‘And the weather’s so fine today.’ She gave a sigh of pleasure as they walked out of the station on to the harbourside. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen Whitby looking more beautiful.’
‘Me neither.’ He glanced down at her radiant expression, still oppressed by that same bittersweet duality of emotions. In truth, he hadn’t paid any attention to the weather that day, but beautiful seemed the most appropriate word for his view now.
He let go of her arm reluctantly, handing her up into his waiting carriage before turning to greet his batman. ‘Did you enjoy yourself, too, Martin?’
‘Very much, sir.’
Lance lifted an eyebrow. If he wasn’t mistaken, his retainer’s usually taciturn features were arranged in something resembling a smirk.
‘Something the matter?’ He narrowed his gaze suspiciously.
‘No, sir. It’s just good to see you looking so happy, sir.’
‘I don’t recall saying anything of the kind. Am I happy, Martin?’
‘You must just look that way, sir.’
‘We’ve had a wonderful time.’ Violet twisted around enthusiastically as he threw his batman a last pointed look and climbed in beside her. ‘Edinburgh was wonderful. The castle, the museums, Princes Street Gardens. It was the most thoughtful wedding present you could ever have given me.’
‘A honeymoon without the groom?’ The words sounded more bitter than he’d intended.
‘That’s not what I meant.’ Her expression sobered instantly. ‘And it was more than just a holiday, you know that. It was freedom. You gave me that, Lance. I’m grateful.’
‘Then I’m truly glad that you enjoyed it, although I’m sorry you never made it to the Highlands. What made you curtail the trip?’
‘Ianthe wasn’t feeling well.’
‘Oh.’ He felt a fleeting sense of disappointment, but then what other reason had he expected? That she’d missed him as much as he had her? He pushed the thought away as the carriage started moving. ‘Is she unwell?’
‘Not exactly.’ She beamed suddenly. ‘She started to feel sick in the mornings and when she consulted a doctor, he told her she was going to have a baby. She said she’d be happy to keep travelling, but I knew she’d want to tell Robert as soon as possible.’
‘Ah.’ Nothing at all to do with him, then. ‘In that case, I’m happy for them, but still sorry it cut your holiday short.’
‘I’m not.’ She rested her head against the seat cushion with a tired smile. ‘It feels good to be back. I think I appreciate it more for having been away. Does that make sense?’
‘Perfectly.’ He leaned back beside her, warmed by the words. ‘Five years ago I was desperate to escape and see new places. I never wanted to come back. When I was shot and they said I had to leave the army and come home, I was half tempted to shoot myself again, but now that I’ve seen a bit more of the world, I appreciate my own small corner of it a bit more. Now I can see it in the same way I did as a boy. Arthur and I loved the moors. We spent all our free time roaming up there.’
‘Just the two of you?’
‘We thought so, but there always seemed to be somebody around when we got into trouble. I think my mother set people to watch us. The terrain can be dangerous if you’re not careful. There are cliffs and bogs, and the weather can change completely in ten minutes.’
‘I never realised how unique the landscape is here.’
‘This is a wilder landscape than most.’
She leaned towards him so that her head brushed lightly against his shoulder. ‘I must like things to be wild, then.’
‘In that case, we’ll definitely have to make sure you reach the Highlands next time. You must have a wild soul.’
She burst into a peal of laughter. ‘No one’s ever suggested that before.’
He smiled, starting to share in her happiness. After all, she was right, he had played some small part in her transformation. It felt good to have made her happy and he liked her laugh. He’d missed it, he realised with a jolt, as if missing her hadn’t been bad enough.
‘Maybe no one else knows you the way I do.’ He stretched an arm out, resting it along the top of the carriage seat behind her.
‘Do you know me?’ She craned her neck towards him with a look of surprise.
‘I think I’m starting to. You look different, Violet, in a very good way, I might add. As if you’re the person you were always meant to be, independent and adventurous and carefree.’