“And the other matter, my lord,” she added. “I will contact you regarding it as well.”
Her words had the immediate effect of extinguishing all ardor from his eyes. With a shudder, it was quickly replaced with that grim determination he’d embraced ever since making his non-proposal to her. Could she be wrong about his feelings? This was not the last memory she wished to take with her. Nor for her to leave with him.
“Of course,” he said. And then he backed out of the coach so that the maid could climb in.
Sissy Girard had accepted the position as Natalie’s new lady’s maid and was handed into the carriage lastly. Natalie’s father and Darlington would ride outside on their mounts. After Sissy took her seat facing backward, Garrett pounded on the side of the carriage, and the driver signaled the horses to move out.
Natalie could not help herself but to peer out her window and watch Garrett as they drove off. He did not smile but lifted one hand in a slight wave. Natalie raised her fingers to the window and gave him a sad smile. She watched his lean figure disappear as they drove off the fire-ravaged estate. And then she could contain her tears no longer.
Her mama wrapped her arms around her soothingly. “There, there, my love. All will be well. We shall make a grand plan, and you needn’t be reminded of this episode again.”
With these words, Natalie’s sobs grew louder. “But, Mama, I lo-o-ove him,” she wailed.
Lady Ravensdale’s hand, which was rubbing her daughter’s back, stilled at Natalie’s declaration. “Oh, well,” she said softly, “why, that changes everything.” She pulled out a handkerchiefand handed it to her daughter. “And his feelings? What do you suspect of his feelings for you?”
Natalie sat back on the plush leather. The carriage bounced despite being well-sprung. How on earth had she slept through an entire journey in a trunk, for heaven’s sake? She was thankful indeed, that shehadslept. Being conscious while trapped would have been unendurable! “Ibelievehe loves me. I think he is being selfless. He keeps nattering on about my reputation and society and…children.” Could she discuss this with hermother?
“And he believes these obstacles are insurmountable?” her mother asked calmly.
“Oh, Mama, he is adamant about it. But I disagree.” She dabbed at a few fresh tears which were threatening to fall. “And I would forgo children if necessary. What matters is that I am with him. Do you understand?” Of course her mother would not understand.
“Of course I do, my darling.” Her mother surprised her.
Both women sat without speaking for a moment.
And then Sissy’s voice pierced the quiet. “He’s a good man, if you don’t mind my saying so, Lady Natalie, my lady,” she ventured shyly. “It’d be worth it if you could think up some scheme to bring him ’round.”
Her mama’s eyes took on a gleam. “I’ve an idea, Natalie, but I don’t wish to discuss it until you are fully recovered. When the time comes, we shall enlist the aid of Eleanor and perhaps a few of my other acquaintances. But these things take time.” She patted Natalie’s knee comfortingly. “Try to rest for now. That is our first order of business. You must recover your health completely. We’ll address your…situation with Lord Hawthorne later.”
Natalie wanted to question her mother but knew it was best to do as she said. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Let this journey not go on forever. She longed for the comfortof her own room, her own bed. She longed to feel like her old self again, although she thought perhaps her old self no longer existed.
By the time they turned into the drive to her father’s manor, the sky had turned dark and several stars twinkled from above. This was her home, and yet, it felt so very different. After the footman pulled out the step and handed her down, Natalie looked around her childhood home with new eyes. The restless energy she’d experienced earlier in the summer was replaced with a steely determination. She was not so naïve as to believe she would get everything she wanted, but she would put forth her best effort. She would do her utmost to change Garrett’s mind.
And if that did not work, then, well, she would go on. But she would go on knowing that she’d done all in her power to at least try. She would have no regrets.
Mrs. Winston greeted Sissy with more than a little suspicion and then led the young girl upstairs. Natalie found herself caught behind in the foyer, gruffly embraced by Peter and then Stone. They were not to lecture her tonight, then. Thank God for that. She’d had enough from Darlington in the past week to account for them all.
Mr. Winston informed them all the guests had departed except for Lady Sheffield. Mrs. Tinsdale, holding Baby Bear in her arms, stepped forward so Natalie could greet the pup properly. Only after receiving puppy-breath licks for a full two minutes could Natalie hand off her gloves and bonnet. Cooler temperatures had set in with the darkness, but the day had been warm. Natalie expressed her desire for a nice warm bath, and Tinsdale assured her the water was already heating.
Ah, sweet, familiar Tinsdale. Natalie and her mother would have to speak to her about relinquishing her position to Sissy. She must be assured she was still needed in the household. After all, who would care for Baby Bear?
And so, she was home again. Once again in the bosom of her beloved family. What had Garrett said about them that night in his room?You have a father and a mother who would do anything to ensure your happiness. They love you deeply. Good God, they smile at you.
And she loved them deeply, too. She did.
Turning to her father, she impulsively hugged him. “I am sorry, Papa, for scaring you so. Thank you for coming to Maple Hall with Mama to be with me.” Her voice sounded muffled as she pressed her face into the comfort of her father’s chest.He would do anything for my happiness.She was so very lucky.
Strong arms embraced her. “That’s what papas are for, little one.” His voice sounded garbled. “Now you be off to bed. It’s been a long day, and you are not to be overtired. Tomorrow, you will rest some more. And after that—” He set her away from him. “Well, after that we begin to solve some problems.” He tipped her chin with one finger, forcing her to look at him. “I don’t want you worrying. That is a direct order.”
She smiled tremulously. “Yes, Papa.” She wished she could do as he said. She was tired, yes, but how could she rest? How did one keep herself from worrying?
“Come along, my lady.” Tinsdale beckoned to her. “Supper is being brought up to your room, and then a bath and bed. Things will look brighter in the morning.”
“Thank you, Tinny.” She cradled Baby Bear once again. Being home felt more than a little comforting, after all.
GARRETT STOOD OUTSIDE
Garrett stood outside for several minutes after Ravensdale’s entourage disappeared. Watching the coach grow smaller, he mused that doing the right thing was not gratifying in the least. She’d looked ravishing this morning. He’d wanted to pull her from the carriage and announce their betrothal after all. It required all his resolve not to do so.
