Ruth held up her hands. “Calm yourself, Silas. I mean nothing by it. Simply that it is a tad surprising to see you pursuing your children’s governess, but Deborah would be pleased to see the good influence she’s had. And Miss Delmonte is a genteel lady from a good family—”
“I thank you for your help with the children, but I really must be going,” said Silas in a quick rush, turning on his heels and fleeing the parlor, not stopping until he was safely hidden in the coach. But Ruth’s words followed him along, haunting his every step.
Surely, the world must be coming to an end if Ruth was admitting fault and begging his forgiveness. Though he’d witnessed the entire thing, Silas couldn’t believe his eyes and ears. In the fourteen years since he and Deborah exchanged vows, neither she nor Ruth had been willing to say such a thing. Silas paused and considered that with a smile. There was no need to attribute it to some divine manifestation or miracle, though it might have a touch of both; it was merely a sign of Miss Delmonte’s magnificence.
The carriage felt empty with only him in it, and Silas longed to have her seated across from him so he might tell her how much this shift in his family dynamics meant to him. He could drown her in gifts and words of praise, though it would not convey a fraction of his gratitude for her part in healing this breach. His heart filled with the emotion, expanding until it threatened to burst. Dear Miss Delmonte.
HisMiss Delmonte?
Silas broke into a grin, beaming at the empty space across from him as he considered that. It seemed impossible to sort through all the warmth and pleasure he felt when thinking of her; how much was gratitude and how much was something greater was a puzzle he’d been sorting through for some weeks now, but Silas wondered why it mattered. Surely, being appreciative for all Miss Delmonte did for him and his family did not negate the stirrings in his heart.
Yes, he missed all the many things Miss Delmonte did, both great and small, but that did not mean everything he felt was based solely on friendship or the dreaded “convenience” of which she spoke. Could he not be thankful to have a helpmate and partner to aid him and adore her beyond all reason?
His Miss Delmonte. Silas liked the sound of that.
Chapter 35
There were many reasons to despise travel. The days spent confined in a small box with strangers, many of whom were not the sort one wished to be trapped next to. The rough and bumpy roads that shook one to bits. The long hours with nothing to do. Judith adored visiting new destinations, but the cost of getting there almost negated that joy. Such irritations were only compounded when she was agitated.
Had she made the right decision? The question haunted every mile, pricking at her. With any other proposal of convenience, the answer had been clear. But Martin was offering her a fine life with a husband who loved her. Though it was only platonic, it wasn’t as though she held out hope for romance. Martin was a good friend and would be a good husband.
Judith fiddled with her shawl, running her fingers through the fringe, her thoughts replaying all the different arguments she’d formed in her last days at Helmsford Place and in the days since she’d left for Titchley.
Fear was not a reason to marry. And what did Judith have to fear? Mr. Hatcher was confident her savings would grow to healthy levels, so there was no need to dread her coming retirement. Though not wealthy, there was no reason to believe she wouldn’t be comfortable.
And the marriage Martin proposed wouldn’t have been so different than being a governess. The pay would’ve been better, but she wouldn’t be able to find a new situation if it proved untenable. Would surrendering her freedom for security be a fair trade?
The pressure in Judith’s chest lessened, and Judith took a deep breath as a faint smile took hold of her lips. This had been the right decision. Martin may need a wife, but Judith did not need a husband. Besides, he might find a woman to love one day. This was better for them both.
Titchley came into view, and Judith leaned forward, examining the buildings as the carriage drew closer to Stowell Cottage. Her heart warmed at the familiar sights, each one telling her she was closer and closer to home. Judith straightened, her lips pinching as she frowned that thought; it wouldn’t do to think of it in such terms. Stowell Cottage was the place of her employment—one that was certain to change soon.
The carriage dropped her off near the drive, and Judith took her portmanteau in hand, grateful for a few more moments to collect her thoughts while making the final trek. A footman emerged from the front door to greet her and take her bag, ushering her in and divesting her of her jacket and bonnet.
“The family is in the parlor, miss,” he said, nodding in the direction before heading up the stairs to deliver her bag to her bedchamber.
Judith ran a hand down her front to straighten her skirts and patted her hair before stepping through the doorway.
Mr. Byrnes, Griffith, and another young man sat on the floor, playing with a large set of soldiers, while Leah ran about, trying to knock them down. On the other side of the room sat Helen and Mr. Hatcher with books in their hands, but the child’s gaze drifted from her novel and turned to the doorway.
“Miss Delmonte!” Helen tossed aside the book and sprinted over, throwing her arms around Judith’s waist. The other children followed suit, swarming her. Judith tried to greet each one, but they all spoke at once, and she could hardly pick out one word in three as they demanded her attention.
“You are going to smother her,” laughed the other young man, who greeted her with a bow and quick introduction.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Felix—” she began, but the clamor cut her words short as the adults added to the noise.
“I would like to speak to you about your investments,” said Mr. Hatcher with a bow. “I made some adjustments while you were gone and wish to discuss their progress.”
Judith smiled, though she could hardly fix her thoughts on him while swept up in the chaos.
“Let the lady get settled first before you hound her about interest rates.” Mr. Byrnes laughed and clapped Mr. Hatcher on the shoulder before shooing away the children.
Pressing a hand to her middle, Judith smiled and let out a breath, grateful for a moment to catch it. But it was stolen away once more when Mr. Byrnes stood before her, a broad smile lighting his features. Her heart fluttered, and she brushed it aside, forcing her pulse to calm itself.
“You have returned to us,” he said.
“As you see, sir,” she replied with a bob.
“Then we must celebrate.” And with that, Mr. Byrnes called for a maid, giving her orders for Cook to prepare a feast, though at this late hour, Judith doubted the woman could manage much. The children continued to babble at her, and Judith tried to give them attention in turn, but they refused to take their proper turns.
