Read Online Always Have Hope (Emerson Book 3) by Maureen Driscoll - Free Book Online Page A

fashionable. It had been his plan to save
them by marrying an heiress. But that hadn’t worked, either. Though,
selfishly, he would never regret his choice of bride. Ava had saved him. And
it was Ava the previous night who’d held him in her arms as he’d wept about his
greatest failure: the failure to keep Win safe.
    But he would not fail her again. He would do anything
– anything – to save her life.
    As the carriages made the turn into the Lynwood House
drive, he was pleased to see the duke and Ned waiting outside for them, along
with two ladies and a girl who must be Ned’s daughter Violet. Irene was
standing with them, but there was no sign of James or Win.
    As the carriages drew to a halt, Anna jumped out. Oblivious
to the cold and ice, she ran across the courtyard, then jumped into Irene’s
arms. Irene was thrilled to see her and soon the two were laughing. They
presented quite a contrast in appearance. Irene had fair hair and blue eyes,
while Anna’s Algonquin heritage graced her with skin the color of tea. They
looked different, but nothing could disguise the strong bond between them.
    In his letter, James had not mentioned marriage plans
or whether he was staying in England or returning to America. Irene’s presence
and the love on her face as she held Anna in her arms made Colin think that no
matter where James might end up, Irene would be by his side.
    “Matters must be going well with Miss Wallace,” said
Nick.
    “They simply must get married,” said Rose. “We need
one small bit of joy in this horrid business.”
    Rose had taken the news of Win’s difficulties hard,
but she’d stepped up to the mark and immediately begun strategizing for Win’s
defense. It was hard for Colin to admit, but Rose was a young lady, no longer
a child.
    Colin and Nick got out of the carriage and helped the
ladies do the same. Liam and Ned met them, with their families in tow.
    “We cannot thank you enough, Lynwood,” said Colin, as
he shook the man’s hand.
    “I’m glad I was able to help. We are all united in
offering whatever assistance you need. But first, may I present my dear wife,
Rosalind, as well as my lovely sister-in-law Jane, and our most esteemed
Kellington, Violet.”
    Colin introduced his family. Letty was unusually shy,
clinging to Ava’s skirts. Irene joined them, still holding Anna.
    “Anna!” said Violet.
    Anna smiled at her.
    “Lady Leticia,” said Violet, as she made a perfect curtsy,
“I was wondering if you and Anna would stay with me, if Lord and Lady Ridgeway
allow it.”
    For the first time since the journey began, Letty lost
some of her sadness. She turned to Colin.
    “May I, Colin and Ava? Please?”
    “That’s a lovely idea,” said Colin. “And yet another
kindness from the Kellingtons.”
    Rosalind smiled at them. “I am certain you are all
tired from the journey. I asked Heskiss to set out tea in the drawing room for
you, where James and Win are waiting. You may wish to join them, then perhaps
Violet can come get Letty and Anna in a quarter of an hour or so.”
    Lynwood’s duchess was both kind and sensitive. He’d
made a wise choice. And as they walked into the house, Lynwood put his hand on
Rosalind’s extreme lower back, just above her bum.
    Colin would wager all the money he wished he had that
the duke and duchess were very much in love.
    Colin wasn’t sure how he’d react when he saw Win
again, how he could bear to see her injuries. Then Ava took his arm.
    “Dearest, everything will work out,” she said.
    “I envy your optimism,” he said, kissing her hand.
    “You should have the faith in you that I do.” She
smiled at him and he was reminded that he, too, had chosen well in love.
    Heskiss showed them into the drawing room and suddenly
Colin was face to face with the sister he hadn’t seen in years. Win and James
were on the settee, but they rose when everyone entered – with James helping
Win to her feet. There was a moment of silence. Colin felt