They're waiting for him. Even as she had that thought, Lysander turned back to her. "I have to go."

Go.

Gemma's mind took a disconcertingly long time to grasp the word. Her heart began to ache. He'd given her so much and in return, she'd given him too little and far too late. Of course, it was no more than she deserved.

"I love you, Lysander Worthington." The words tumbled out, ragged and breathless and hurried. It was a terrible way to say them, on a dirt lane, with her hair in a mess, and an audience, for pity sake! "I love your strength. I love your healing heart. I comprehend your loneliness. I understand you."

Lysander's smile turned a little sad. "Yes, I know."

"You do?"

His eyes flashed possessive pride. "Well, you did just chase me halfway across Yorkshire."

"Yes, I did." Instead of feeling embarrassed, she began to smile back at him. "You are just going home for a visit, aren't you?"

He reached out to tuck a strand of her wild hair behind her ear. "'For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

That I should scorn to change my state with kings.'"

Sonnet 29, her favorite. Gemma touched his hand and their fingertips caught and held.

This man! This man would stand by her side and fight for her people and be a worthy partner for the rest of her days. What could she offer him in return?

"If you come back, I'll give you a pony."

At that, her dark handsome stranger threw back his head and laughed aloud.

Up on the top of the carriage, Mr. Button sighed aloud, Mr. Cabot looked very satisfied with himself and Miss Atalanta fed her apple core to Icarus, who stretched his long delicate nose up to her hand.

Mr. Pollux Worthington shook his head. "Damn, I want a beautiful woman to give me a pony."

Atalanta shrugged. "I'd rather have a monkey."

Lysander looked back at them, then met Gemma's happy gaze with a rueful smile. "I come with something of an entourage, you know."

"Seven siblings, you said."

"Yes. And five in-laws. And a niece and another child on the way. And two parents. And Philpott. And Button and Cabot."

"Heavens!" Gemma blew out a long breath. She'd always longed to be part of a family. Yes, she'd specifically wished for "large." Be careful what you wish for. "Well, then I suppose it's high time Yew Manor was repaired. We’ll need the rooms." Apparently, she was about to become yet another Worthington.

She smiled at Lysander, allowing her full feelings to show in her expression. He blinked, and then his smile grew.

EPILOGUE

Epilogue

AND SPRING COMES AGAIN, AS IT ALWAYS DOES….

GEMMA?"

"I'm in the stillroom!"