“Nevertheless, you have to consider such a scenario, just in case, and think about the anguish and disappointment that would ensue. I’m on your side, my love, but we have to approach this carefully, with consideration for everyone involved, including Sam—includingJulian.”
He was correct of course; a voice of reason in the midst of Louisa’s turbulent emotions. Although she was utterly convinced of Samuel’s real identity, she saw the merit in being careful when approaching Grace. “So, how do we proceed?” she asked. “I’m frightened he might die before everyone has had a chance to meet him. Or before he’s had a chance to come back to Highfield. It’s his house, after all.”
“Hmm.” Frowning, Maxwell brushed a tear away with his thumb. “Do you happen to know if your parents are at home right now?”
“Yes, they should be.”
“Right. Then I see no point in delaying. I’ll have the carriage prepared. Go and get ready and we’ll head over there.”
“Carriage?” Louisa shook her head. “But that’ll mean taking the road. It would be quicker to ride across the moor.”
“Nevertheless, we’re taking the carriage.” Maxwell held up a hand as she opened her mouth to respond. “And I’ll hear no argument.”
Louisa sighed. “All right. But what will I say to them when we get there? I wouldn’t even know how to begin.”
“We can discuss that on the way over.”
“Right. Yes, of course.” She raised up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I can’t tell you how much it means to have your support in this. I love you so much, Mr. Harlow.”
“Then I am the most fortunate man under Heaven,” he replied, huskily. “Go on, now. Dress warmly. I’ll meet you at the door.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
“The family arein the music room,” Barnes said, having met Louisa and Maxwell at Highfield’s door sometime later. “Would some tea be in order?”
Louisa, her thoughts spiraling into fresh chaos, stared at him blankly for a moment. “Er, no, not for me.”
“Nothing for me either.” Maxwell tucked Louisa’s hand into the crook of his arm. “But thank you.”
A ripple of sweet piano notes drifted down the hallway. Louisa recognized the piece—Mozart’sPiano Sonata Number16—as one of her mother’s favorites. She envisaged her mother seated regally at the pianoforte, slender fingers gliding effortlessly over the ivory and ebony keys, a serene expression on her face. The rest of the family would be seated around, watching, listening. A calm and harmonious scene, one Louisa had experienced many times before. Except today, it was about to be hit by a maelstrom of shock and disbelief. None of them had any idea of what was to come, nor could they even begin to imagine it.
Especially her mother.
In a brief moment of gut-clenching panic, Louisa considered saying nothing about her discovery. Leaving things as they were, her mother blissful in her ignorance.
I wonder about him every day, Louisa. Every single day.
The moment passed.
But, as they approached the music room door, Louisa dug her fingers into Maxwell’s arm. “I’m terrified,” she said. “I don’t know what to say or even how to begin. I’ve forgotten absolutely everything we discussed on the way over.”
He placed a hand on the door handle. “Take a breath before speaking and take your time. Say the words in your head before saying them out loud. Don’t worry, love. I’ll be with you, beside you. All right? Are you ready?”
She filled her lungs and exhaled slowly. “I don’t think anyone could ever be ready for something like this,” she replied. “Can we at least wait till Mama has finished playing?”
“Of course.” Maxwell drew Louisa into his arms, and she pressed an ear to his chest, the steady beat of his heart mingling with the music. They stood without speaking for a few minutes, waiting till the sonata’s conclusion, which was followed by the sound of applause and muffled voices expressing obvious pleasure and approval.
Maxwell released Louisa, gave her a solemn smile, and opened the door. They stepped inside and five sets of eyes turned toward them: Aldous, Grace, Julian, and the twins.
“Maxwell, Louisa!” Grace, who had been placing another music sheet on her stand, paused. “Oh, what a lovely surprise.”
“Indeed,” Aldous said, rising from his spot on the settee. “Welcome, both of you. A spontaneous visit, I trust?”
Louisa opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated, just long enough for it to be noticeable.
“Is everything all right?” Julian asked, frowning.
“Everything is fine,” Maxwell replied. “But no, our visit is not entirely spontaneous. We’re here because there is something we feel compelled to impart to you. Toallof you.” The solemnity of his voice had a tangible effect on the atmosphere.
