Catherine cooed happily at them, affirming her affection in her own special way.
Harriet’s smile widened. “Look at her. Precious.”
Simon smiled, wrapping an arm around his wife.
“She is going to grow up to be a lovely woman,” Simon said.
“Oh, I am sure of that. Tobias and Emma will be lovely parents to her.”
Harriet stood there in silence for a moment, just admiring little Catherine.
“We love you, little Catherine,” she announced.
Afterwards when they exited the room, Harriet felt a rush of emotion.
“Oh, Simon. Look at how far all of us have come. I’m so happy we’re here together. I couldn't have imagined a better day.”
Simon turned to her, clearing his throat gently. “Harriet,” he said quietly, “There was something I wanted to speak to you about.”
Harriet tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
Simon took her hand, his gaze locking onto hers. “I want us to have a proper honeymoon,” he said, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and a touch of nervousness. “Just the two of us. I’ve already made the necessary preparations.”
Harriet’s eyes widened in surprise.
“A honeymoon?” she repeated.
“It will be a chance for us to relax and enjoy each other’s company, without any distractions.”
And then, he leaned over to whisper in her ear, “And it will give us the time we need to… start our own… family.”
Harriet blushed.
It was something that she wished to do with him. But there was some unfinished business left for her to handle.
“That sounds wonderful,” she whispered, and then leaned up to kiss him softly. “But before we go, I'd like to see my family. It’simportant to me that we have time with them, especially now that we’re starting our own.”
Simon nodded, “Of course,” he said, his voice filled with understanding. “Whatever you want, Harriet. You know I can never say no to you.”
Harriet smiled, “Thank you, Simon. For everything.”
A few days later, the Atherton estate was once again filled with the lively presence of Harriet’s entire family.
Harriet stood in the drawing room, her eyes taking in the scene before her. Her sisters, Esther and Frances, were engaged in a lively conversation with their husbands, while their children played nearby. The sight filled Harriet with a deep sense of contentment — this was the family she had always dreamed of, a family united by love and mutual respect.
But as much as she cherished this moment, there was one conversation that still weighed heavily on her mind. Her parents, Albina and William, had arrived earlier in the day, and Harriet could sense the tension in the air.
Their last encounter had been less than ideal, after all.
Harriet knew that the time had come to address the issues that had lingered between them for so long. It was a conversation shehad avoided, but now, with her sisters by her side and the future of her own family at stake, she knew it was a conversation that could no longer be delayed.
In a quiet moment, Harriet approached her mother.
“Mother,” Harriet began, her voice calm but firm. “Would you have a moment to spare?”
Albina looked up, “I assume that you want to discuss what… happened last time?”
Harriet nodded. At least her mother was not making it harder for her than it ought to be.
