“What’s to work out?”
“My wanting to worry about this.”
“Well, I won’t get angry at you again,” Cassandra told him. “I’ll do my best to listen.”
“But you’ll move home to Henry if I’m a pest.”
Cassandra smiled and Tate laughed a little. They kissed again, the conversation ending on a light note. Both, however, were still aware that Tate was going to have to work this out in his heart.
Thornton Hall
“How are you?” Marianne greeted Niki as the boys ran off to play with Penny.
“I’m doing well, Marianne. Thank you for asking. And thank you for inviting us. The boys are so excited.”
“It’s our pleasure. Come in and get comfortable.”
“Thank you.”
Niki told herself not to be nervous. Mary, Marianne’s mother, had said that Marianne would be very understanding if she didn’t wish to speak of her circumstances, but Niki worried nonetheless.
“Mama!” Catherine was suddenly at the edge of the room.
“Yes, dear,” her mother said with a smile, seeing that Nanny Sophie was close at hand.
Niki smiled as Catherine spoke several sentences of gibberish, a few intelligible words thrown in for good measure, and then went on her way.
“She’s adorable,” Niki said, laughing in delight.
“She keeps us busy.”
“Is the baby asleep right now?”
“Yes. I’ll probably have to feed him before too long. I hope you won’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
“Was it fun nursing twins?”
Niki smiled. “I don’t know if ‘fun’ is the word I would use to describe it.”
Marianne smiled, liking this grown-up Niki very much. Prior to her visit, she hadn’t seen her in years.
“Mother was telling me that you’ve been moving about a lot lately. Has it been nice to rest at Blackburn for a time?”
“Very nice. Your parents are so warm and gracious. They’re very good at including us but still taking time for themselves.”
“I know they’re enjoying the boys.”
“Your father taught them a verse.”
“Which one?”
Again Niki smiled.
“They’ll have to say it for you.”
And with that, Niki’s hesitancy fell away. The two talked like old friends. Memories of when they’d been together as children came rushing back, and in little time they were laughing about days and incidents from long ago.
Niki felt herself relaxing more as each minute passed, realizing that she’d worried over nothing.
“Are you pleased that Walker invited us to lunch?” Henry asked his brother on the way to Blackburn. The church service had been over for nearly 30 minutes.
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
Henry looked across the carriage at him, his gaze steady but his look unreadable.
“What is it, Henry?”
“You’re going to marry Mrs Bettencourt. I hope you realize that.”
Edward had all he could do to keep his mouth closed. He was utterly flabbergasted that his staid, seemingly unemotional, unromantic brother had said such a thing.
“I’ve shocked you,” Henry said mildly.
“To say the least! Why would you say such a thing, Henry?”
“Because something changed in you this week, and then again in the last few days. You were interested in Mrs Bettencourt’s being here, but you didn’t let your guard down until I told you what Walker said about her believing some years ago. And that was all before this morning.”
“What happened this morning?”
Henry’s brows rose as if to say it was more than obvious.
“You could barely keep your eyes off of her.”
Edward gazed out the window. There was little sunshine but still plenty of light to see the passing landscape. Edward tried to concentrate on it, but all he could see was how lovely Niki had looked that morning in a light blue dress that accentuated her hair and eyes.
No other words were spoken, and before Edward was ready, the coach arrived at Blackburn Manor and Henry went in to join Walker. Edward feared that he would feel awkward, but he hadn’t counted on the boys.
“It’s Edward!” they exclaimed, throwing themselves at him in delight, words pouring out of them the moment he hunkered down to their level.
“Your verse, boys,” Niki said when she came on the scene, causing the boys to grow silent.
Edward glanced up at her and then back at the twins.
“Have you learned a Bible verse?” Edward asked.
They both nodded.
“Say it for me.”
“Listen” came from Christopher. Richard said, “Hear.”
“Just the one word?”
“Yes.”
“Very good. What’s the reference?”
The boys knew that as well, and Edward smiled at them in approval. Bertram appeared, signaling for lunch to be served, and Edward let the boys lead him toward the dining room. Five minutes later they were all seated. Walker prayed, thanking God for the meal.
What followed was astounding to Edward, as he listened to his brother take charge of the conversation. Edward did little more than sit and observe.
“I haven’t been to France in some time, Mrs Bettencourt. In what part did you live?”
“I lived in Abbeville and also outside of Paris.”
“It’s beautiful country.”
“Yes, it is.”
“I know your husband was French, but I don’t think I’ve heard why you have a French given name.”
Niki smiled.
“My parents loved France and the language. They lived in England but visited all the time. I was actually born in Paris, so they thought it was only fitting that I should be Nicola.”
“What if you had been a boy?”
“Armand.”
Henry smiled at her, and Niki smiled back.
“Why don’t you tell Henry your salvation story, Niki,” Walker suggested. “I’m sure he would enjoy it.”
“It’s not very long.” She sounded apologetic.
“That won’t matter.”
Niki nodded, feeling somewhat embarrassed, but she was able to begin by not looking at anyone.
“I was expecting the boys. Louis and I lived on a quaint street in Abbeville. We had a neighbor who was kind, an older woman. She came to visit me every week, and something about her was special. I never asked her about it, but one day she asked me if I had peace with God.
“Louis and I had just quarreled, and I felt wretched with the twins so near. I can’t say that I had peace with anyone at that moment, and out of superstitious fear that my children would be harmed by my anger, I listened to her.
“I had not been raised in church but had been taught to respect all religions and beliefs. I’m not sure I was fully listening to her until she spoke of forgiveness. I wanted forgiveness, and she said Jesus Christ would forgive me if I repented. This wasn’t easy for me, but she graciously taught me, and I prayed with her. I meant it with all my heart, but I saw very little of her after the boys were born, and I’ve had no chance to learn about the Bible since.” Niki stopped but swiftly added, “I don’t blame anyone but myself for that. I haven’t taken the time to learn.”
“How has it been for you here?” Henry asked. “Have you learned some things since arriving in Collingbourne?”
“Yes, thank you for asking. The sermons have been most enlightening, and I’ve studied with Aunt Mary and Walker too.”
“The boys have learned a verse,” Mary put in.
“Did you learn a verse?” Henry asked them.
“Yes.”
“May I hear it?”
Christopher and Richard gave their own version of the verse and looked at Henry.
“I don’t think I know that verse,” Henry said when he realized it was only one word. “Can you tell me where it’s found?”
“Proverb
s 8:6.”
“Very good,” he said, smiling at them before the meal continued.
At the moment Henry happened to find his brother’s eyes on him. That Edward was surprised by his talkative mood was only too obvious. The older Steele shocked his brother again when he smiled gently at Edward and went back to his meal.
Chapter Fourteen
“Your brother is nice,” Niki commented once they were outside. Mary had suggested a walk, but when all was said and done, only Edward and Niki had gone.
“Yes, he is—also full of surprises.”
“How is that?”
“He was just a little more chatty today than I expected. He’s usually rather quiet.”
“Well, we know that doesn’t run in the family,” Niki teased.
“I think I’ve just been told I need to learn the verse.”
Niki only laughed as they continued to walk in the huge backyard at Blackburn Manor.
“The boys seem to be adjusting well,” Edward commented when the silence grew long.
“Yes, I think you’re right. It will be hard when we leave.”
“You sound as though that’s happening rather soon.”
“It’s hard to say, but I’m sure it won’t be too long.”
“Why?”
Niki stopped and looked at him, disappointment filling her that after all this time he still didn’t understand.
“Don’t give me an answer I already know, Niki,” Edward put in before she could speak. “Why do you need to keep on the move?”
“You know the answer to that, Edward,” she said, disappointment swiftly giving way to anger. “I must protect my sons.”
“Protect them, or teach them your fears?”
“What is that supposed to mean? Do you think I’ve made all of this up?”
“Of course not. I mean only that you can’t keep running. You must see that.”
“I have no choice. Mrs Bettencourt will take the boys if she finds them.”
“What will she do, overpower you and Denley or perhaps kill you both?”
Niki stopped and stared at him. She hadn’t let herself ever picture a confrontation with her mother-in-law. That lady held too much power over her emotionally, and Niki had never tried to reason it out.
Without another word Niki continued her stroll, Edward in step beside her. It was embarrassing to be so transparent to Edward, but she wasn’t sure it mattered. He’d already seen her at her worst.
They walked on in silence until they got to the deep grasses of the meadow. Niki stopped and just stared across the field, Edward’s presence beside her forgotten.
Edward knew she was thinking. He had turned completely to look at her, and she hadn’t even noticed. Edward smiled as one finger went to her mouth and she began to nibble on the nail.
Edward reached up and pulled it away, bringing Niki’s surprised eyes to his.
“I don’t recall that Osborne bit his nails,” he teased gently.
“Nail,” Niki corrected, holding up the single digit. “Osborne had more control, but Niki bites this nail.”
Edward smiled at her in a way that had a strong effect on Niki’s heart. She didn’t think he meant anything personal by it, but she suddenly wanted him to touch her. She wanted him to take her hand or hold her in his arms. The thought caused so much emotion to run through her that she felt herself blushing.
As for Edward, all he saw was the way she schooled her features. He was opening his mouth to ask her whether she was all right when he noticed that the skin directly beneath her collarbone had gone quite red. Edward’s gaze went from the blush to Niki’s eyes, but they gave nothing away.
“You’re blushing,” he stated quietly, his eyes studying her face. “I don’t believe I’ve done anything to cause that, so I can’t help but wonder what you’re thinking just now.”
Niki didn’t answer, and at the same time the adults heard the boys approaching. Edward glanced to see the twins running across the yard toward them but quickly looked at Niki.
“What goes on behind that calm face, Niki?” Edward asked before glancing to see that the boys were approaching fast. He looked back into her eyes. “Too bad I don’t have time to find out.”
Anything Niki might have said would have to wait. The boys had covered the ground in good speed, pleased to have their mother and Edward together. They had a plan: Edward could take them to the creek if their mother gave permission.
Laughing at their enthusiasm, Niki granted her permission and even agreed to go with them. Not until they were on their way and she’d found Edward’s eyes on her two different times did she regret her decision.
Richmond
Morland and Lizzy were visiting Morland’s aunt, Penelope Long. Lately she was not in the best of health, wanting visitors only for a short time, but today she was perky and ready for a newsy chat.
“So tell me, Lizzy,” she asked, a twinkle in her old eyes. “Do you enjoy marriage to Morland?”
Lizzy smiled. “Very much, Aunt Penelope.”
“And you, Morland? Does marriage agree with you?”
Morland only smiled at his dearest living relative, earning a chuckle from her.
“You look so well together. I think your babies will be beautiful.”
Not wanting to think about it, Lizzy’s heart dimmed a little, and she hoped her face gave nothing away.
“I have something for you,” Penelope announced, suddenly changing the subject, much to Lizzy’s relief. “Go over there, Morland, to that side board, and bring me that tea caddy.”
Morland did as he was told and returned with an unusual object.
“Now this,” Penelope said as she took a pear-shaped tea caddy from his hands, “was a wedding gift. You see the ornate brass L? Well, that stands for Long of course, but we’ll just pretend that it stands for Lizzy. I want you to have it, Lizzy. It’s actually made out of pear wood.”
“Thank you,” the bride said with pleasure. “It’s beautiful. I’ll treasure it.”
“How is Cassandra enjoying marriage?” Penelope asked, and Lizzy went with the change in subject yet again.
Penelope had several questions for Morland, but nearly everything had been directed at his wife. Babies and children had been mentioned several times, but Penelope had not pressed the point. Morland, however, checked with his wife the moment they left in their carriage.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
“Are you quite sure?”
Lizzy looked over at him.
“Everyone assumes we’ll have children.”
“Don’t you?”
“Not since I’ve started to worry about it.”
“Worry won’t help us conceive. In fact, it will probably have the opposite effect, not to mention it’s wrong.”
Lizzy nodded, knowing how right he was. She did not want to be weak in this area and worked to remember that God was in control. If He had a baby for them, it would happen. She needed to be thankful for all His provisions and not worry about things out of her control.
Lizzy worked this out in her mind and then looked over to find Morland’s eyes on her.
“What are you thinking about?”
“That pretty nightgown you had on last night.”
“I don’t recall that you said anything last night.”
“I should have.”
Lizzy smiled a little.
“Do you want me to wear it tonight?”
Morland grinned and Lizzy laughed.
Even sharing the same seat, Morland felt she was too far away. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her for the remainder of the ride.
Tipton
Frank and Lydia Palmer sat in the small salon in their home, their children around them. The oldest was Frank—then Walt, Emma, Lizzy, and Oliver, ages 15, 13, 10, 7, and 21 months respectively. There was family news to be shared, and even though Oliver was too young to take it in, the children always wanted to include him.
?
??We’re going to take a trip together,” Palmer announced without introduction and then waited for everyone to calm down.
“Where?” Walt got in. “Where are we going?”
“Well, the Jenningses have had such fun at Weston-super-Mare that we are going to give it a try.”
“Sea bathing?”
“All of us?”
“I can’t swim.”
“When do we leave?”
“I don’t have a bathing costume!”
Palmer found order again and calmly explained. “We’ll go this summer—July or August—when the weather is warmer, and all details will be worked out, sea bathing and all.”
This brought a smile to everyone’s face, and Palmer and Lydia grinned at each other, pleased that the children were so excited.
“Are the Jenningses going to be with us?” Emma wished to know.
“I don’t think so,” Palmer answered.
“We could ask them,” Lizzy suggested, shifting Oliver in her lap. “Penny loves to sea bathe. I know they would want to come.”
Palmer and Lydia looked at each other. It was a fun idea, but they hadn’t thought of it. They looked back to find all of the children smiling at them. The children knew that when their parents didn’t answer right away and exchanged a look, they were at least considering the possibility.
“I think they’re onto us,” Palmer said, not bothering to whisper.
Lydia could only laugh, and the children laughed with her.
Blackburn Manor
“Did you say Edward is here?” Niki asked Mary to repeat herself.
“Yes, he’s come with Henry.”
Niki nodded, telling her heart to calm down. She hadn’t seen him since Sunday and didn’t expect to see him until the following Sunday. Having him arrive midweek was exciting and unsettling.
“Did he come to see the boys?” she asked.
“What do you think?” Mary asked, her mouth smiling a little.
“I don’t want to think about it at all,” Niki admitted. “What should I do?”
Mary ducked her head and looked out the window to the backyard.
“I think you should go out and see if the boys are behaving themselves.”
Niki smiled.