Free Bedford Street Brigade 01 - Where the Lady Belongs by Laura Landon

about what bothers either Mr. Wallace or me.”
    “Why don’t you tell me what that is, Cora? Maybe something can be done to help you.”
    Cora shook her head. “There’s nothing, Bridgette. I found out how dangerous Mack’s work is. I haven’t waited all these years to find a love I can’t live without, only to wake up one morning and have lost it.”
    “Do you think you’re the only person who feels that way, Cora? Do you think we don’t all feel that way?”
    “You can’t know, Bridgette. Stewart spends his days in the House of Lords when in session, and the rest of his time overseeing his estate.”
    “That doesn’t mean I can’t lose him in the blink of an eye.”
    “It’s not the same, Bridgette.”
    “I’m sure that’s what Lady Markham thought until last month when they brought her young husband’s body home. A deer spooked Markham’s horse, and it threw the earl. He broke his neck.”
    “Or I’m sure that’s what Lord and Lady Winscott thought when they put their happy and healthy three-month-old daughter to bed one night. Then couldn’t wake her the next morning.”
    Cora clenched her hands together until they hurt.
    “Do you think Lady Markham regrets loving her husband or doesn’t cherish every day she had with him? Do you think Lord and Lady Winscott wish they’d never had their little girl?”
    Cora couldn’t answer her sister, because she knew what that answer must be. How could any wife who’d found love wish she hadn’t known it? How could any parent wish they’d never known their child? Even if only for three short months.
    “There are no guarantees in this world, Cora. No promises for how long we will be given happiness. When you find love, enjoy every day for as long as life lasts. Don’t live your life regretting that you didn’t grab the chance at happiness that you were offered.”
    Bridgette rose from her chair. “Now. Change into something happy and cheerful, and put on your best bonnet. Your Mr. Wallace should be here shortly.”
    “Mack is coming?”
    “Yes. Mr. Walker and I decided both of you needed to go for an afternoon ride on this lovely day. And when you return, I’ll tell Cook there will be one extra for dinner. It’s time Stu and I got to know this Mr. Wallace of yours.”
    Fresh tears spilled down Cora’s cheeks. Only this time they were tears of joy. “How did you get so wise, little sister?” Cora asked before Bridgette left the room.
    “By listening to my older sister, you silly goose.”

    Cora dressed in one of her favorite gowns and swept her hair up from her face in a loose style that fit nicely with the bonnet she’d chosen. Her gown was a cheery yellow and white muslin, and her bonnet had a wide yellow ribbon that wound around the brim, then tied beneath her chin. She grabbed her bonnet from the bed when an upstairs maid rapped on the door to announce that Mr. Mack Wallace was downstairs.
    Cora couldn’t wait to see him. It had been two weeks, and every thought she’d had during that time had been about him. Every night had been filled with dreams about him. She’d missed him more than she thought it was possible to miss anyone.
    She rushed down the hall and was halfway down the stairs before she saw him.
    The expectant look on his face was filled with yearning. His deep brown eyes brimmed with hopefulness. She recognized the expectation in his gaze, because it was the same expectation she felt.
    She stopped, then rushed the rest of the way down. When she reached the bottom, she paused for a moment as if fearing she’d read his intentions wrong.
    He took several steps forward and held out his arms.
    Cora rushed into his welcoming embrace and lifted her head to meet his kiss. This was where she belonged. For as long as God gave them together.
    She would cherish each and every day.

Epilogue
    Cora cut the blueberry cobbler and placed several pieces on a plate. Blueberry cobbler was Hugh’s favorite. Next, she dished several pieces of