The four horses leaned into their harnesses. The large wooden wheels began to turn, crunching loudly against the gravel. The carriage rolled slowly down the long, winding driveway of Hamilton House.
The family stood on the terrace and watched them go. They watched until the carriage passed through the grand iron gates at the edge of the estate and finally disappeared from sight, completely swallowed by the distant trees.
The moment the carriage was out of sight, the heavy, suffocating tension on the terrace instantly broke.
Smith Jones let out a massive, highly exaggerated sigh of relief. He dropped his arm from Delaney's waist, stepping away from her with a joyful bounce in his step. His posture completely changed. He was no longer the devoted, respectful naval captain. He was a carefree, theatrical actor from the London stage who had just finished a very successful, very stressful performance.
Smith turned to the family. He rubbed the back of his neck, grinning broadly.
