Love Became Theirs (18 page)

"But how can you bear it?" Alice asked with tears in her eyes.

"Because I still have you," he said, holding her tightly. "And in time the sadness will pass."

*

The wedding was simple. The Thierre family joined them in the English Church in Peter's village. Monsieur Thierre gave the bride away, the Earl was Peter's groomsman, and Alice was the chief bridesmaid with Agnes and Cecile following.

Later that night, when they were alone together and the house was quiet and still, they stood locked in each other's arms for a long time, free at last to enjoy their love.

"I want to show you something," Rona said at last.

Reaching under her pillow she took out the little porcelain Harlequin that he had given her.

"I was going to ask you what he meant," she said, "but I didn't get the chance."

"But you knew what he meant," said Peter, smiling at her tenderly.

"Yes. I've cherished him, keeping him under my pillow. Now I don't need to hide him. No more masks, no more secrets, ever again in our lives."

She turned out the lamp and her husband took her into his arms again, holding her close so that her heart beat against his.

The room was dark except for the moonlight shining through the windows. It fell on the Harlequin figurine, giving him a strange look.

Almost like a smile of contentment.