sidmouth, were on the opposite side. Marco and a few friends from Vauxhall were also present. She glanced one more time at Theodore and her heart swelled with love and gratitude. Even if she’d wished on every star in the heavens, she’d never have believed she could be this happy.

“Thank you for sharing this special evening.” She began, exhaling slowly in an attempt to settle her nerves. “Life has certainly been an adventure filled with uncertainty the last few years so it means the world to me to see all of you gathered here tonight.”

Anxious to speak to everyone individually, she raised her champagne glass and took another sip. She still had a lot of lost time to recover with her parents even though they’d traveled directly to London upon receiving her letter. She’d spent part of every day with them since they’d arrived and delighted in how much Theodore and her father had in common. Her mother was equally as charmed with Theodore’s unwavering dedication.

She glanced to Anna and Lord Huntington who made no secret how smitten they appeared. Lola wouldn’t be surprised if another exciting announcement was made in the near future. She’d never seen her sister look happier.

Squeezing Theodore’s arm affectionately, she placed her glass down and walked eagerly toward Sofia.

“Tell me everything,” Sofia demanded before Lola even reached her. “I haven’t seen you in what feels like forever andI miss you. You spend all your time here now.” Sofia’s eyes widened as she indicated the town house behind them. “Not that I can blame you.”

“It seemed silly, if not inconvenient, to keep returning to the boarding house,” Lola said in way of explanation. “Besides, there wasn’t much for me to take with me when I moved out.”

“But now that you’ve left Vauxhall and you’re not living upstairs, I’m worried I’m never going to spend time with you again.”

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