And for Sebastian, who had spent seven years expecting nothing, it felt like everything.
***
The letter from Lady Fordshire arrived two days later.
Sebastian was in his study when Harriet appeared in the doorway, a folded paper in her hand and an uncertain expression on her face.
"News from your mother?" he asked.
"She wants us to visit." Harriet moved into the room, perching on the edge of a chair. "She says she's well enough for visitors now. She wants to see me. And you."
"Me?"
"You're her son-in-law. I believe she wishes to assess you properly." Harriet's lips twitched. "Make sure you're treating me adequately."
"Am I treating you adequately?"
"Adequately might be too strong. I would say tolerably."
"High praise indeed."
Harriet rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Would you be willing? To visit, I mean. I know we've only just settled in here, and the journey isn't short, but…"
"Yes."
She blinked. "Just like that?"
"Just like that." Sebastian set down his pen and gave her his full attention. "Harriet, Fordshire Park is your home. Your mother is your family. Of course I'm willing to visit."
"It's several days' travel. And my mother can be... formidable."
"I've met your mother. I know exactly how formidable she is."
"She'll interrogate you."
"I expect nothing less."
"She'll make pointed comments about grandchildren."
Sebastian's heart stuttered slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "I can withstand pointed comments."
Harriet studied him for a moment, as though searching for the catch. "You really don't mind?"
"I would follow you anywhere, Harriet." The words came out before he could stop them, more sincere than he had intended. "Surely you know that by now."
Something shifted in her expression, surprise, maybe, or something warmer. She opened her mouth, closed it, and opened it again.
Then she crossed the room, bent down, and kissed him.
It was brief,a quick press of lips, barely more than a brush,but Sebastian felt it like a brand. When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed.
"Thank you," she said.
"For what?"
"For... being you. For not making this difficult."
"I endeavour to be as uncomplicated as possible."
