Tender Wings of Desire Read online

  My Dearest Madeline,

  I am ever so heartened to hear from you, as it seems like ages since we were reunited! I still cannot tell you just how relieved we all were when we heard that you are well, and ever more surprised to learn that you’re now betrothed to a colonel! How terribly romantic for you to have fallen in love by the seaside. I always knew it would happen!

  Speaking of love, I was unable to tell you the fantastic news that occurred after the last time you visited. It seems I have fallen in love myself, with none other than Reginald! How truly terrific that we are both to marry those we love, and I am thankful every day that you fled that night. If it weren’t for such bold action, would we both be facing down our every happiness now?

  Please write to me from America. I want to hear about everything that ladies do there, especially the fashion!

  Your ever faithful and loving sister,

  Victoria

  Madeline laughed as she folded the letter in her hand and placed it on the table of her vanity. She still wasn’t used to spending so much time on a boat, but being seated seemed to make her feel better. The past three months had been a whirlwind of wedding announcements and marriage plans, and it seemed as though Victoria was about to step into her own storm. Madeline was pleased that her sister had found love, and she was sure that their parents would be pleased with their youngest daughter becoming a duchess.

  It had been only three days since they said goodbye to Caoimhe and Carson from the deck of the ship. Madeline had been delighted to see Carson take Caoimhe’s hand as they waved, knowing full well that it was only a matter of time for the two of them. Everything seemed to be working out wonderfully, except that her fiancé was late coming to bed.

  Madeline found him standing on the deck of the ship, looking out over the ocean in the direction of England, and Madeline took the moment to watch him, taking in the handsomeness of his face. After a minute or two, she could hear him laugh.

  “I know you’re there, Future Mrs. Sanders,” he said, turning to look at her. “Come and watch the sunset with me.”

  She walked to his side, feeling his arm slip around her waist and hold her close. As the wind blew through their hair, they stood by each other’s side and sailed off into their own private happily ever after.