“Love is never common,” Nuala said. “Nor is the making of new life.”
“And what new life will you be making for yourself, Mrs. Byrne?”
“I shall go wherever the wind blows me.”
“Or wherever others need a little help?”
Nuala chuckled. “No, not ordinary at all.” She lifted the portmanteau. “I must be going, my lady.”
“Eden.”
“Eden,” Nuala said with a nod. “My name is Nuala.”
“It’s a lovely name. Here, let me summon Armstrong to help you carry your luggage.”
“No need. It’s light enough.” Nuala lifted the portmanteau to prove her claim. “And now… it’s time for me to be on my way.”
“Will you not at least allow our coachman to take you wherever you are bound?”
“Ah, but it’s on my own two feet that I find the interesting things in the world.” She moved toward the door, and Eden gracefully stepped aside. The two women walked to the front entrance, and Eden did Nuala the honor of accompanying her several yards down the drive. The day was sparkling with new-fallen snow, the kind that never seemed to blacken with dirt or crust over. The sun shone brightly. There was not a trace of wind.
Hartley’s powers had not yet abandoned him.
“Blessed be,” Nuala said, taking Eden’s hands. “Give my love to your husband.”
Eden leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “Will we ever see you again?”
“I shouldn’t be at all surprised.” Nuala smiled, and for an instant let the glamor drop.
Eden’s eyes widened. “You are—”
“A child of the earth and of the sky.” She bowed. “And now farewell, Lady Eden Fleming.”
Eden half lifted her hand. “Farewell. God bless you!”
Nuala had gone but a few steps away when the animals came to see her off. Among them were foxes and rabbits, bounding through the snow beside the drive. But towering above all was the stag, crowned by wide branching antlers woven with mistletoe and holly. He bent his great head in salute.
Farewell, Lord of the Sidhe. May you keep the magic alive just a little longer.
She smiled to herself, pulled her cloak about her, and began to whistle an Irish tune as old as the hills.
So it was that the earl found redemption, Lady Eden Fleming discovered the joys of giving, and the Forest Lord learned how to love.
And they all lived happily ever after.