Epilogue
Newcastle, England—January 1825
“That’s it, then. They’re off.” From the quayside, Hadrian waved toward the brig Godspeed easing out of the Tyne channel.
From the ship’s taffrail, four half-grown boys and a young woman waved back.
Hadrian turned toward Artemis, who stood by his side, swathed in a fur-trimmed wrap that modestly concealed her growing belly. “That was a fine idea you had about hiring those lads from the mines. I reckon Simon will find plenty of work for them in Singapore. In the meantime, they can keep an eye on Miss Conway during the voyage out and she can look after them.”
“I hope so,” murmured Artemis, her delicate brow furrowed as she gazed toward the departing ship.
“What’s the matter, pet?” Hadrian slipped a protective arm around her waist. “Have you caught a chill? I knew I shouldn’t have let you persuade me to bring you to town in this cold weather.”
With the passing weeks of autumn, his happiness and contentment had ripened. He’d worked hard to banish the fears that might mar his enjoyment of each new day with his family. Though he was getting better, it did not take much to make him fret over their well-being.
“This trip has not done me the least harm.” Artemis cast him a fond smile. “I was just thinking about Bethan Conway.”
“What about her?” Though his wife’s words reassured him, he still kept his arm clasped around her. “Is that why you insisted on coming to town? Were you afraid I’d be tempted to sail off to Singapore with Miss Conway?”
“Don’t be silly.” She pressed against him, making Hadrian impatient for bedtime, which was still far too many hours away. “You are the most devoted husband I could wish for. I would trust you on a ship full of women. I insisted on coming to town because this may be our last opportunity to enjoy a little honeymoon off by ourselves for a while. And because I wanted to talk to Miss Conway before she sailed. I don’t much care for the idea of sending a young woman halfway around the world to become the mistress of a man she’s never met. I wanted to make certain she knows what sort of situation she is getting herself into.”
“And what did you conclude?” Hadrian led her back toward their waiting carriage. Much as he loved their nephew, he looked forward to this few days alone with his beautiful wife.
“I cannot make her out at all.” Artemis shook her head. “She seems so respectable…even innocent. The only answers I got to my questions were ‘Yes, ma’am’ and ‘Thank you, ma’am.’”
“It was the same when I met with her.” Hadrian helped Artemis into the carriage, then covered her legs with a blanket. “But I confess, I was thinking more about you than about her, poor lass. I didn’t pay much heed.”
“Her name and accent are Welsh,” mused Artemis. “Perhaps she doesn’t know much English.”
As he climbed into the carriage, Hadrian thought back over his brief meeting with the young woman. “She wrote a good letter in reply to my newspaper notice. Though I suppose someone else might have written it for her.”
Artemis turned toward him and clutched his hand. “We must do something—send someone after her or get a message to the ship! Miss Conway may not understand where she is going or what will be expected of her.”
“Calm yourself, pet.” That was so like his wife, to care deeply about the welfare of anyone who might need her help. A rush of tender feelings made Hadrian’s heart swell until he feared it would burst his ribs. “The lass may not speak much English, but I reckon she knows her geography. She seemed very keen to get to Singapore for whatever reason. As for Simon, he’s a decent fellow. He won’t force her into anything she doesn’t want. Perhaps it will all work out for the best.”
The concern in her eyes melted away, replaced by a sparkle of fond merriment. “Hadrian Northmore, have you taken up matchmaking? Did you not once tell me it was a dangerous occupation?” He flashed a devilish grin, then pressed a gentle kiss upon her brow. “If she might make Simon as happy as you have made me, I will happily run that risk!”