* * *
Frances was nervous. God, why was she so nervous?
It was not like anything bad was going to happen. The day had arrived when the lawyer was going to come and set up the papers for the adoption.
Christopher found her in that state and pressed a small kiss to her forehead. “You seem to be a bit stressed, my love.”
She shook her head. “No, no. I am just fine. I am… ready.”
It was a lie, and he knew it. He seemed to always know how she was feeling, despite what she said.
“Ready? Are you sure you’re not the one with cold feet?” he asked, raising an eyebrow playfully. “I’ve seen you look more relaxed during a storm.”
“Cold feet? Me?” she asked, pretending to be affronted. “I could never.”
He squeezed her hands gently. “Love, it is okay if you feel nervous. It is a big step, after all.”
Frances let herself relax under his touch. She was lying to herself if she thought she could keep her nervousness from him.
“It is not that I have any doubts, just…” She struggled to find her words for a moment, and he waited patiently. “It is just that I feel nervous of what the children might think, or that something will go wrong.”
“My love, the twins adore you,” Christopher reassured softly. “I am certain that they will accept the decision.”
A soft knock sounded at the door, and a footman told them that the lawyer had arrived.
“Well, let us go do this, then,” Frances muttered.
Christopher intertwined their fingers and guided her out of the room.
Mr. Aldridge, the family’s trusted lawyer, was waiting for them in the drawing room. He was a distinguished man in his sixties, with a kind face and a calm demeanor.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace,” he greeted, shaking Christopher’s hand firmly before turning to Frances. “Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you.”
“We’re so grateful for your help in making this possible,” Frances admitted, trying to make her voice sound steady.
Christopher squeezed her hand softly, before leading her to the sofa. They both took a seat.
“It’s an honor to assist in bringing this family together,” Mr. Aldridge said.
A few moments later, the door opened again, and Edwin and Ernest appeared, guided by their governess. The boys were dressed in their best clothes, their faces alight with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
“Come in, boys,” Christopher called out warmly. “We have something to tell you.”
Mr. Aldridge smiled kindly at the boys. “Good afternoon, Edwin, Ernest. Today, we’re going to make official what your aunt and uncle have already shown—they love you very much and want you to be part of their family forever.”
“We’re ready,” Ernest declared.
Frances and Christopher had already discussed the adoption with the twins. They were too young to understand these things, of course. But Frances had insisted that they did, as she did not want anything to be a surprise.
“Very well,” Mr. Aldridge said, opening his briefcase and laying out a stack of documents on the table. “These papers will formalize the adoption of Ernest and Edwin into your family. Once signed, they will legally be recognized as your sons, with all the rights and privileges that come with that. Are you both ready to proceed?”
Christopher nodded, his grip on Frances’s hand tightening slightly. “Absolutely.”
Mr. Aldridge handed them each a quill and guided them through the documents, explaining each section as they signed.
They both obliged.
In the background, Edwin and Ernest watched them with their child-like curiosity.
