Capturing the Governess’s Heart by Sally Forbes
Epilogue
Robert and Emma crossed the wide front lawn at Dalwater arm in arm, heading for the figure seated on horseback a few hundred yards away. The figure waved, turned the horse toward them, and began a fast canter in their direction.
“Who would have thought young Henry would make such a good rider for his age. All those lessons paid off eventually, but I must admit, I had my doubts at times,” Robert laughed as the rider drew close and expertly reigned in the magnificent black stallion a few feet away. He leaped from the saddle, letting the glossy beast free to crop the grass.
“Hello, Uncle, hello, Aunt Emma,” Henry said, laughing happily as he came up to his surrogate parents, admiring his horse. “I said I’d bring Valor to see you, and here he is, in all his splendor. Isn’t he magnificent?” He embraced Emma and kissed her cheek.
“I always had a feeling that Valor would be one of your best friends here,” Emma said with a wide smile, watching Henry’s face.
“Indeed, my boy, he is magnificent. I have never ridden him, may I?” Robert asked, going up to the horse and rubbing its neck. Valor whinnied appreciatively.
“I’m not sure; he can be a little skittish if you don’t know how to handle him,” Henry said in a humorous tone.
Robert feigned shock. “Do you mean, you insolent young fellow, that I cannot control him? Do you forget who taught you to ride in the first place?” Henry laughed again.
“No, Uncle, of course not, but you are getting on a bit in years now, an old married man, and all that.” Robert shook his head in disbelief.
“Can you believe this whippersnapper, Emma? After all, I’ve done for him!”
“Well, I don’t know about you, Robert, but I certainly shan’t be riding him. He’s enormous.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt, you can always bribe him with sugar lumps and apples,” Henry teased, making and them all laugh.
“That strategy works with horses and children, I’ve learned,” said Emma, smiling broadly. “I never forget my bag of sugar lumps when I go to Elsby. The horses there love me.”
“And how are things at Elsby these days? I can’t believe that Abigail and Theo have been married for six months already. What a lovely wedding it was,” Emma said wistfully, “it seems like yesterday.”
“Oh, they’re two happy little love birds. Theo loves being ordered around by Abigail, and she teases him mercilessly. As you probably know, they’re away in Kent for a few days, visiting his parents. Speaking of weddings, what’s this? I hear about you having a party for your first anniversary.”
“Oh yes, it’s all being organized as we speak,” said Robert, “but it’s going to start when Abigail and Theo come back. It’s our anniversary on the morrow, and we’re having a quiet celebration, just the two of us, aren’t we, darling?” Robert said.
Emma smiled up at him, her eyes filled with love. “Yes, it will be lovely and … romantic. Well, are you coming in for some tea, Henry? It’s getting a little too hot out here for me. Lucy has made a fruit cake, your favourite.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ll just take Valor round to the stables. They can give him a good rub down. We had quite a good gallop over here from Elsby, didn’t we, Valor?” Robert led the horse over to Emma. She rummaged in her pocket and drew out some sugar, which she offered to Valor. He munched it up, then nuzzled her gently.
“I think I’ve made a friend for life,” Emma joked, patting the horse’s fine, velvety nose.
Henry went off to the stables with Valor, and the couple went inside to the drawing-room, where a substantial tea had been laid out for the three of them. They sat together on the sofa, and Emma poured the tea.
“I can’t get used to the fact that Henry is growing so fast,” Emma said. “I feel I can’t order him about as I used to. I’m not sure I like it.” Robert laughed.
“Well, I’m rather worried he’s going to be taller than me in a few years. Then I’ll know I am the old uncle.”
“You know, I’m a little worried about our anniversary party. I think we should invite your mother and her new husband. I’m sure she misses her son and would like to make peace, don’t you think. After all, she was only doing what she thought best for you and the family,” Emma said. Robert leaned over and kissed her.
“That’s what I love about you, Mrs. Campbell. You’re such a loving, forgiving person. I suppose she has tried to mend fences, but she needs to do more than merely write a letter. I want her to come here and apologize to you in person.” He thought for a moment. “Alright, let’s send them an invitation and see what happens. They’re only in Bath, so it’s not far to travel. If she is as contrite as she says in her letter, perhaps I’ll forgive her.” He smiled at Emma, making her laugh.
“That’s what I love about you, Mr. Campbell. You’re so loving and forgiving,” she said, leaning over to kiss him back.
Later that night, as they were getting ready for bed, Emma was about to get under the covers when she saw a large envelope resting on her pillow. Wondering what on earth it could be, she picked it up.
“Robert, what is this?” He was slipping out of his robe and getting into bed. He patted the covers next to him. “Come here, and I’ll explain it all to you.” She got in beside him, still clutching the mysterious envelope, and he held her close.
“Is it for me? Can I open it?” she asked.
“It is a little anniversary gift for you, my darling, to show you how much I adore being married to you. I think it is something you will like very much.” She opened the envelope and pulled out some papers. She studied them closely for a few minutes. Then, she sat up.
“Robert, is this … is it what I think it is?”
What do you think it is, my love?” He grinned at her.
“I think it’s a deed … to an apple orchard. A very large apple orchard.”
Robert nodded. “How observant. It’s exactly that, Emma. You are now the proud owner of your very own apple orchard.”
“Oh, Robert,” she cried. “It’s absolutely the best present I have ever had.” She threw herself into his arms, and they kissed warmly.
“Well, my wonderful husband, I might just have a little anniversary present for you, too.”
“And what might that be, beautiful lady?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her. She smiled.
“I’m expecting a baby, our baby.” She giggled as he leapt out of bed, his eyes wide.
“Are you sure, Emma?” he asked, his eyes wide.
“Of course, I’m sure, silly. I saw the doctor yesterday, and he confirmed it. By next March, we shall be parents.” Robert picked her up and whirled her around until they were both helpless with laughter.
“Mrs. Emma Campbell, you have made me the happiest man alive!”
IS THIS THE END?
