Free Undaunted Love (PART TWO): Banished Saga, Book 3.5 by Ramona Flightner

always be those who shun you because you are separated from your husband.”
    “Yes, and those who will scorn you if you decide to associate yourself with me.”
    “Do you think I would care what those people say?” Jeremy asked urgently as he moved toward her and framed her face with his hands. She sighed, tilting her head slightly to kiss one palm.
    “I hope not.” She paused for a moment before meeting his eyes. “A part of me worries that our separation has shown you that you can have a better life without me.”
    “How could you possibly think that?”
    “You’ve begun to find peace again, Jeremy. I have no desire to bring you any more strife.” She reached up to stroke his hands still cradling her face.
    Jeremy dropped his hands and turned away. He stared at the bare clotheslines strung between the adjoining buildings. Savannah waited as he took a deep breath and faced her again. “You are correct in that I have begun to find peace here. Living with Richard and Florence has been like a balm to my wounds.”
    “They are wonderful people,” Savannah murmured.
    “Yes, they are. And they are about to have their first child. The last thing they need is me in the house. I’ve known for some time that I needed to find my own place, but I haven’t wanted to leave.”
    “Why?”
    “Because if I left, you wouldn’t know where to find me,” he whispered.
    Savannah nodded, blinking away tears. “Jeremy.”
    He reached for her and pulled her into his arms, caressing her head with one hand. When he spoke, he could not hide the urgency from his voice. “I want you, Savannah. I don’t care if we never marry.”
    “What are you saying?”
    “I want us to have a life together. A life like Richard and Florence are building.”
    “You want me to live with you?” She was unable to hide the incredulity from her voice. “I … I don’t know Jeremy. That’s a very large step.”
    “If these weeks apart have taught me anything, it’s that I don’t want to be separated from you again. Not by society. Not by Mrs. Chickering. Not for any reason.”
    Savannah stepped away, one hand at her temple, staring dazedly over one of his shoulders. “You ask for quite a bit.”
    “Yes.” He reached for her hand and raised it to his lips. “Please tell me that you’ll consider it.”
    “Will you give me time?”
    “As much as you want.” He stroked her cheek. “Will you visit me soon at the workshop? I’d like time alone with you.”
    Savannah’s smile bloomed even as she blushed. “Yes. I’ll try to visit tomorrow.”
    ***
    SAVANNAH SAT IN HER CHAIR, attempting to read her book, another play by Oscar Wilde, as Sophie muttered over the latest headlines. Numerous lamps lit the room with a gentle glow. The front curtains were closed, and a fire crackled in the grate. “What’s the matter, Sophie? Has someone written another disparaging article against the cause?”
    “No, the King of Belgium was almost assassinated by an anarchist. I’d think people would know by now that violence never leads to any lasting solution.” Sophie shook her head at the thought and turned the page. She lowered the paper at a soft knock on the door.
    “Could this be your young man?” Sophie asked Savannah. Savannah shook her head no.
    “Excuse me, ma’am, but there is a Mr. Russell who is inquiring if he might join you this evening. I know you are having a quiet evening at home, and I’m sorry for the interruption.”
    “Please show him in, Poole,” Sophie said. “I wonder if it is you father or brother?” Sophie asked as she looked toward the doorway. “Ah, Mr. Russell, I know Savannah takes great delight in visits from her father.”
    “Father,” Savannah said as she rose to embrace him, and Sophie moved to rise.
    “I’d rather you didn’t,” Martin blurted out to Sophie as he took the proffered chair next to Savannah. “I’m in need of advice, and I’ve been informed by Betsy that you often provide some of