Page 87 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“Are you sure, Mama?”
“I’m very sure. Now come here and let me cuddle you my darling girl. So sweet to her mama.”
Lily giggled as Ava tickled her before gathering her close and kissing her forehead. “I’m so glad I had you,” she said softly.
“I’m glad you had me too, Mama.” Lily sprawled contentedly over Ava’s lap, letting her mother squeeze her as much as she wanted.
Edward was impatient to reach home. The carriage ride seemed to take forever. He had spent less than thirty-six hours in the city, but it seemed like forever. He’d never felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
I did all I could for you brother. Now, all I can do is live.
He took a deep breath, watching the scenery pass outside. In less than an hour, he would be back home. He absolutely could not wait. Taking up his walking stick, he beat upon the roof of the carriage. “Faster, Coachman. Time’s a-wasting.”
“Hyah!” the coachman cried, and the carriage lurched forward as the horses went faster. Edward settled back with a satisfied nod to himself. Thirty minutes later, they were rounding the corner and coming up on the gates of Barrington Castle. Edward’s heart began to hammer as the guards opened the gates and let them in.
He peered through the windows, feeling his shoulders relax as his eyes swept over the familiar greenery. Finally, the carriage came to a stop, and he stepped out.
“Papa!”
He smiled wide, opening his arms and sweeping his daughter into them. “Lily! Did you miss me?”
“Yes! Mama too.”
Edward looked towards the door and saw Ava standing with her hands clasped in front of her. He smiled wide and nodded. She squealed happily before running down the steps and throwing herself into his arms as well. They held each other tight for a long time, Lily smashed between them though she made no protest.
Finally, they let each other go.
“It’s all right now?” she asked as if to confirm.
“Yes. I dealt with it. We are safe.”
She heaved a sigh of relief. “Good.” She rubbed his shoulder soothingly.
“I have missed you both so much. Let’s say we go for a picnic in the garden?”
Ava’s eyes widened with surprise. “Do you not wish to rest?”
“I certainly will do so, but I rode all the way from London with no stops, and I’m hungry. Will you not consent to feed me first?”
Ava grinned. “Of course, I will. Go ahead and refresh yourself while Lily and I make a picnic for you.”
Edward grinned back. “I knew I could count on you.”
She gave him a look. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you since the day we got married.”
“Don’t forget the cheese!” Lily yelled excitedly as Mrs. Sutton packed a basket for them.
“She won’t darling. Now run along to your nursery and get a blanket for us to sit on,” Ava instructed.
She watched with a smile on her face as her daughter skipped away happily. She felt as if she was floating on a cloud of relief. Having Edward back safe and sound filled her with such gratitude. She could not wait to hear what he had gone through, but to know that he had made it home was all she could ever ask.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
“Basket is ready, Your Grace,” Mrs. Sutton said, and Ava turned her attention back to the present.
She gave the housekeeper a grateful smile and a firm nod before scooping up the basket. Marching boisterously, she made her way to the back door and stood there waiting for the rest of her family to join her.
She didn’t have to wait too long. Both Edward and Lily came tripping down the backstairs, holding hands, a blanket slung around Edward’s other arm. He had changed out of his dustytravel clothes into a pair of simple breeches and a clean white shirt.
