Natasha reached for his hand and pulled him down on the bed beside her. “Nanny has always been a teacher, a mother figure, and most importantly, other than my brothers, my only friend during my youth. I trust her.”
“Is Nanny her proper name?”
“It can’t be, but it’s the only name I have ever known. Perhaps as my brothers and I aged we should have called her Miss, using her first or last name, but Nanny has become a term associated with affection. A term associated with a special member of our family. I must go in haste, I expect Nanny to arrive within an hour or two of reading my message. I will not be seen looking this dreadful.”
Stewart walked out of his room and looked into the hallway. “Leave in haste. You won’t be seen.”
Two hours later, Natasha stood at the iron gate dressed in a modest blue gown. Nanny’s buggy appeared. As always, Nanny had her hair tied back and was wearing a muted dress. After exchanging pleasantries, they went to her dormitory room. Natasha’s nervousness escalated, contemplating the conversation they were about to have. Her hands became sweaty. Her heart pounded into her throat. After chatting about the university and her life away from the castle, Natasha thanked Nanny for the opportunity to finish her education. Natasha shut the door and sat at her desk. Nanny took her place on the chair.
“Your message sounded urgent, child,” Nanny remarked. She raised her eyebrows. “You are not at ease.”
“I’m at my wit’s end, Nanny. I have kept a secret, from you and my family.”
“I’m listening as your friend.”
Not withholding any information, Natasha began her story with the day she swam in the river, and continued to the present day. She discussed her friendship with Stewart and their first kiss. She watched Nanny raise her eyebrows.
“Oh child, I am shocked. I had no idea. With your marks as high as they were, it never occurred to me you were doing anything but studying.”
“I regret I could not converse with you.”
Natasha continued to explain, informing Nanny of her acquaintance with his family. She admitted to lying with the man she had fallen in love with. Nanny’s jaw dropped. She placed her fingers over her mouth. Their conversation was silenced by a soft tap on the door. Natasha jumped from her seat and went to the entrance.
“Yes?”
“It’s me.”
She opened the door.
“Pardon my intrusion.”
“No. Your timing is impeccable. Please, do come in.” She stepped aside, allowing him to enter.
“Goodness my child. This must be the friend you’re speaking of. He is a handsome young man, isn’t he?”
Stewart bowed his head and then extended his hand to her.
“Stewart Donovan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss…?”
“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. Donovan.” She held his hands between hers. “You may call me Nanny. I’m certain we shall become well acquainted.”
“Given the manner in which Natasha speaks of you, that is my hope. I’m in love with Natasha. I wish to ask her father for his blessing and for her hand in marriage.” He proudly displayed the diamond. “I cannot imagine a life without Natasha. My parents are very supportive of this union.”
“The love you share would be apparent to a stranger,” Nanny admitted.
“Natasha believes we need assistance to gain her father’s approval.”
“Assistance?” Nanny repeated, emphasizing the word. “He will not be pleased with this development.” She turned her attention back to Natasha. “You must have the castle’s approval. A royal wedding is—”
“Royal wedding?” Stewart exclaimed, his voice rising as he interrupted her. He put his hand over his mouth.
“Marriage within the royal family must have approval,” Nanny explained. “Natasha is expected to marry a man with royal heritage. Become his queen.”
“We share a mutual love and admiration,” Stewart argued.
“Indeed, but with royal couples they are fortunate if they are able to establish a warm rapport,” Nanny informed him. “Many meet for the first time on their wedding day.”
Stewart did not respond. Nanny turned her attention back to Natasha.
“Your mother will be sympathetic, but your father? My word. He lives, and rules, by tradition. I suspect a discussion occurred after your birth. There is a royal gentleman that is expecting to marry Natasha.”
“No,” Stewart said, louder than Natasha expected. “I shall harrow hell to be with her.”
“I should hope that is not necessary, but you must consider the fact she is promised,” Nanny continued. “Her father believes his role is to find a suitable mate for his daughter. I appreciate in your mind this is somewhat old-fashioned.”
“My father makes demands. He’s not known for conversing in a civil manner.”
Stewart clenched his hands together. “I feel powerless. I cannot leave this matter to fate. How shall I win his affection?”
Neither Natasha nor Nanny responded. The room was silent until Nanny spoke.
“We do nothing until you graduate, Natasha. Once your studies are complete we will approach your mother and hope for support to approach your father.”
“What if Mother will not agree to support me?”
“Pray that is not the case. I hope in the privacy of their chambers your mother is able to be bold.”
“Do you believe this is possible?” Stewart asked.
Natasha shrugged her shoulders.
“For now,” Nanny continued, relaxing a little on the chair, “I would like a cup of tea, and the opportunity to become acquainted with the young man who has touched my friend’s heart.”
* * *
Two hours later they had finished a pot of tea while sharing stories that brought laughter and a few tears. After agreeing to keep the relationship private, Natasha walked Nanny to her buggy and returned to her room to join Stewart. With the door closed, she reached for Stewart’s hands and held them against her chest.
“My humble apologies. It is unfortunate I was not honest from the beginning. It would have saved you from this misery.”
“If given the opportunity to travel back to our first meeting, but keeping my memories, I wouldn’t change the outcome of our relationship.”
“Perhaps you think too highly of me.”
“A fool in love.” He kissed her forehead.
“I know you have the ring with you. May I see it again?”
Stewart removed the jewel from his front pocket and slid it onto Natasha’s left ring finger.
“It’s beautiful. I shall wear it proudly in the privacy of my chamber.”
Stewart put his arms around his fiancée and held her.
Dear Diary,
I confessed the truth. The entire truth, and he still placed the ring on my finger. He is determined, but is marriage possible?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Natasha and Stewart spent a few hours in the library and then parted to their own quarters. On the way they heard some male students speaking of a party. It was in Stewart’s room.
“No.” He cringed at the prospect. “It’s not late, but I’m tired.”
“Wait five minutes, and then come to my quarters. I will go to my room and return to unlock the door to allow you in. I will ensure you are not seen.”
“I shall rise early and return to my room before anyone knows I was out.”
Later, with Stewart in her room, Natasha crawled under the sheets. Stewart looked down at his shirt and trousers.
“You won’t get a proper sleep in that attire,” she informed him.
After stripping down to his undergarments, Stewart crawled in beside her. Within a few minutes they were entangled in each other’s arms.
* * *
Having studied together in her room every night for the past two weeks, Natasha closed her book, crawled into bed and snuggled under the covers. Instead of joining her, Stewart never moved from her desk.
; “It is late,” she reminded him. “I have an early class.”
Stewart pulled his watch from his pocket and looked at the time.
“I shall return to my dormitory and continue working in the hallway if it’s loud,” he replied. He closed his text.
“Stewart.”
He shifted in his seat to face her. “This assignment is due in two days. It will be impossible to rest unless I continue. I shall return to my chamber.”
“I fear I’m so tired, nothing could keep me from resting. I beg of you. Continue as you are. The room is quiet.”
With a slight smile, Stewart turned his attention back to the paper in front of him.
Natasha woke from a sound sleep and rolled over. The glow from the lamplight shone in her face. Stewart must have forgot to turn out the light. Unable to lift her tired head from the pillow, she opened her eyes. Stewart was slouched on the chair, his elbows on the desk and his head supported by his hands. He appeared exhausted.
“Stewart,” she groaned. “Have you lost track of the hour?”
He glanced at her. “My humble apologies. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“Come to bed. It’s late.”
“I will be restless, and neither of us shall sleep.” He turned his attention back to the paper in front of him.
“Would it help to unburden yourself?”
“I do not remember this in my studies. The assignment cannot be this challenging.”
“You need sleep. I’m certain once refreshed, you will find the answer you seek.”
Stewart’s attention remained on his text. He flipped a few pages. Hoping she could help, Natasha crawled out of bed, put her shawl over her shoulders, and walked over to the desk.
“How may I assist?” she asked.
“I don’t believe you can.” Exasperated, he pointed at the question in his book. “I simply do not recall covering this topic.”
With the book in her hand, Natasha returned to her bed, sat down, and studied the question. Stewart joined her. Within a minute, she yawned, stood up, and wandered over to his books. Her tired eyes scanned the covers. Selecting one, she flipped through a few pages, and replaced it, not seeing the information she wanted. With another book in her hand, she returned to Stewart’s side. After reading through the chapters in the index she smiled and searched for the appropriate page. “During my first year I assisted as you prepared for an exam. Do you recall this?” she asked and showed him the page.
Stewart’s face lit up as he read the information.
“No,” he admitted. “You’re brilliant.” He kissed her cheek.
Pleased she was able to assist him, Natasha yawned and crawled into bed. Holding the sheets up, she invited Stewart to join her. He returned to her desk.
“Stewart. Come to bed.”
“I’m awake. Revitalized. I must continue while my mind is fresh with ideas.”
Too tired to argue, Natasha rolled over to keep the glow from the lamplight out of her eyes. She drifted into a deep sleep.
* * *
Natasha woke as the sun was rising. Stewart’s arm was around her waist, his hand on her stomach. His breathing was deep, peaceful. Careful not to wake him, she crawled out of bed, dressed, and went to the desk. His assignment was sitting on top of his textbook. Natasha sat on the chair and began reading it. Overwhelmed with a sense of pride, it was pleasing to know she had assisted, even in a small way. Natasha wrote a long entry in her diary about the evening. Finishing, she looked at Stewart. He hadn’t stirred. She wrote a short note.
I did not have the heart to wake you. You shall miss your first class. Not known for being tardy, it will be excused. I shall meet you for the meal break. That assignment was written by a brilliant mind.
I love you.
N
She left the room. When she returned after class, Stewart was still sleeping. She bent over the bed and kissed his cheek. “I’m between classes, and must go in haste. You need to rise soon. I will excuse myself early and ensure you leave this room discretely.”
He groaned in acknowledgment.
Chapter Thirty
Three weeks later, Natasha entered the library in search of Stewart. He was sitting alone at a large table, reading a textbook. Unable to contain her excitement, she ran toward him. Stewart glanced up as if it were any other day.
“Are you coy on purpose?” she asked giddy with excitement. “You must be aware the entire student body is speaking your name with praise.”
Stewart turned his attention to his book. “You mustn’t give credence to such rumours.”
“I shall, when rumours are based on fact. Display pride, Stewart Donovan. It is most warranted.”
“Shh,” the librarian whispered, reminding them of the location.
Stewart glanced at the middle-aged woman, giving an apologetic look. “You’ve been speaking to my classmates,” he whispered, turning his attention back to Natasha.
“I’ve been informed you excelled on that important assignment,” she whispered with pride. “Your professor stood in front of your class to give praise on your achievement.”
“My study partner deserves the praise. She recalled a small but vital detail that escaped my mind.”
“I simply directed your attention to one of your books. I did not assist with the writing.”
Until that moment, Natasha had avoided public areas as if they had been a deadly disease. Even when riding on the train, she always wore large bonnets to partially conceal her appearance. A quick glance around the library revealed there were two other students in the building. Both were on the far side of the large room looking for a book. The graduating students were planning to celebrate the end of their schooling. Natasha wished to join them. The twins had graduated the previous year, and both she and Stewart were graduating this year. She beamed with anticipation of going out in public.
“Tonight, we are celebrating your achievement with your graduating class,” she whispered happily.
“Have you gone mad? This is out of character for you.”
“We shall be surrounded by peers,” she gloated, confidence bursting from her tone. “Blending into the crowd, we will not be noticed.”
“Your beautiful face will be noticed, my love.”
“Nonsense. Your assignment achieved the highest grade in the history of the engineering department at this school. We are celebrating. I’m so proud of you.”
* * *
Natasha decided upon a solid blue gown with a straight skirt and puffy sleeves. Her hair was far more challenging than she expected, but she managed to weave beads and thin ribbons into her brown waves. After stepping into her shoes, she wandered over to her night table and pulled the familiar box from the drawer. With the lid removed, she looked at the diamond and sapphires. “I seldom wear the jewels I own, but wish to wear this piece tonight.” She pushed the ring onto her right finger and greeted Stewart at the entrance to her building.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
His eyes darted lower. The sun’s ray caught the ring. The diamond glistened colours of the rainbow.
“Come with me.” He extended his hand to her.
Once at the side of the building, she glanced around unable to see another soul.
“That is an engagement ring, and shall be worn as one,” Stewart stated boldly.
“But Nanny—”
“This evening, Natasha Hathaway shall be wearing an engagement ring. I intend to dance with you. I am not planning on sharing you with another.”
Stewart removed the ring from her right finger, knelt down on one knee, and looked up at her. “I love you, Natasha, and would be honoured and proud if you would be my wife.”
Natasha thought she would burst with happiness. “Yes, yes, indeed yes,” she squealed in delight. “I’ll be proud to bear the name Mrs. Stewart Donovan.”
“I will cherish the sound of that response forever.”
Stewart pushed the ring onto her finger, stood, placed his hand on
her cheeks, closed his eyes, and kissed her. With her arms around Stewart’s neck, she extended her hand and gazed at the ring.
“If the sapphires were a little lighter in colour I’d be looking into your eyes.”
Not wishing to be late, she removed Stewart’s pocket watch from his jacket pocket. Looking at the time, she pulled back from the embrace.
“We must go in haste. I would hate to be tardy with your classmates expecting to see you.”
It seemed every eye glanced their way when they entered the room. Stewart kept a firm grip of her right hand. He grinned when she extended her left hand, displaying the sparkling diamond and sapphire ring. The engaged couple enjoyed a glass of wine and conversation with their fellow students during the meal, and then took to the dance floor.
“This reminds me of the evening we danced with your momma and poppa. I was envious of the love they share.”
“As young children, Vicki and I would giggle as we watched them. We’ve never questioned their love. Like my parents, we shall spend our evenings dancing with our children,” he promised.
“It shall take all night. God willing, I wish to bear many children. They shall be loved, and know their parents are in love. I never want this night to end.”
“You are a handsome woman. I wish to escort you to the theatre, to a concert, and out for a romantic dinner. My heart wishes to return to the dormitory, close the door, and lie with you.”
So enthralled by the emotion of their engagement and the dance, Natasha forgot they were celebrating with friends. Pulling his body close to hers, she stretched up, closed her eyes, and placed her lips against his. Stewart returned her gentle kiss. Within seconds clapping and cheering surrounded them. Pulling back, they both blushed.
That night Natasha snuck Stewart into her room where they celebrated their official engagement.
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