A noise from the desk caught their attention, and they turned in unison. Meredith grasped Philip’s hand, her amazement turning to stunned shock as the Stone of Tears appeared to tremble upon the desktop. Then, as if pushed by an invisible hand, the stone fell from the desk, hitting the parquet floor with a thud, breaking into hundreds of pieces, which then slowly crumbled until nothing save a pile of sand remained.

Her gaze flew to Philip’s. “Dear God, did you see that?” she asked, unable to fathom what she’d just witnessed, afraid to hope that that handful of sand meant what she prayed it meant.

“I did. And except for you, it falls into the category of ‘the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’ ” A slow smile curved his lips and he drew her against him. “My darling Meredith, it means that we have broken the curse-literally and figuratively. We’re free.”

Relief weakened her knees. “It’s truly over?”

“Yes. As for everything else, it’s just beginning.” He cupped her face in his hands, and his smile faded. “Bloody hell, you have no idea how frantic I was. How sick inside. How utterly terrified.”

“No more so than I, I assure you.”

“As much as I hate what Edward did, part of me understands the desperation that drove him. If anything had happened to you, it would have driven me mad.”

Anxious to erase the tension in his eyes, she smiled. “Well, thanks to you, I am fine. Luckily you had one of your moments of brilliance-at a very convenient time.”

“That moment of brilliance was inspired by you.”

“Quite the well-suited pair, are we not?”

“I was not the one who needed convincing of that.” He lowered his head and kissed her with long, slow, deep perfection, until her knees turned to porridge and she sagged against him. He left her lips and trailed hot kisses along her jaw and down her throat.

“This is the second time you saved my life, you know,” she murmured, tilting her head to give him better access. “Surely that deserves some sort of reward.”

“And don’t think for one moment that I won’t collect.”

He straightened, and she smiled at the sight of his fogged-up spectacles. Sliding them off his nose, he asked, “You know how you frequently comment on my lamentable lack of propriety?”

“I prefer to call it giving discreet hints.”

“I’m certain you do. However, I suggest you brace yourself, my dear, for the instant I get you into my bedchamber, you are going to see a shocking lack of propriety.”

Anticipation tingled down her spine. “Heavens. No doubt I should swoon at such a statement. Luckily I am not prone to the vapors.”

Raw emotion blazed from his eyes. “I’m greatly relieved to hear it.” After dropping one quick kiss onto her lips, he stalked to his desk, where he scribbled off a quick note.

“To Andrew and Bakari, letting them know the quest has ended,” he explained. Striding back to her, he dipped his knees, then swung her up into his arms. Before she could do more than gasp, he exited the room and strode down the corridor into the foyer, where they were greeted by James, who, bless him, didn’t turn an eyelash at the sight of Philip carrying her-again.

Philip handed the footman the note and said, “See that it is delivered to Mr. Stanton at the British Museum immediately, James.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“And then see to it that I am not disturbed.”

“Yes, my lord.”

With that, Philip took the stairs two at a time, while Meredith clung to his neck, flames firing her skin. “You truly are incorrigible,” she whispered.

“So you are fond of telling me.” He entered his bedchamber, kicking the door closed with his boot, then locking it. He then strode to the bed and gently laid her upon the counterpane, following her down, covering her with his body. “Are you ready for me to show you exactly how incorrigible?”

Reaching up, she sifted her fingers through his disheveled hair, absorbing the delicious feel of his weight pressing her into the mattress. Smiling up into his beautiful brown eyes, she said, “My darling Philip, that falls into the category of ‘absolutely yes. ’”

Epilogue

Looking at his reflection in the cheval glass, Philip tugged his dark blue cutaway jacket into place, proudly noting that not one wrinkle marred his wedding attire. Had only four days passed since he and Meredith had broken the curse? Yes, but waiting even that long to make her his wife had felt like an eternity. Thank God he’d procured a special license to end his suffering.

A knock sounded on his bedchamber door, and he called, “Come in.” Expecting Bakari, he hoped with the news that Meredith had arrived for the ceremony which was scheduled to begin in twenty minutes, he was surprised to see his father enter the room. As his father approached him, Philip was pleased to note his healthy coloring.

“Bakari was about to come to inform you that your bride has arrived, but I offered to bring the message, as I need to talk to you.”

Anticipation filled Philip. Your bride has arrived. Which meant that in less than an hour’s time she would be his wife. The future stretched before them like a sparkling, jewel-encrusted sea.

“I’m glad you’re here, Father, as I would like to talk to you as well.” With his marriage only moments away, he was hopeful they could make their peace with each other and enjoy whatever remaining time they had left before Father’s health failed. He indicated the wing chairs flanking the fireplace. “Shall we sit?”

“I prefer to stand.”

“All right. I’m glad you’re feeling up to it. Indeed, you’re looking very well. Except for the sling supporting your arm, you’re the picture of health.”

A flush crept up Father’s neck. “Er, yes. And that is precisely what I’m here to discuss.” He cleared his throat. “I am, in fact, exactly that.”

“Exactly what?”

“The picture of health.”

“How do you know this?”

“Doctor Gibbens told me.”

It took several seconds for the meaning of the words to sink in. Then, with an incredulous smile, Philip erased the distance between them and clasped his father on the shoulder. “This is joyous, miraculous news, Father! To what does Doctor Gibbens credit your recovery?”

“There has been no recovery, Philip. I was never ill.”

Philip went still, then his hand slowly slid from his father’s shoulder, as a jumble of emotions assaulted him. Amazement. Anger. Disappointment. They stood facing each other, as tension thickened the air between them.

“You lied because you thought I would not keep my word to you.” He was unable to disguise the bitterness in his voice.

“I lied because I wanted you to keep your word to me while I was still alive,” Father countered. “I wanted you home, and after a decade abroad it was time for you to return. I’d wanted you home three years ago, but in spite of having arranged a marriage for you, you refused to obliged me.”

“So this time you claimed to be dying.”

“Yes.”

Philip’s jaw tightened at the lack of remorse in his father’s eyes and the defiant angle of his chin. “Surely you realize how despicable your actions were, Father. Not only toward me, but toward Catherine as well. Underneath her brave front, she’s been extremely distraught over your impending death.”

“I made my apologies to Catherine earlier this morning. Gave me quite the dressing-down, but we’ve made our peace. She neither likes nor condones what I did, but she understands why I did it. I did not believe you would come home otherwise. Indeed, I wasn’t certain that even news of my impending death would drag you back to England.”

“Your faith in me never fails to astound, Father. Tell me, how did you achieve your sickly look?”

“I severely cut back on my eating.”

“And your pasty complexion?”

“A dusting of flour.” Before Philip could say anything further, Father continued, “You have every right to be angry, but I hope you will understand that while my actions were dishonorable, my intentions were not. Although my health thankfully remains good, that of many of my peers does not. I wanted us to have the chance to repair our relationship before it was too late, and you were not showing any signs of returning.” Father lifted his brows. “If I’d not lied, would you have come home?”

Philip’s hands clenched. “Most likely no,” he admitted.

“I sensed as much. I hope you’ll forgive me for resorting to trickery, but I felt I had no choice. I’m sorry I lied to you. However, I am not sorry you are home. I missed you, Philip. We once had a good relationship…”

Memories of days spent walking the grounds at Ravensly Manor, afternoons spent reading together in the library, evenings spent bent over the chessboard, swept through Philip, leaving sadness and regret in their wake. “Yes.” Philip pushed the word past his tight throat. “Before I failed to keep my word. Before I failed Mother. And you.”

A muscle jerked in his father’s jaw. “I’ve waited years to say this, Philip, and now that the moment is upon me, the words are still difficult…” He exhaled a long breath. “I did us both a great disservice that day when your mother was caught in the rain, then fell so ill. Yes, I was upset and distraught, but not at you. At the fates that were robbing me of her. She’d been so fragile for so long, and we’d known for months me end was near. That day, I said things to you in anger. Hurtful things impinging your honor that I did not mean. But things which, once said, erected an ever-growing wall between us I did not know how to scale… a wall I hope we can, as adults, somehow climb over. You’re a fine man, son. I should have apologized to you years ago. As I did not, I can only pray that it is not too late. I’m sorry.”

His father extended his hand. Philip stared at the gesture of sorrow, friendship, and respect, and swallowed to dislodge the lump in his throat. Feeling as if a huge weight had lifted from his shoulders, he reached out and clasped his father’s hand in a firm grip. Philip wasn’t certain who made the first move, but seconds later they were embracing in a back-thumping hug. When they stepped apart, both pulled linen handkerchiefs from their pockets. Dabbing at his eyes, Father said, “Blast it, Philip, this place is bloody dusty. You simply must hire more servants. Especially now that you’re taking a wife.” He slipped his handkerchief back into his pocket. “You said there was something you wished to discuss with me?”