She Tempts the Duke

“I thought it was. But now I realize it’s not. This place will do just as well.” He extended the lantern. “Will you hold the light?”

She took it from him. He dismounted and knelt between their horses.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Returning the soil to the land.”

“Are you sure you should do this? You kept it with you for so long.”

“I’ll keep the ribbon. I intend to thread it through my watch chain.”

“Help me down so I can be there with you.”

He did as she asked. Then crouching, he very gingerly untied the ribbon and unfolded the handkerchief. She knelt beside him and watched as he sprinkled the soil over the grass.

“I’m not certain you should have done that.”

“I am.” He took the lantern from her and set it on the ground. Then he brought her to her feet and splayed his fingers over her stomach, where their child grew, one who would one day gallop his horse over the soil as his ancestors had. “It’s where it always belonged. Just as I am where I belong: with you. I love you so much, Mary.”

Reaching up, she cradled his face. “I love you, Sebastian. With all my heart, with all I am.”

Taking her into his arms, he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her deeply.

The ghosts from the past no longer whispered to him. All he heard was her sweet sigh.

All he knew was that when he was with her, he was as whole as any man had ever been.