“Regardless, I promise to never doubt you again. You are my husband, the man I love, and I will always remain at your side no matter what troubles come our way.”
Nathaniel gazed around them. “Then we shall make this garden, this home, a place of laughter and love once more. I wish to hear you sing again, to fill the halls with your beautiful voice.”
Harmony laughed. “And I wish to once again see your smile, to have it greet me whenever I see you as it once did.”
“I swear it,” her husband replied. “From this moment on, it shall be as you request.”
“Then I swear it, as well.”
As they gazed at one another, Harmony recognized the sparkle that had returned to his eyes, that glint that had been gone for far too long. Their lips met in a kiss, a sign of the love between them, and a sense of healing came over her. The weight of the past problems was lifted, and hope of the future filled the void, promising days filled with joy.
When the kiss ended, they held one another’s hand, and Harmony understood how right Eleanor had been. The dark days would pass and love would once again reign over those who lived within the walls of Scarlett Hall.
***
After their kiss, Nathaniel walked with a renewed love for the woman beside him. A burden had been lifted, brought about by the unconditional love of his wife. It was that same love he had for her that he knew would guide them in the days ahead.
They made their way to the back of the gardens and out into the field, where the last of the green grass was giving way to yellow. He smiled. Nothing would ever keep that green from returning, for it was much like life — winter always gives way to spring, just as dark days always give way to lighter.
When they reached the wrought iron gate of the family cemetery, he glanced up at the mid-afternoon sun. Its rays highlighted the many headstones that marked the remains of the Lamberts that had gone before them. The gate rasped as he pushed it open.
As he came to stop in front of his mother’s grave, Harmony snuggled in closer to him.
“I miss her,” she said. “Yet, somehow, I feel her presence here with us, guiding us.” She shook her head. “Forgive me. I must sound a ninny.”
“You are not a ninny,” Nathaniel replied. He smiled down at her. “How could she not remain with us? After all she taught me, after all she shared with you, how could she not?”
They stood there for some time staring at the headstone, and although there was every reason for Nathaniel to feel sad, he was not. He had made the decision to follow his wife’s example and look at only the good in life. To only think about the pleasant memories he had with his mother, for those were the only memories that mattered.
And as he considered those memories, another came to mind. Those who came before him were now buried here, men and women alike. Charles had once told him that this was where gentlemen rested, gallant men of good character and worthy of such a grand place of honor.
It was for that very reason that, beside his mother’s grave was another, covered with freshly turned soil. No headstone marked that place as of yet, but that did not matter for Nathaniel knew it held a man of great importance. A true gentleman who was selfless and always did what he could to protect the woman he loved.
And although that man was a butler, he was far greater than the title he held. He was a father, a true husband, and a man Nathaniel loved. That was why he made certain that Forbes was buried beside his mother, for the man would expect to look after her in death, just as he had in life.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Spring has finally arrived after a cold winter and the gardens of Scarlett Hall are as alive and full of life as the child that grows within me. When I look out my window, I am greeted by the sight of flowers of all colors — red, blue, yellow, and purple fill the beds — and the field beyond is a lush green that is a delight to see.
Yet, over these last months, I have come to realize something of great importance. Love is much like those flowers at different seasons throughout the year. At times it blossoms like new-forming buds and then bursts open with grand hues. At other times it falls dormant, like the leaves in autumn, making one believe it has gone and will never return.
For my future daughter-in-law reading this, I can assure you of one thing — love is the most powerful force under heaven. With it, one can conquer all. It is my hope that your love always remains. But if it seems to wane, if it feels as if it may never return, know that just like the flowers, it can be rekindled and grow bright and be filled with color, for love never dies.
I pray these words guide you as they have guided me.
Sighing, Harmony returned the pen to its holder and closed the journal. Footsteps in the hallway made her look up and she smiled when Nathaniel entered the room.
“Now, what would the ton say if they learned that my wife transcribes the gossip she has heard from her friends?” he asked. He gave her a mock look of affront. “And in my study of all places?”
“I do not gossip,” she snapped back, also in jest. “But I am surprised by the number of friends I have made thus far.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “But I did not tell Caroline if that is what concerns you.”
Nathaniel waved a hand at her. “I am not worried,” he replied and then laughed. “But do not tell her. Although she has sworn to you she is not a gossip, do not believe it. My sisters would readily agree, I assure you.”
This had them both laughing. Caroline Tompkins, formerly Thrup, had been a friend to Juliet and Annabel, and although Harmony had grown fond of the woman, the stories she shared truly were quite unbelievable. Despite her propensity for stretching the truth, Harmony did enjoy her company.
She placed the journal in its place behind the ledgers. As always, Nathaniel did not even glance her way and never seemed to have any interest in what was hidden amongst those pages. Eleanor had been right; men did believe women were simple creatures, no matter how much they loved their wives.
“So, what is it my husband wants of me now?” she demanded, allowing her smile to take some of the sting from her words. “I am a busy woman, after all.” She placed a hand on her burgeoning stomach. “Our child will be here soon, and I must admit that I cannot wait to welcome him.” She giggled. “Or her.”
Nathaniel placed a hand atop hers. “And what a wonderful day it will be,” he said. Then he kissed her. “But for now I have a request.”
“And what is that?”
“Come with me on a picnic lunch,” he said. “I plan on eating beneath the great oak tree. Would you care to join me, my lady?” He said the last with a deep bow.
Harmony’s heart filled with love, if that were possible as full as it already was. “I would be honored, my lord,” she said, doing her best to curtsy, only to laugh when she was unable to keep her balance. Then she took her husband by the hand and smiled. “Let us go and make another memory.”
***
Spring had arrived and Lydia was draped in a heavy overcoat to ward off the chill of the early morning that had yet to dissipate as she descended the stairs in front of Scarlett Hall. A guest had arrived, and she had been summoned to speak to him, although she had not been informed who this guest was.
Who would be wanting to speak to me? She wondered. Yet, as she neared the stables, her jaw nearly dropped to the ground when her eyes fell on a familiar shape standing beside a chestnut-colored horse that had seen too many years.
“David?” she whispered. She had stopped midway, quite in shock, as he walked toward her. Although it had been only months since she had last seen him, it seemed like years. Yet, the feelings in her heart returned as strong as ever. Perhaps because they had never truly gone.
“Hello, Lydia,” he said. “I just had to come and talk to you.”
Lydia widened her eyes in surprise. “You came all this way for me?” The thought that this man, any man, would do such a thing left a warm feeling in the pit of her stomach.
“Of course I did,” he replied. “
You see, I came to realize that leaving you was a mistake. I guess I was just being selfish.”
“I understand why you left, David.”
“Even so, it wasn’t right. But I’m enough of a man to admit that I was scared, not only about what was going to happen here but also of how I felt.”
Lydia furrowed her brow. “How you felt? And how was that?”
He sighed. “I made every excuse not to tell you the truth. At first, I used my age. Then it was the problems here at the estate. But I have to say, with each passing day, I understand why I grew sadder – because I did, I tell you –” His cheeks reddened and Lydia realized he was gripping his hat with white knuckles. “It was because I never told you what I felt. It’s just…Lydia Scanting, I’ve a great affection for you, you see, and I might even call it…love.”
Lydia blinked back tears. He looked at her like a young man might look at a young woman, so innocent despite his age, and his words touched her heart.
“I,” she swallowed hard. “I love you, too,” she whispered. “But you shouldn’t’ve returned.”
David frowned. “But don’t you see? I’ll go wherever you want to go. If you’d rather remain here, I’ll either talk to the master or find employment nearby.” He took a step closer. “All I know is that my leaving you was the worst mistake I’ve ever made and if you’ll have me, I’ll never leave you again.”
A lone tear burned her cheek. “You don’t understand,” she said, looking down at the ground. “Since you left, things are different.
He squinted an eye at her. “Different how?”
“I won’t remain here much longer,” she said. “Before the first leaves fall, I’ll be leaving.”
His frown deepened. “Leaving? But then we can leave together.” She shook her head, but he continued. “I don’t understand. You love me, and I love you. Why don’t we leave together?”
With trembling hands, Lydia undid the buttons of her overcoat. When she pulled open the coat, the roundness of her stomach was much more prevalent.
“I do not expect you to understand,” she whispered. “But if you would like, I can explain…”
For a moment, she feared he would turn and walk away. No, he would run! And could she blame him? What man wants anything to do with a child that is not his own?
Yet, her fears eased when he offered her a kind smile. “I told you, I’m never leaving you again.” He placed an arm around her shoulders. “Now, tell me everything.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
How was it that time could fly by so quickly? It had been a year since Harmony first arrived at Scarlett Hall, and at times it seemed as if she had just arrived. Summer was coming to an end, and the first indications of autumn rustled in the yellowing leaves in the boughs above her.
Her attention, however, was not on the trees, nor was it on the blue skies above. Instead, it was on the friend who stood before her.
“Although I knew this day would come,” Lydia said with a sigh as she wiped tears from her eyes, “it doesn’t make it any easier for me. I can’t believe it’s time for me to leave you.”
“Although we will be separated, you shall always have a place in my heart,” Harmony said as she embraced the woman who had been by her side through so many trials. “There is no greater friend a lady can have than you. I love you and will miss you terribly.”
“I’ll never forget you,” Lydia whispered in Harmony’s ear. “For as long as I live, I’ll never forget you.”
“Nor I you,” Harmony replied. “Now, go to your husband and live your life in love together.”
Lydia smiled and walked to the waiting carriage. Once David had handed Lydia into the vehicle, he turned, gave Harmony a deep bow and then waved before jumping in behind his wife.
Harmony returned the gesture and watched until the carriage was no longer visible.
“She is a more noble lady than those who look down upon her,” Nathaniel said as he came to stand beside her. “I, too, am sad to see her go.”
“It is only deserving that they begin a new life together,” Harmony said in a whispered reply. “After everything, she deserves it very much.”
“And now we must find you a new lady’s maid,” her husband said. “Although I doubt we will find one as wonderful as she, I am certain we can find someone adequate.”
“I believe that, for now, I have no need for one.” She turned to her husband. “Do you mind?”
He chuckled. “Not at all, my love. When the time is right, we will employ someone, but until then, do what you think best.”
Eleanor had once said that a bond between a lady and her lady’s maid was strong, and Harmony now realized how true those words were. For Lydia had sacrificed herself to make certain Harmony and Nathaniel remained together as one. No lady could ask for more loyalty than that.
As she and her husband returned to the house, Harmony found a reason to smile. Lydia’s selfless act had not been in vain, for Harmony and Nathaniel were indeed one.
***
The sun had not yet set, its rays streaming between the now-barren branches of the great oak tree in the gardens of Scarlett Hall. Harmony sighed. A year ago, this had been the site of a terrible tragedy, but it had once again become a place of great joy. Once the weather warmed again, she would picnic there with her husband while their children played nearby.
Two letters had arrived earlier in the day. One was from her mother, informing Harmony that, if she wished, she could return to her childhood home and offer an apology and once again be in the good graces of her parents. Harmony had thrown that letter into the fire and sent no response. Some people were best ignored.
The second was from Lydia, explaining in great detail how wonderful married life was and how lucky she was to have found a man such as David. Of course, she missed Harmony terribly, but she had no doubt that Harmony had found a proper replacement.
Harmony chuckled. No, she had not replaced Lydia, for no one could.
“My lady?”
Nearly jumping out of her slippers, Harmony turned to find Moore, the new butler, standing behind her. Howard Moore had been hired two months earlier, and although his presence did not compare to that of Forbes, the man could never be found without a smile and was always at the ready.
“Forgive me, my lady,” Moore said. “I did not mean to startle you again.”
Harmony removed her hand from her breast and laughed. “No, it is all right. It is just that I am not yet accustomed to your light steps. I never hear you coming.”
The butler gave her a diffident bow. “Walking with silent steps is a trait my brother taught me so as not to disturb anyone. Lord Lambert requests that you join him and his guests in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Moore,” she replied.
Two acquaintances of Nathaniel had arrived earlier to discuss matters of business. His invitation was a signal that those discussions had ended.
With several letters clutched in her hand, she walked to the door. Moore opened it for her, and just as he meant to walk through, she stopped and turned to him. “I nearly forgot. Lord Lambert’s sister Hannah will be here soon. Please see that her old room is prepared for her arrival.”
The butler bowed his head, an odd smile crossing his lips. “My brother once loved a woman named Hannah,” he said. “Sadly, he passed away before he could marry her.”
“My condolences,” Harmony replied. “You speak of him fondly. Is he the same brother who taught you to walk so stealthily?”
The man pulled himself up to his full height. “Oh, yes, my lady,” he replied with a look of pride on his face. “In fact, he taught me everything I know.”
“It sounds as if he was a wonderful man,” Harmony said with a smile. “What was his name?”
“Albert, my lady,” Moore replied. “His name was Albert.”
Epilogue
The last rays of the sun shone over the rolling green hills, staining the clouds a lovely orange and pink and bathing the distant cott
ages and coppices of trees in its spender. Yet, Scarlett Hall held its place of prominence above them all.
Winter would soon arrive, and the cold snap of the wind promised it would be a fierce one as the family of four took in the scenery.
Harmony glanced down first at the son in her lap and then the daughter in Nathaniel’s. Twins. Or at least that was the story Harmony told upon her return after she had gone away to visit Lydia and returned with two children instead of one. Nathaniel had been beside himself when Harmony had said she would make the journey despite her advancing pregnancy.
“But it is too dangerous,” he had insisted. “Let me accompany you.”
“To a birthing?” she had replied, scandalized. “And you have too much to do here. I will return before our child is born, do not worry.”
She had hated to lie, but there was too much at risk. When he finally agreed, Harmony was greatly relieved.
Once Lydia birthed Benjamin, she remained with Harmony until Charity was born two weeks later. Then Lydia returned to her husband with a story of how her child had been born dead.
“David won’t have to bring up a child that’s not his,” Lydia had said, although her eyes were filled with tears as she spoke, “and the rightful heir to the Lambert estate will be where he belongs.”
Harmony had readily accepted the precious gift and returned home with her beloved bundles and a story of how they had arrived early.
“It is quite common for twins to be premature,” the doctor had explained when Nathaniel insisted he be called to check on mother and children.
Kissing the boy’s forehead, she smiled at her husband. Then she began to sing.
Take me upon your wings, great butterfly,
Up to the deep blue sky.
Allow me the joy of touching a cloud.
Cry of the Baroness: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 9 Page 23