Where Duke Kendall had fallen from grace, Matthew rose higher. He had been petitioned at length for custom pistols, but he retired from personal commissions. He had more than enough work establishing business in Spain, and it was finally time to break ground on the new factory.
In Jasmine’s absence, Honora agreed to oversee their shared veteran’s hospital. The Benevolent Ladies all shed a tear to see her go, but Honora pushed her out of the house with a firm order to enjoy her belated honeymoon.
She didn’t look forward to a week at sea, but her company would be better this time. She leaned her head on Matthew’s shoulder. There were so many places she wanted to show him, foods she wanted him to try. She couldn’t wait to introduce him to her grandparents.
They were going to love him as much as she did.
Matthew tapped his toes against the wooden planks, glancing around. She placed her toes over his and squeezed his hand.
“They’ll be here.”
“They are rather late. We should have waited for them at the inn, or told them to go on ahead. The ship will be departing any moment.”
“We have time,” she soothed.
As if summoned by her confidence, Caroline’s voice broke through the crowd. “Brother!”
She walked to them, followed by Cassandra, holding a bundle close to her chest. Seth carried Rose, with Trevor at his heels.
“Thank goodness we made it.” Cassandra sighed. “There was a problem with the carriage wheel.”
“Thank you for coming to see us off.” Jasmine hugged her gently and peeked at the bundle in her arms. “All of you.”
Heavily swaddled in blankets, baby Rebecca slumbered, obliviousto the noise. Her eyes were as blue as the ocean and her hair as black as Seth’s. Jasmine placed a small kiss on her brow.
“When will you be departing for Hampshire?” she asked.
“The moment you set sail,” Seth said. “Blackmoor is riding ahead to inform the Earl of our arrival.” He glanced warmly at his daughters, then Cassandra. “It’ll be a slow journey, but we’ll manage.” He turned to Matthew and extended his hand. “I’ll look after the family. Zeke will manage the factory.”
“I trust you.” Matthew shook his hand. “You’ll speak for me in my absence, and we’ll meet back in London in the spring.”
Caroline launched herself at Jasmine. “Watch after my brother, don’t let him make any foolish decisions.”
Jasmine met Matthew’s gaze and winked. “I’ll do my best, but I make no promises.”
Trevor embraced her next—the boy now almost as tall as Matthew. She squeezed him tight, and heard a familiar voice calling out. Maternal, authoritative… it almost sounded like—
“Jasmine!”
“Mama?!”
With flushed cheeks and her hair falling out of her pins, paths parted for Mama. Behind her, Papa looked pristine, as if he stood in the halls of Parliament. Stoic all the same, but with a softness to his eyes.
“What are you doing here?” Jasmine cried. “It’s so far out of your way. You spent days of travel—”
Mama crushed Jasmine to her. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you leaving without saying goodbye.”
“It’s a temporary detour, and worth the trip,” Papa assured her. “We’re traveling to Bolderwood as well. We’ll be spending Christmas as a family.”
“We wanted to surprise you,” Mama explained. “We decided to meet here, and together we’ll travel the rest of the way.”
Jasmine wiped the tears from her eyes with her fingertip. “This is wonderful, thank you all. I’ll miss you so much.”
“It’ll only be for a little while. We’ll see you in the spring.” Mama glanced to Caroline with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. “We have one more Cooper to see married, and Caroline will have her pick of gentlemen. I’m already writing my list.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourselves,” Matthew said. “No weddings until I get back.”
“We’ll see.” Caroline gave him a sly grin. “Don’t be surprised if you come back and I have a serious suitor. I’ll have no issue securing a match without your interference.”