The Gentleman's Quest (20 page)

Although Sydony leaned forward, as if expectant, Hero had no idea what to say. She knew nothing of the traditional female occupations and could not watercolor or play the pianoforte. Nor did she even trust herself to conduct a proper conversation on feminine topics until Sydony put her at ease with a smile and a single demand.

“Now, tell me everything.”

K
it stood on the threshold of the barn from which he and Hero had once made their escape and smiled, for the view before him was much changed. Then, it had been cold and dark, an eerie fog veiling the bleak landscape devastated by the fire behind his home. But now, the summer sun shown upon neat lawns that stretched up to Oakfield’s rebuilt terrace.

The property was a far cry from the one Kit had inherited. The lands that had lain fallow were tilled, the formerly empty tenant farms bustling with life. Sheep grazed not far away, and he could see a horse and plough off in the distance, growing crops that had made the estate a success and bounty that made his table groan with good food.

The house that had seemed cursed now glowed in the afternoon light, its stone stripped of dark growth. The stables had been rebuilt, bigger and better than before, and the blackened remains of the maze had been cleared away, replaced by clipped grass and new
trees and plantings. Kit had helped in the design himself, disdaining the old formal beds for bright spots of colorful flowers scattered among gravel paths.

It was a place to walk and linger and sit upon benches tucked in the shade, and sometimes Kit couldn’t believe his good fortune. Immediately after the fire, he would have never imagined this outcome, and he knew who to thank for it all. But for the arrival of Hero, he might still be stuck in the dismals, drinking and brooding, while his holdings further deteriorated around him.

Now, he could look back without flinching. The fire had changed him, but it had not scarred him, becoming nothing more than a bad memory. Afterward, he had matured from a careless boy into a responsible man, shedding the guilt and tension, with Hero’s help, until he felt like himself again, at home in his own skin.

Although she claimed that all he needed was to pummel someone insensible, it was more than that. By protecting Hero, Kit had redeemed himself, and now he felt he could handle just about anything. Although he had stopped looking over his shoulder for Druids, he stayed alert, intent upon guarding his own.

Those experiences had also taught him to savor every moment, and Kit did so now, taking a deep breath scented with grass and flowers. Ahead, on one of the gravel walks, he could see the figures of Sydony, Barto and their son Max gamboling with the dogs, carefree and happy, and he felt the same.

Behind him, he heard Hero’s light footfalls, and as she moved to stand beside him, Kit slipped an arm around her. His hand immediately moved to rest upon
the swelling that marked the child who would be coming soon.

“How are George and Harold?” he asked.

“And Missy and Clyde and Thomas and Toby….” Hero’s recitation trailed off into a laugh. “All the cats and kittens are well. In fact, I’ve another who wishes to come to the house with me.”

Kit groaned as she lifted her hand to reveal a tiny, orange ball of fur, purring contentedly. “It’s not sleeping in our bed,” he said.

“I love you,” she whispered, knowing full well that the admission, so long in coming, was bound to bend him to her will.

“I love you, too,” Kit said, because he knew she never got tired of hearing it. Turning his head to nuzzle her silken hair, he resigned himself, with a smile, to yet another cat.

But how could he deny his wife anything when she continued to surprise and delight him? Once distant and secretive, she had proven to be warm and giving, and laughter filled their days. She had made their home welcoming and comfortable, a haven for all who came to visit, not just Syd and Barto. Why, the last time Charlie had been here, he threatened never to leave.

The library was filled to overflowing with her inheritance, and she had been named Raven’s heir, as well. Although Hero had sold off what little was left of Raven Hill as quickly as possible, she had decorated Oakfield with the “blood money” that her father must have paid her caretaker over the years.

But after updating the catalogue and parting with
some volumes, Hero had shown little interest in the books that had once been such a part of her life, and Kit sometimes wondered…He slanted her a speculative glance. “Do you ever miss your adventures?”

She blinked at the unexpected question. “I never had any until I met you.”

“What about all your book dealings?”

Hero shook her head as she put the kitten to her cheek. “Those were usually boring transactions made with dull antiquarians, hardly something I enjoyed.” She looked up at him, her lips curving. “Are you saying life with you isn’t an adventure?

Kit shrugged. “Well, I am just a gentleman farmer.”

Hero laughed. “I don’t think so,” she said, slipping an arm around his waist. “You might have the rest of the world convinced, but you can’t fool me, Kit Marchant.” Her eyes shining, she gave him a teasing smile.

“You’re a gentleman and a scholar.”