Page 65 of Marrying a Reluctant Lady
“As you say,” he murmured.
Owen glanced back at Lady Walden.
“You are welcome at any time, Lord Ivystone. Ophelia. Of course, you are. You need only say what you need. I’m so grateful you’re alive!” She went to Ophelia again and hugged her, and Owen wondered if it was the first time in both their lives that she’d done something without thinking of the propriety of it.
“Thank you,” he murmured. “We are grateful for the offer.We are staying with Lord Alford at present,” he added, not wanting to add that they were quite comfortable staying with Leonard, though it was certainly true.
“We are grateful,” she said to Leonard, who inclined his head.
“So am I. Lord Ivystone’s a fine fellow, and it’s an honour to host Lady Ivystone.”
“I imagine so,” Lady Walden said, and Owen saw Ophelia’s eyes widen. His heart twisted. He wondered if Lady Walden had ever made Ophelia feel that welcome and loved in her life. His heart hardened at that, even as he saw Ophelia’s eyes widen in amazement as she looked at her.
“Thank you, Mama,” she said softly.
Lady Walden looked into her eyes. “I love you, Daughter.”
Owen looked away as tears ran silently down Ophelia’s cheeks. She stepped forward and they embraced, and Owen wondered again if they had ever allowed themselves to show such emotion before. Beside him, Lord Walden was looking uncomfortably at the wall.
“Thank you, Lord Alford,” he murmured to Leonard. Leonard shrugged.
“Don’t mention it,” he answered mildly.
“Take care, my daughter,” Lady Walden murmured, and Ophelia hugged her again, and then Lord and Lady Walden were walking to the door, and they all followed them downstairs.
“We’ll call soon,” Lady Walden called to Ophelia, who waved to them as they went downstairs.
“Thank you for coming, Mama.”
“Of course. Get well soon again, my dear daughter.”
“Good day,” Ophelia called to them, waving to them again as they went to their coach. Her father inclined his head politely. He looked confused.
Owen stood with Ophelia, who waved to them until thecoach had disappeared around the corner. She looked up at Owen. Leonard had kindly gone indoors to discuss something with the butler, and for the moment they had time on the step with nobody to listen to them.
“That was the first time I can remember her saying that,” Ophelia murmured.
“I believe you,” Owen agreed. He looked into Ophelia’s eyes, which were wide and tear-damp. “My dear. My dearest Ophelia,” he added, drawing her into a warm embrace.
“Owen,” she murmured against his shoulder. “My dear Owen.”
He held her close, and she held him tight, and they stood there for a moment or two, and then Owen noticed Ophelia was shivering.
“Come on,” he said gently. “You need a cloak or something. Let’s go back into the house.”
“Good idea,” she murmured.
They went back into the house together. Leonard was waiting in the hallway.
“Ready for a walk?” he asked them.
Owen nodded, chuckling, relieved to feel at ease. “Yes,” he agreed. “Let’s go.”
“Well, then,” Leonard addressed them as they walked out into the street. “We’ll be coming up to the high street any minute now.” He grinned, assuming the air of a guide. Owen chuckled.
“I’m sure Lady Ivystone knows Kensington, even if I don’t,” he reminded him warmly.
“I’m sure she does,” Leonard agreed. “I was speaking for the less-educated member of our tour.”
