Grace (A Sinclair Society Novella) Rough Draft

Epilogue

Despite his stated intention, Adam Melbourne only managed to wait a week before he asked to speak to my father in private. An hour later, he went down on one knee in my parents' garden and asked for my hand in marriage. I, of course, accepted without hesitation.

I couldn't be sure if he had charmed Mother but I think he may have changed her mind. At least, she stopped vocally protesting the match. I had doubts that she would ever be fond of Adam. After all, he wasn't her choice for me but she seemed to have accepted it.

The day after I accepted Adam's proposal, his father arrived in Bath. the older man was more subdued than my betrothed but just as cheerful. He welcomed the news of our betrothal with open delight.

It was a bit of a surprise when the comments regarding Mr. Melbourne's superiority and my sudden change of heart did not increase. Of course, in a place such as Bath where residents came and went often so many of my family's friends had returned home. For the ones that I did hear, I simply accepted the congratulations at face value.

Adam proclaimed I had proved myself a veritable angel by accepting him.

Much to my sadness, I did not see Miss Nelson again so I could not tell her my good news. I did not know if she had found employment with another mistress or had simply returned to London to seek out work. Hopefully, wherever she was, she would find happiness as I had.

If only I had thought to ask her for Juliet Sinclair's whereabouts! Since I had determined to send the locket ring to her, I was eager to accomplish it.

"How difficult do you think it would be to find where Miss Juliet Sinclair is now?" I asked as Adam and I walked toward the Upper Pump Rooms. Mother and Papa were following at a slower pace, held back by the older Mr. Melbourne commenting on everything in sight.

"I shouldn't think it to be difficult at all. In fact, if anyone would know it would be my friend Harper," Adam said immediately. "Would you like me to ask him when I see him next?"
With a start, I realized I could not remember when I had last seen Mr. Harper. "Is he still in Bath? I haven't seen him for some time."

For a moment, a frown appeared on his face. "I know he was here for Ingram's inquest, but now that I think about it, I haven't seen him either. Well, I shall send a letter and ask him what he knows. He was a good friend to Sinclair, so it stands to reason that he would know where the family lives."

But would he know where Miss Sinclair went when her parents also died? I set aside the matter to consider when I knew more.

"Miss Anderson! Mr. Melbourne!" Mrs. March called out, waving at us. She and the colonel were just ahead of us on the pavement, having stepped out of a shop. "How well you are looking today! You especially, Miss Anderson. I never thought I would see those roses in your cheeks again."

The 'roses' in my cheek grew hotter as my embarrassment increased. "I protest!" Adam exclaimed. "She has never been without roses in her cheeks. I am prepared to call out anyone who tries to say otherwise."

"Adam!" I exclaimed, mortified by his passionate defense.

Mrs. March just smiled serenely. She linked arms with her husband and walked on. "I have it! We shall go to London for the Season. We're bound to meet someone there who knows Miss Sinclair," Adam said, as though we hadn't been interrupted. "It will also give me every opportunity I could want to show you off to everyone I know."
Astonished, I stared up at him. "The Season?"

"Don't tell me you've never been!" he said with a laugh. He paused. "Well, I have never seen you in London before. I'm surprised your mother never thought to persuade you to marriage by taking you."
So was I. Instead of dwelling on the thought, I leaned against him. "Thank you, Adam."

"I would travel to the ends of the earth if it meant seeing you smile," he said with a surprising amount of seriousness.

After meeting one perfect and losing him, it would seem I had found another perfect match for me. This time, I was determined to make the most of every moment I had with him.