Three months later
“My, what a grand estate you live at,” Lydia’s father said as he walked at her side, supported by his cane. Nicholas had it commissioned out of fine mahogany, which was far more stable than the rickety old cane he’d been using. In addition, he’d had it adorned with the birthstones of Lydia, Caroline, and their late mother. As they returned to the house, the stones sparkled in the bright spring sunshine.
“It is a lovely house. I am glad you are here at last,” she beamed. “Nicholas wanted you to see it before we depart for Europe this summer. I am beyond happy you feel better.”
“Indeed, as am I. The physician Nicholas found worked wonders on my gout,” he said, knocking the cane against his leg. Then, he grew serious once more. “He has been good to me, your Nicholas. But what of you?”
“Of me? I dare say he’s treated me wonderfully. I have a home. I am loved. I am happy.”
Her father smiled. “And I am delighted for you. However, are you to remain a governess until Lady Charlotte is married?”
Lydia blinked, unsure how to answer though she’d expected the question. The truth was, she and Nicholas were far more than governess and employer. They were lovers, friends, a married couple in all but name, and the entire household staff knew it. Of course, this had caused talk in the town, and rumors of their way of life had reached even London, but they cared not. Especially not since they were soon leaving to travel the world.
They were happy. Although Lydia had to admit her father’s judgment did cause her some concern. She wanted him to be proud of her, and perhaps having a daughter living in sin in such a way was troublesome to him.
“I suppose I will. I enjoy teaching her. There is no use in getting another governess just because my relationship with her father has changed.”
Her father took a deep breath as they entered the main door.
“I adore Nicholas, you know this. He’s caused you great pain but has done all he could these past few months to compensate for it. I only worry for you, that is all. I want you to be happy, but I need to know your future is also secure.”
“It is,” she assured him. “As is yours. Nicholas has paid for your medical treatment in advance for the next few years, the teashop has been renovated, and he hired staff to work for you, so Caroline can pursue her dreams, has he not?”
Her father paused and placed one wrinkled hand on her cheek. “He has. And I am grateful. I am not talking about my future or Caroline’s. I mean yours. Are you happy being his…”
She knew he wanted to say mistress but didn’t because it would offend her. Besides, it wasn’t accurate. She wasn’t his mistress, as there was no wife. She was his… well. She wasn’t certain. She was so many things to him, and he to her. The only word that could describe it was ‘companion.’ She was happy, and so was he. That was all that truly mattered.
“I am happier than I have ever been,” she declared, and her father dropped his hand.
“But if he asked you to marry him, you would? You are no longer intimidated by the title?”
Lydia took a deep breath and shook her head. “No, not anymore. Nicholas no longer cares about all the pomp and circumstance. He wishes to be free of it all. If we were to marry, we would live as we live now, which is why I am not worried. Although, I would like to be his wife if that is how it turns out in the end.”
Her father smiled and nodded at her before abruptly turning and walking toward the garden door. Lydia hurried after him, relieved to see he had regained some of his strength. She could hear Charlotte’s voice above everyone else on the terrace as she told Caroline and her father about the constellation she’d seen the night before while visiting the Gilbert estate.
Eliot Gilbert, who had once pursued her, had recently married and returned to town. While she and Mr. Gilbert kept their distance, he had invited Charlotte to use his now-completed telescope after learning of her fascination with the stars. Mrs. Funny had already taken her a few times. Lydia had to admit that she envied the child’s ability to use the incredible apparatus; however, Nicholas had mentioned the possibility of purchasing one for them as well.
She smiled at the assembled guests as she stepped onto the porch. Nicholas sat at the head of the table, next to Charlotte. Caroline sat next to Charlotte, and their father took a seat at the far end of the table. Mrs. Funny was also with them, which was an unusual development that made the rest of the ton frown. However, they did not care. The older woman had become a member of their family after Nicholas realized what was important to him.
“Lydia,” Nicholas exclaimed and rushed to pull out her chair. She slipped into it, and Mrs. Funny poured tea into her cup a moment later. The hot liquid steamed like fog while Charlotte leaned forward and grabbed the tongs to add sugar into her cup. Lydia frowned.
“This is rather an unusual service, Charlotte,” she said, having given up using her title. Charlotte grinned at her.
“Only the best for you, Lydia,” she grinned, and Lydia sat back, a little confused. Ever since her sister and father arrived the day before, Charlotte had been on her very best behavior. One would never imagine that once she’d been a little terror whose temper had chased away every governess within the county.
“What a lovely home you have, Nicholas,” Caroline said brightly. “It is perfect for a family, is it not?”
“Indeed, Caroline. It was what it was built for, a large family. Although my ancestor has not been blessed with many children, I hope to change that and fill every room.” He winked at Lydia, who blushed a bright red.
“Indeed? That is quite the undertaking,” Caroline replied. Something in her sister’s voice gave Lydia pause. The atmosphere at the table was rather pleasant. She and Nicholas had talked about children, marriage, all of it… But never in any detail. For the time being, they were happy and hadn’t wanted to put any additional strain on themselves.
They were already looked at with disdain by the ton, so what did it matter? What were they going to do? Cast them out of a society they wanted to have no part in? Besides, Nicholas had already found that even though he had no chance of ever rising among the ranks due to his unfortunate relationship with Lady Evelyn and the grudge she held against him for canceling their wedding plans, some sought his company anyhow.
He’d just entered into business with a local baron on a mining venture, and when last they were in London, they found themselves rather popular with the merchant class, who applauded one of their own rising. No, they would never be welcomed at court or even at the high society events London was so famous for. But they were building a world of their own, one filled with people who understood them. People who were like them. Lydia looked at Nicholas, who smiled at her broadly.
Then, she glanced at Charlotte, who was impatiently wriggling in her seat. “Charlotte, you have bees in your behind this day,” she remarked, and Charlotte nodded.
“I do. Don’t I, Papa?”
“You do. As do I. What do you say, Charlotte, shall we?”
“We shall!” Charlotte explained, leaving Lydia utterly confused.
“Shall we what?” She looked at her father and sister, who beamed as the sun shone down on them. Mrs. Funny got up, stepped into the house, and returned a second later, nodding at Nicholas, who got up.
“Lydia, would you mind standing?”
Lydia narrowed her eyes while Charlotte giggled, and beside her, Caroline sniffed and even her father gulped.
“Stand?” She asked, and he nodded, extending a hand to her. She took it, feeling his strong hands curl around hers as he led her away from the table and toward the long edge where everyone could see. He glanced at Charlotte, who clapped her hands together.
“Yes, do it, Papa,” she spurned him on while her father, sister, and Mrs. Funny got up. From the corner of her eye, she saw the servants, maids, and even the kitchen staff pouring out onto the terrace, and her heart thundered.
“Lydia,” Nicholas said as he got down on one knee. “I’ve wanted to do this since you returned to me months ago, but it didn’t feel right without your family here. Your father and sister have always been important to me, and I know how much you cherish them. I wanted them to be a part of this, and fortunately, they finally can.” He cleared his throat while Lydia stood, her body shivering in anticipation.
“My darling Lydia. I know we have been happy these past few months, but my life would not be complete if I could not ask you this one question that has been burning my lips. Lydia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“And my mother,” Charlotte chimed in and got on one knee beside her father. Lydia beamed while behind them, a mixture of sniffles and giggles mixed together to accompany their loving scene. Tears of joy rolled down Lydia’s eyes as she squatted and wrapped one arm around each.
“Yes, I will. There is nothing I want more.”
Charlotte wrapped her arms around Lydia while Nicholas pressed his head against hers. “I love you, Lydia. Nothing will ever separate us again.”
“Nothing. We’re a family now, and I love you both,” Lydia replied, overcome with emotion. As they sat, surrounded by their loved ones, she understood that it was true. At last, they were a together, husband and wife, parents and child – just as they were always meant to be.
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