“Oh no, I do not wish to intrude upon your family dinner.”
“It is hardly an intrusion, Miss Jennings,” Rosalina’s father chimed in, “It is an informal family dinner, after all, and we will be pleased to have you join us.”
“It will only be a lot more work along with Amy,” Ophelia tried to object again, not wanting to take advantage of their hospitality.
She did not want anyone in the house to consider her as being too frank for just a nanny and trying to indulge with the family, considering such a thing would also be noticed by the servants. Rosalina and her entire family were extremely inviting, yet Ophelia had no wishes to overstep.
Edward stepped forward, his eyes trained on Ophelia, “You must join us, Miss Jennings.”
She stared at Edward, unsure how to deny him when he had not even posed it as a question. She was not capable of saying no to him; hence, she simply nodded in agreement.
“Of course, My Lord.”
***
“Marcel, you quite literally left me alone in front of all those goats!” Edward laughed, debating on a story his cousin had told in a completely false way to favour himself: "I had no way of going home. What was I supposed to do?”
“Walk home!” Owen added, laughing alongside everyone.
“I am sure that was the plan till he came across the carriage,” Rosalina said, “But only if he had taken help from that carriage, he would not have been between us right now.”
“Why not?” Ophelia asked, softly wiping the moisture from the corner of her eyes.
“That carriage belonged to Lady Cuthbert, and she was travelling alone,” Rosalina explained, “her husband happens to be a very possessive man, and had he seen Edward with her alone, Edward would have been challenged to a duel.”
“And,” Edward added, “I would have killed him in the duel, which is why I would still be present here.”
“Awfully confident, Cousin,” Raina remarked.
“So, how did you return home?” Ophelia asked, making Edward focus all his attention towards her.
He could see the surprise on her face since it was her first time witnessing this side of him. The playful side, where he took part in conversations and did not keep to himself. He could only wonder about the opinion she must be forming.
“I sneaked inside the carriage carrying her hefty amounts of trunks and hid myself till we reached back to London.”
Everyone burst out laughing at the explanation, including Ophelia, and Edward’s heart warmed watching her in this manner. She was beautiful and looked even more beautiful when laughing open-heartedly. It was immaculate to witness how she had meshed in with his family, completely comfortable. He could see how everyone already adored her, and she was very much a part of the family, hardly appearing different or as if it was the first time she had met them.
Something about her presence was refreshing in a way where everyone liked her immediately.
He needed to stop thinking about her even though he had not been able to stop for days now. Ophelia had become a part of his thoughts like no other, and he could hardly do much about it. The path he was treading on was dangerous, and Edward needed to back away as soon as possible.
I cannot marry her. It is simply impossible.
He could never consider marrying a nanny. Not after what he had done to Margaret. Not after the way he had ruined her life.
Hence, trying to create distance between him and Ophelia was his only choice, and he would do that immediately.
Chapter 14
“I must say, the weather is perfect for a picnic,” Ophelia commented, staring at the perfect setting spread out before them at Hyde Park.
“I agree,” Rosalina replied, “Which is why I suggested coming out here, of course.”
Ophelia was almost certain that Rosalina had other reasons to suggest a picnic that morning after they had all had breakfast, but she stayed quiet. When Ophelia had brought down Amy, the little girl had continued to crawl towards Edward, who had tried to interact with her. Both Rosalina and Ophelia were surprised at this shift in attitude, and Rosalina immediately found a way to press on it by asking Edward to accompany them to Hyde Park for the picnic.
She had even gone ahead and made sure Edward took Amy to show the ducks and the far-off boats, which she had been curious about, and he had reluctantly agreed. Hence, the two of them were off while Rosalina and Ophelia remained seated under a large tree where they had spread out their picnic blanket, enjoying the beautiful day. Everything about today was perfect, and Ophelia could certainly not believe her eyes when she saw Edward being kind towards Amy. He was still not affectionate, but his kindness mattered just as much.
“I am sure Amy is enjoying herself with her uncle.” Ophelia smiled, trying to find them from afar, knowing it was still impossible.
