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EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Emma stood at the rail of the steamer and looked out at Calcutta. A hand touched her shoulder and slid gently to her waist with a touch that was warm and familiar. She turned her luminous face to meet Benjamin’s gaze.

“Where’s my father? He really should see this.”

“He sees plenty. Right now, he’s seeing that everything’s in order as we come into port. I fully expect him to take over the ship any minute.”

Emma grinned. “He’s used to being in charge.”

Benjamin returned her smile with a crooked grin and a wry downward glance.

Emma hooked her arm about Benjamin’s. “You’ve been wonderful to him, and I know he appreciates it.”

Benjamin nodded with a raised but tolerant brow and a glint in his eye.

Emma was suddenly somber. “I know he can be somewhat annoying and overbearing.”

Benjamin worked to suppress a broad smile.

Emma was too focused on the shore and their future. “But he’s happy. You’ve given him new purpose and hope. It’s meant everything to me.”

She looked at him with adoration that made her father’s annoying ways worth the trouble. In truth, he was glad to have helped him for Emma’s sake. Although he would never understand it, Benjamin saw how Henry had been blinded by love for his wife. Because she was mentally ill, he’d forgiven her for what she had done to his daughter. In her mental condition, she couldn’t have known any better, and so he forgave her and waited until she was well. But when she escaped and ran off with an orderly, Henry’s love and forgiveness came to an end.

Henry had lost everything. Before Emma had been able to ask, Benjamin had already offered his financial backing to Henry. He hadn’t bargained for Henry to open his new factory in Jodhpur, but the greatest surprise was Emma’s eagerness to embark on this journey. He hadn’t expected such a spirit of adventure after all she’d been through.

They looked out at the city, still a distant outline. He was studying Emma with wonder when she turned and looked at him. Her eyes shone through her questioning look.

“What?” asked Emma.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I know,” said Emma, “But I heard you thinking.” Her eyes hinted at a smile.

He leaned close and let his lips brush her ear as he spoke in a quiet, deep voice. “Then you don’t need me to tell you.”

Emma tilted her head toward him. “Tell me.” She turned her face toward his until their lips nearly met. “And later, you can show me.”

He moved close behind her until their bodies touched. “I will,” he said into her hair. “Often.” He circled his arms about her waist as she leaned back against him and looked out toward their future.

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