Page 40 of Map of a Lady's Heart
“The morning room, sir.”
He was already on his way, his heart leaping. He’d given up hope, but now there was a chance. He flung open the door, almost holding his breath. “Well?”
“Put into Eastbourne this morning, my lord,” replied Gardner, his face red from cold. “The weather cleared as if by divine will.”
Wes couldn’t keep back a grin of fierce elation. Inside he was shouting with it. “Excellent news, Mr. Gardner! Via the Pevensey road?”
“Yes.”
He changed his mind about finding Viola. He’d not thought this surprise, the gift she wanted above all else, would arrive in time. He was sure she would like the emerald parure wrapped in silver tissue hidden in his study, but this…thiswould please her far more. “I’ll ride out at once.”
“Will you, sir?” asked his steward in surprise. “It’s not necessary. I made all the arrangements…”
“I know, and I’ve every confidence they are excellent. I simply want to make certain there’s no delay.”
“Shall I come with you?”
Wes smiled. “If you wish, but feel free to stay and warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine. I appreciate all your efforts and cannot ask more of you.”
Gardner gave a rueful grin. “I’ve seen it this far, might as well finish it. Let me get a fresh horse.”
Wes clapped his shoulder. “I cannot believe we’ve pulled this off.”
Gardner laughed as they headed for the stables. “Nor can I! ’Tis a Christmas miracle, indeed!”
Viola had rearranged the ivy and pine boughs, trimmed the candle wicks, and straightened every pillow. The winter light was fading, and she’d sent Anne and Lucy back to the house with the gig. She was wasting time and she knew it.
Whatever had sent Wes haring off—and no one at the house seemed to have the slightest idea what it was—he hadn’t returned. The butler had sent word that Mr. Gardner, the estate steward, had ridden up in a lather, and then both of them had taken off. That suggested an emergency somewhere on the estate, which of course he must see to at once.
She told herself her disappointment was her own fault. If she’d just told Wes this morning, instead of leaving little clues to send him on a treasure hunt, he would have come right down. They could have had breakfast together before he was called away. Now she had spent most of the day waiting for him, and it was growing dark.
Ah well. It was a small disappointment, after all. Smiling wryly at herself for moping over it, she went to put out the lamps and return to the house. Tomorrow morning she would tell him, first thing.
“I say, this charming cottage has a very fetching lady in it,” said his voice behind her, warm with amusement.
Viola whirled. “Wes!”
He opened his arms and she flew to him for a long kiss. “I’ve been waiting all day for that,” he breathed, holding her close.
She smiled up at him. “I should have stayed in bed this morning, shouldn’t I?”
“With me? Always,” he replied, making her blush and laugh. “But what are you doing here?”
‘Here’ was the small former gamekeeper’s cottage at the edge of the woods, facing the largest pond on the estate. She stepped back and spread her arms. “I know how much you wish to travel and see the world, and get away from the cares of Winterbury. I cannot offer you Sicily or St. Petersburg, but I hope this will be a peaceful retreat from the estate.”
His face had gone blank with astonishment. He looked around the cozy little cottage. Freddie and Tom had overseen the renovation, removing some of the walls that cut it into three tiny rooms and made it one large room. It was still rustic, with comfortable but simple furnishings and walls washed white, and thick warm drapes covering the windows that overlooked the pond. Bookcases framed the stone hearth, where the fire was burning low, and a pair of deep wingback chairs sat in front it, inviting a relaxed cup of tea or a glass of brandy over a good book.
And the map. It covered an entire wall, richly illustrated and detailed. Wes caught sight of it and crossed the room slowly, entranced.
“You created this for me,” he said softly, his fingers tracing the frothing wake of a sailing ship at sea. “With sea monsters,” he added with a sudden laugh, spying the gilled serpent lurking in the depths of one ocean.
“What decent map doesn’t?” She put her arms around his waist.
He kissed the top of her head. “Thank you, my love. I hope you don’t regret it when I hide from Anne and Justin here.”
Viola smiled and stepped out of his embrace. “And now I can give you your gift!”
“Now!” He laughed in surprise. “As if I haven’t got everything I want…”
