Page 51 of A Secret Correspondence
Samuel wiped his wet boots as best he could before following. He waited in the corridor for Harrison to announce him, then breezed into the room. “I have news for you.”
Oliver looked up from the book he was reading. He was seated in a chair near the fire, his ankle crossed over the other knee. He closed the book, setting it on the small, round occasional table. “Come in.”
Samuel was already seating himself in the other chair, his grin spread wide.
“You’ve caught the man responsible for Marguerite’s harassment?” Oliver guessed.
Samuel’s expression dimmed. “No, not that.” He pretended to flick lint off his lapel. “I have become engaged.”
“To Miss Farrow?”
“Yes, to Miss Farrow.” Samuel scowled. “Who else would I become engaged to?”
“I only wanted to be certain.” Oliver reached across the space between the chairs and clapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, Sam. This is wonderful news. When will it take place?”
“We are in no hurry to have the banns read. Mother needs to meet with Mrs. Farrow and plan the wedding, of course. They each have ideas, and after the tea we shared today, I imagine that process will take a good deal of time.”
“You could do away with it all and acquire a special license. I remember how I felt the moment Ruth agreed to marry me.”
Samuel lifted an eyebrow.
“Well, the moment Ruth agreed to marry me thesecondtime, when I knew she truly loved me, I was extremely eager to be able to call her my wife. I remember distinctly how you must be feeling right now.”
“It wasn’t very long ago,” Samuel said.
Oliver grinned widely. “Perhaps not. I only mean that I will do what I can to help speed along the process if you wish. Only say the word. Would you like Ruth to assist your mother?”
Samuel laughed at the image that produced in his mind. “No, I thank you. I believe the women already have enough strong personalities between them.” He pushed to his feet. “I have other people to see, but will you give the news to Ruth?”
“Yes, of course. She would be here, but she’s visiting with her mother at present. Shall we send an invitation to Miss Farrow for our sporting afternoon?”
Samuel nodded absently, running two fingers over his jaw. Something Oliver said struck him…but he would not allow the worry to become consuming. He shook the thoughts away. “I intend to sit in Marguerite’s shop.”
“I had wondered if you would. I will plan on doing so during the evening of the musicale if we have not apprehended the man yet.”
“It is my hope he chooses my night to break in. I would like nothing more than an excuse to smash his nob.”
“So long as it doesn’t land you in trouble.”
“Marguerite has the notes.” Samuel shrugged. “That is enough evidence to protect us. We won’t let the blackguard hurt her.”
“No, we won’t.” Oliver rubbed his chin and lowered his voice. “Did you notice how long she has been separated from her family?”
Samuel shifted to his other boot. “Twenty years. I cannot imagine.” Oliver moved to stand, but Samuel put up a hand. “I can see myself out. Good night, Oliver.”
“Good night, Sam. I am happy for you.”
The evening had cooled even more by the time Samuel returned to his horse. He took the reins, thanked the groom, and climbed into the saddle. Oliver’s words played over in his head for the duration of his ride toward Ryland’s house. Was there something wrong with Samuel, some underlying reason he was not feeling the urgency Oliver spoke of? That pressing need to be married to Miss Farrow straightaway?
When he reached the area where the footpath broke off toward the kissing gate, he pulled at Valentine’s reins. On a whim, he directed his horse down the footpath until he reached the stone wall. Letting himself off the horse, he went through the kissing gate and checked their hidden space.
Miss Farrow had left a letter. Samuel had wondered if their engagement would signify the end of them, but it was romantic that she had continued. Smiling, he broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
To my friend?—
This is to be my final correspondence. I am sure you know the reason and understand. Thank you for all of your support and friendship. I treasure our written time together, and I will hold your letters close to my heart forever.
Goodbye.
