Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
Quickly she turned to the rest of her family, indicating that they should resume eating and stop staring.
* * *
There was a knock at the door and Sister Sarah came in, looking as if she’d dressed hastily, her collar askew. “I’m sorry. I put her to bed and thought that she was asleep,” she murmured to Arthur.
* * *
That explains why Lady Weasley is in her nightgown.
* * *
Arthur shook his head, belatedly wiping away his tears. “It’s quite alright. Is she…?” he did not seem to have the words.
* * *
Sister Sarah studied Lady Weasley who was picking cautiously at her pigeon. “I have noticed an increased awareness of her surroundings since we arrived but…” she shook her head. “I don’t know.”
* * *
Janice reached out for Arthur’s hand. “Let’s not question it for now. Let her stay,” she whispered.
* * *
Arthur nodded jerkily. Sister Sarah immediately withdrew to the side, taking her place beside the attending servants, and kept an eye on her charge. Janice looked around the table, wondering what everyone was thinking. She had not told them of Lady Weasley’s condition or indeed where she’d spent the last few years. She knew it wouldn’t matter to them but it was Arthur’s story to tell.
* * *
Frederick cleared his throat. “Well…” he said quietly, “It seems we have more to celebrate than an impending wedding.” He lifted his glass in silent toast to Arthur.
* * *
Arthur smiled tremulously, lifting his own glass, and returned the toast. He drank deep, before putting his glass down quietly, his eyes sliding back to his mother.
She thinks I am her father.
* * *
Arthur could well understand the confusion. When she was still in possession of her faculties, she’d told him many times that he reminded her of her own father. He was not sure if this was a good thing or not, but the fact that she’d looked at him, somewhat recognized him, and spoken, was overwhelming. He did not know how he was staying composed at the moment because he had the crushing urge to burst into tears.
* * *
This is a good thing. It is the beginning of healing.
* * *
Arthur held onto that thought like a lifeline. His eyes slid to Janice, who was smiling softly at his mother, reassuring her that everything was fine. A wave of gratitude washed over him. He was so glad that she had been present when this happened. He did not know what he’d have done if she hadn’t taken over.
* * *
He got to his feet, suddenly unable to keep sitting. He made an effort to smile at his guests. “I would like to make just one toast. I want to thank you all for your company and your companionship. It means more to me than I can say. But right now, I must tend to my mother.”
* * *
Lord Benjamin got to his feet at once. “Of course. Please, don’t worry about us. We shall see ourselves out.”
* * *
Arthur made an elegant leg. “Thank you.”
CHAPTER 39
“I can’t believe this,” Arthur whispered softly as he escorted them to their carriages. Janice tightened her hold on his arm. “You were right to bring her home.”
* * *
He turned and smiled. “It would seem so. I wish you could stay. You are very good with her.”
* * *
She stopped walking and turned to face him. Her family went ahead, soon disappearing from view. “You can do this,” she said intently, “Just pay attention to her and you will see what she needs. At the moment she’s probably very confused. I am no physician but I think they would advise you to continue to act as if you were her father. She is not ready perhaps to know who you really are.”
* * *
He drew a deep shuddering breath. “I suppose I should get someone out here to look at her.”
* * *
“Yes, it might be helpful. I shall be back in the morning to see how you are doing.”
* * *
He leaned in slowly and pressed his lips to hers. “Thank you.”
* * *
She smiled. “Now go, see to your mother.”
* * *
He kissed her again. “I shall miss you. Come back early.”
* * *
She laughed softly. “As early as I dare.”
Anson announced that Lady Janice had arrived just a few minutes after Arthur had finished his breakfast.
* * *
Perfect timing, he thought with happiness.
* * *
“Send her in, please. And set a plate for her.”
* * *
He got to his feet and waited. It wasn’t long before Anson was ushering her into the room. She paused, just inside the door, and looked at him. “I apologize for interrupting your breakfast.”
* * *
He laughed. “Don’t be silly. I asked you to come early.” He went to her, taking her by the arm and leading her to the table. “I like this room in the morning because it faces the sunrise. We call it the sunroom.” He sat her down at the small round table facing the large bay windows and then took his place beside her. “Is it not beautiful?”