She rolled her eyes. “Oh, I am sure that you are. I do wonder how you might protect me and Harriet from all the way over there…” She scoffed. “Is that not why you chose to join us? Seems a little counterproductive.”
Ophelia walked the stone path that wound through the public park. She had a stroller, with Harriet tucked in safe and sound, and together they enjoyed what a rather gorgeous day was. The sun shone brightly overhead, not a cloud in the sky, and there were dozens of people spread throughout the park taking advantage of the day as they were both doing.
Adrian, on the other hand, did not look as if he was enjoying himself nearly so much.
He walked back a little and several feet across. He was so careful about getting too close, and even more careful about giving off the appearance that he was having a good time. Never mind the lack of conversation! That might come eventually, but not until he relaxed.
“Oh, come over here.” Ophelia shook her head and waved him closer. “You are allowed to walk beside us, you know. In fact, it is encouraged.”
“I…” He clicked his tongue before looking around the park as if to make certain that nobody was watching them. “Yes, you are right. I am sorry.”
She laughed as he came in beside her. Still not too close, not so that they might link arms. But he was now just one foot away, which was a huge improvement.
She eyed him with healthy skepticism. It was funny to think that less than two weeks ago, he had taken her to a ball, had danced with her, had been open to enjoying himself and having fun. He had not seemed to care that others would see them together, or that they might judge. After all, he was not one who cared about anything.
But something had happened since that evening. A shock to his senses, like a cold bucket of water being thrown over his head and snapping him back into reality. He had lowered his walls for a moment, had enjoyed himself, and had then raised them quickly because such change was not his way.
Slow and steady was the new approach.As luck has it, I have nothing but time.
“There,” she said as they started walking together again. “Isn’t that better?”
“It is fine,” he said stiffly.
She scoffed. “I would ask if you were enjoying yourself, but I do not see the point. A good thing that Harriet is.” She indicated Harriet, who wore a bright and curious smile as she looked at them both. She had been that way since they arrived, taking in and enjoying her new world. “Isn’t she adorable?” Ophelia asked. “Oh, that smile…”
Adrian looked down at the baby. He did his best to hold onto his severe expression. But as Harriet giggled, as she enjoyed the sight of him so close and watching her, a smile slowly pulled at the side of his lips.
“She is rather cute, isn’t she?” Adrian said, leaving the smile.
“She is that,” Ophelia agreed. “Far too cute by half. Just imagine how adorable she will be when –” Her words caught in her throat, and she had to force them down.
“When she what?”
“Nothing,” Ophelia dismissed. “Forget I said anything.”
She had been about to comment on what Harriet would look like when she grew into a little girl. Only, by then, Harriet would be with her true father, no longer a part of Ophelia’s life. It was a painful realization to have, and Ophelia tried desperately not to think about it. And while she knew that growing so close to the child was dangerous, she simply could not bring herself to treat her as anything other than her own.
But she isn’t my own, nor will she ever be…
That, as much as anything, was why Ophelia determined that she had to make this marriage work. It might never be a love match, but it could be companionable, even comfortable, and something to cherish. Harriet would not be in her life forever,but Adrian would be, so he was who she needed to focus on for now.
“Ophelia…” Adrian’s voice was soft. “Even when we find Harriet’s true father, I am sure that you and her will still see one another.”
“Oh, I… maybe.” Her throat tightened. “Either way, I am just happy to have time with her now. That will be enough.”
“No,” he said. “It won’t be.” She glanced at him and was surprised to see how serious he had become. “Her father ought to be grateful for what you have done, and I will make sure that he knows that you will be a part of her life.”
“You do not have to do that.”
“I want to,” he said. “As I will do. I promise you that much.”
As was the case so often, Ophelia found herself looking at Adrian as if she did not know him. Just as he could be closed off and cold, he could be so generous and understanding. There was so much good in him, so much life and warmth, and she only wished that he would let it out.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling so he could see it. “I would like that.”
He said nothing, but his short smile was enough to tell her that he appreciated her words and that he liked how happy he had made her.
They walked together in silence for a few more minutes. Not that it was as awkward as the last time. Adrian noticeably relaxed, he walked right by her, and he did not shy away or look embarrassed by the people who saw them together; no longer thinking that he was doing something wrong.
