“Are you enjoying them?”
“Very much so!” Edward was happy to see her quite invested in the pursuit, clearly having a passion for what she was pursuing. He respected that immensely.
“Can I ask you a question, Lord Cavendish?”
“Of course.”
“Are you here with a wish to get married to Ophelia?”
Edward was stunned, not knowing how to reply. Although, the last thing he wished was to lie to the people who could very well become his family if Ophelia agreed to have him.
“Sarah, could you stop embarrassing Lord Cavendish in this manner?” Mrs Jennings scolded. “I apologize on her behalf.”
“Oh, no, it is unnecessary,” he said, turning back towards Sarah. “Miss Sarah, I believe yes. I am here to ask Miss Jennings to marry me if she wishes to. Because I certainly would love to wed her.”
The surprised yet happy expressions on the faces of the three women were enough to tell him they supported the match. Now all that was left to see was whether Ophelia would agree to it or push Edward away.
He certainly hoped for the former.
Chapter 28
With Amy in her arms, Ophelia wandered in the village market, trying to find everything she needed to cook dinner for her family tonight. She had come home after so long and wished to treat her family as best as she could. Not having cooked in so long, she had a desire to make food for everyone. Hence, she had decided to come to the village to get everything required for the meal.
“It will only take a few hours, Amy,” she said to the little girl, “and then I will have you back home with your new friends.”
Amy giggled as if Ophelia had said something very funny. Ophelia’s heart melted at her beautiful innocence, making her realize how much she actually loved Amy. She could not imagine parting with her at all.
Although, something about the day just did not sit right with Ophelia. Since she arrived at the market, she could feel eyes on her as if someone had been looking. She knew they might just be her suspicions, and she should let them go, but it was an ever-present, ever-nagging feeling at the back of her head.
Who is it?
Ophelia looked around closely when her gaze suddenly fell on a bonnet, which was certainly out of place for the villagemarket. The woman looked up, her gaze meeting with Ophelia when Ophelia finally realized who it was. The shock of seeing Lady Alice at the market immediately turned to anger because Alice could never have good intentions.
Without wasting another second, Ophelia marched towards her, ready to confront her.
“What are you doing here?”
“Miss Jennings,” Alice acted as if she had not even seen Ophelia, which was a clear lie, making Ophelia even more suspicious about her presence in the village. “What are you doing here?”
“I live here.” Ophelia looked at her accusingly, entirely distrustful of Alice, “What are you doing here?”
“I have come to see a friend.”
“You have a friend in this poor village?” Ophelia scoffed, knowing someone like Alice could never make friends who were socially below her. She was too malicious and cruel ever to consider those below her as her equals.
“Of course I do.”
“Please do not lie to me, Lady Alice,” Ophelia said, “Why are you in my village?”
“I am not answerable to you in any way at all, Miss Jennings. I am here to meet with a friend, and you are wasting my time. Now, if you will excuse me, I will be on my way again.”
Without another word, Alice walked away from Ophelia. She climbed inside a waiting carriage, and the carriage drove away only moments later, bringing comfort to Ophelia once again. Alice’s presence around her and Amy was not something Ophelia wished to have, and it was best that she had left.
Now, Ophelia would be able to shop in peace.
Ophelia looked at the list in her hand, realizing she had bought everything she needed except vegetables. Just one last stop and she would finally be able to return home even though Amy was clearly enjoying herself at the market. She had easily made friends with all the shopkeepers and had been looking at the people and the colours of spices and fruits all around her.
Every time she pointed at something, Ophelia let her explore it. This was why it had already been two hours, yet Ophelia had still not bought everything. Although she was glad that Alice had not appeared again, her presence had been entirely unwelcome.
