Oliver shook his head. “It was a promise.” With raised brows, she sent him a silent question in response, so he added, “To love you all the days of my life.”
Sophie stilled. “You love me?”
Oliver raised a hand from her waist to caress her cheek. “How could I not?”
The corners of her lips curled upwards, her brows drawing together as she stared at him in amazement.
“I wished to rush in and exact vengeance on Lily’s behalf, but you stayed my hand and helped me to see what she truly needed,” he said, his fingers tracing the edge of her lips. “And beyond your obvious intelligence and knowledge—which never fails to astound me—you are endlessly kind, not from an incessant need to please or cower, but because your heart is that good.”
Sophie watched him, her breath caught in her lungs, but she relaxed once more. “And what of yourself? You, who was bent on sacrificing your happiness for your family and that of the Caswells? Marrying for obligation? Is that not kindness?”
Oliver rolled his eyes. “Idiocy, more like.”
“It is not idiocy to care for others,” she whispered. “And that is one of the many reasons I love you.”
His brows shot upwards, and Oliver couldn’t stop a silly grin from stretching across his face. “You love me?”
Sophie leaned forward, her lips brushing his as she turned his words around on him. “How could I not?”
***
Forcing herself not to rush, Mina strode through the hall. Where had Oliver gotten himself to? Amidst their efforts to get Lily into the carriage before anyone noticed her distress, her son had disappeared. Stopping at the edge of the ballroom, she cast a glance around, but instinct told her she would find him in the garden with Miss Banfield.
Not wanting to draw undue attention, she moved purposefully but without haste as she wound her way to the place she’d seen him last. Having the time to gather her thoughts and knowing she would likely find the couple away from curious listeners, Mina pondered what she ought to say. For there was much to address.
Stepping out into the night air, Mina cloaked herself in darkness, embracing the evening chill. The Nelsons had placed a few lanterns here and there throughout, but they did little to combat the shadows. And when she drew close enough to hear her son’s whispered words, Mina paused. Though no eavesdropper, neither could she bear to interrupt her son as he poured out his heart.
Their earnest declarations brought with them memories of her younger years when Simon had spoken such sweet things to her in the heated joy of a tender moment. Though she adored the memory, Mina did not long for those days, for her marriage had grown from those heady times into something far stronger and deeper. Younger Mina had thought herself so full of love, having discovered the ultimate felicity without knowing so much more awaited her.
And now her dear Oliver was finding love. The seedlings were planted in his heart, and with time they would grow to be as deeply rooted as his parents’—with a young lady whose own desires shone through as clearly as his own.
Miss Banfield’s tendernesses stripped away the shock of this evening, forcing Mina to see past the exterior that brought forth unpleasant reminders of the young lady’s mother. Mina was a grown lady long past the years of rash behavior. Or so she’d thought. Yet here was proof that some pains still lingered. The past few weeks, Mina had behaved more like a cowering debutante than the rational lady she thought herself to be.
Mina turned to slip away, but she paused, realizing that they both deserved more. She reached out to bat at one of the shrubs, sending a warning to the couple that they may not be alone. Oliver released Miss Banfield, and the pair stepped apart as Mina moved into view.
“I do apologize, but I needed to speak with Miss Banfield for a moment before we left,” said Oliver, straightening his cravat.
Mina was grateful that the moonlight would not show how fiercely her cheeks burned. Like so many things of late, she had thought herself beyond the age of blushing at every little thing, but the warmth of her face said otherwise.
“You ought to stay,” said Mina.
Oliver glanced between his mother and Miss Banfield (whose hands were twisting before her as though she suspected their interlude had not been as private as the couple had believed).
“But Lily—” he said.
“Is in good hands at present. Your father and I will escort her home, but there is no need for you to curtail your enjoyment.”
Oliver’s brows rose. “You think I could stay after what has happened?”
Mina turned her gaze to Miss Banfield, though the young lady did not meet it. “I think you ought to stay and keep Miss Banfield company.”
The young lady’s eyes snapped to Mina’s at that, and though she wished that were enough, Mina knew more words were required—no matter how embarrassing or uncomfortable.
“I owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Banfield. There is no simple solution for Lily’s heartache, but your kindness to her will…” Her words faltered as they brought with them memories of this evening’s pains, which mixed with those Mina had suffered long ago in circumstances similar to Lily’s. “…your kind words and treatment will help her overcome it.”
“I am honored to count her among my friends,” said Miss Banfield as Oliver drew closer and placed a hand at her back.
Mina pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath; the young lady’s graciousness served as further proof of Mina’s mistakes. And even if she wished to ignore her conscience prodding her to continue, Miss Banfield’s words strengthened her guilt until Mina could not turn away from it.
