DEPARTURE
I have to admit,” Wesley said as they stood on the passenger loading dock. “There were times when I wondered if I would ever see the back end of this place.”
“I wondered the same,” Lola replied with a smile. “Mostly, if I'd ever see another stage again, after burning down the last one.”
“I think that theatres around the world can agree that it's not your fault,” Enola smiled at her newfound friend. The Earl and Countess were waiting to board a passenger ship to take them back to Ireland.
There, the possibilities for their lives were endless. Although they weren't entirely certain what they would do when they landed, they were confident in their renewed love for each other. As soon as Wesley was properly recovered, Lola did intend to take up the switch and run Bamber Manor. Whether or not it would be permanent was yet to be determined, but she was excited to try.
“Although, I admit, I would be a bit nervous to come see a play of yours,” Holde answered.
“Now, now,” Lola teased. “The one play you ever saw in your life was not so bad, was it?”
“It was alright,” he admitted with a shrug. “I don't intend to make a habit of it though...unless something needs blowing up.”
Lola rolled her eyes, but Wesley grinned. “I'm certain Captain Halloway could have so many uses for you,” he said. “If you ever want to join us.”
“Maybe,” Holde answered. “Maybe one day. For now, I'm content here.” He swung his arm around his wife, who leaned against him. Lola thought that they were so perfect together; so flawless. It was such fate that brought them together.
“You must already have a show lined up?” Enola asked. “It does sound like a glamorous life.”
“I do, but in Ireland,” Lola said. “So I can come home every night. I think that will be nice.” She smiled at her husband as the ship blasted its horn. “It looks like that is our final boarding call. Now remember, my love. You are not in charge of this ship.”
“I think it will be enjoyable,” Wesley smiled. “Someone else can give the orders.”
“Right,” Lola looked doubtful that he would remain laid back, but turned back to Enola to give her a hug. “Until we meet again. And you must promise to come and visit.”
“Of course,” Enola promised, as Wesley shook Holde's hand.
“It was a pleasure, sir.”
“Aye,” Holde said. “I was a bit nervous when I saw that pirate flag, but now I am inclined to trust any pirate I meet.”
Wesley chuckled. “That could work in your favor. I'm sure we will cross paths again soon.”
“Give my love to the others,” Enola said. “And write me.”
“Every day,” Lola promised as they boarded.
Enola watched until they were both out of sight, after they’d ducked below into their cabins.
“Someday,” Holde promised her. “I will take you to the land of my ancestors. But for now, let us enjoy our time in yours.”
“Are you sure?” Enola answered. “I know we've discussed this already, but...”
“Enola, I told you, there is nothing but memory there for me now. Besides, your father has already given me a task list a mile long.”
“You don't have to listen to him!” she cried. He chuckled.
“As long as I am on leave, I have no issue with helping. He is family, after all.”
The words sent shivers down her spine. They were all family now; all connected. That was what the marriage had intended, of course. However, she’d never expected to truly feel it in her heart.
“And he already asked me why it was taking so long to produce an heir,” Holde said.
Enola turned bright red, looking away. “I can't believe you just said that in public.”
“You're my wife, love,” he kissed the top of her heart. “Now, since I am on leave, the day is ours. What did you have in mind?”
“Jacob,” she said, and Holde was momentarily distracted, until she realized that she was calling out to her best friend across the market. “Jacob, what are you doing?”
Jacob looked utterly lost, standing at a booth. His face relaxed when he saw both of them.
“Mary sent me to get turquoise flowers. Do you know what color turquoise is?”
Enola laughed. “I think I have a general idea. Why did she ask for them?”
“Something about a dinner party she decided this morning that we must have. You two are invited. If you are free.”
“I think we can manage it,” Holde said with a smile. “Although I don't know what color turquoise is.”
“Men,” Enola rolled her eyes, missing Annabelle and Lola already. She pointed Jacob in the direction of a multi-colored bouquet at one of the stalls. “There, that middle one is turquoise. Honestly.”
“How am I supposed to know that?”
“Because...” Enola shook her head. She decided to curb her tongue, because she really wasn't angry. This was normal life with Jacob, and she was glad that life was beginning to be that again. There was an end to the war in sight, and it made her shoulders lighter with every step. “She should have given you a color swatch example.”
“Probably,” Jacob answered as he went to buy the flowers, still looking confused. Enola smiled.
“Do you think we could get out to see my family before dinner then?”
“We could arrange that,” he said. “Did you want to invite them to dinner too?”
“All of them would hardly fit around Jacob and Mary's dining room table,” she answered. “I'm just reveling in the fact that we can visit him and not have to keep a secret.”
“Do you think that you'll ever tell him?” Holde asked. “The circumstances of our marriage?”
“I will,” she said. “Trust is a strong part of our culture. There is nothing shameful in the fact that we married to make an alliance.”
“You don't think he'll be upset?”
“I think he'll understand that we came to love each other,” she said with a smile as Jacob returned with flowers. “No, not those ones. Beside them.”
“You said these ones!” Jacob protested.
“Those are blue,” Enola replied. “Here, come with me.”
Patrick watched her go with a smile, her energy infectious. This was to be a normal day in their lives, and he couldn't be more grateful for it. Nor could he ask for a better partner to stand at his side; no matter what was to come.
It may have been a marriage that broke his heart, but it mended it at the same time. She had come into his life at the moment he needed it most, and she had stayed despite all that came before her. If there was ever a sign from a God he wasn't sure he believed in, this was it.