Page 53 of The Earl's Demure Spinster
Lord Wesley stepped forward, placing a hand on his mother’s shoulder. “Thank you, Mother. This means a lot to both of us.”
Lady Victoria nodded, a small, genuine smile appearing on her lips. “I only want what is best for you, Wesley. And if Lady Sylvia is what makes you happy, then I will support your decision.”
Sylvia felt a weight lift from her shoulders, the tension of the moment giving way to a cautious optimism. She looked at Lord Wesley, who returned her gaze with a warmth that filled her with confidence.
“We will face whatever comes our way together,” Lord Wesley agreed. “I am sure that everything will be just fine.”
The air around them felt lighter, the tension easing as they took steps back towards the path. Lady Victoria, nowwalking beside Sylvia, glanced over at her with a mixture of contemplation and respect.
“Lady Sylvia,” Lady Victoria began, her voice steady and sincere, “I need to speak about what happened earlier today before we rejoin everyone else.”
Sylvia looked up, her curiosity piqued. “Yes?”
Lady Victoria’s expression softened, her eyes reflecting a depth of gratitude Sylvia had not expected. “Your bravery in saving Harriet... It was extraordinary. I can not begin to express how grateful I am.”
Sylvia felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and humility. “I just did what anyone would have done in that situation,” she replied softly.
Lady Victoria shook her head, her tone carrying a weight of genuine gratitude. “No, Lady Sylvia. What you did was far from ordinary. You acted selflessly, without hesitation, and you put yourself at great risk. It is a rare quality, one that I greatly admire.”
Sylvia glanced at Lord Wesley, who was watching the exchange with a proud smile. His support gave her the courage to continue. “Lady Harriet is a sweet girl. I could not stand by and do nothing. Especially not when she has been so kind to me.”
Lady Victoria nodded, her eyes misting slightly. “Kinder than me, I am sure.”
Sylvia’s heart ached at the sincerity in Lady Victoria’s voice. This woman, who had once been so cold and unyielding, was now showing a side of herself that Sylvia had never imagined. It was a moment of connection, a bridge being built between them.
“I am just glad she is safe,” Sylvia said, her voice gentle. “That is all that matters.”
Lady Victoria smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. “You have a remarkable spirit, Lady Sylvia. I see now why Wesley cares for you so deeply.”
Lord Wesley’s hand found Sylvia’s again, their fingers intertwining. “I have always known she is special,” he said, his voice filled with affection.
Sylvia squeezed his hand, feeling a surge of emotion. The past few hours had been a whirlwind, but standing here now, with Lord Wesley by her side and Lady Victoria’s approval starting to take root, she felt a sense of hope she had not allowed herself to feel before. Her plans to return to Bath dissipated in her mind.
Perhaps she did belong here after all.
“I know it will take time,” Lady Victoria continued, her gaze shifting between Sylvia and Lord Wesley, “but I want to build a better relationship with you, Lady Sylvia. For Wesley’s sake and for the sake of our family.”
Sylvia nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I would like that too, Lady Victoria.”
“Please, call me Victoria,” she said with a soft smile.
A shared understanding passed between them, a silent agreement to move forward with mutual respect and an open heart. The shadows of their past misunderstandings and conflicts began to fade, replaced by the first rays of a new dawn. Everything had shifted today, but had changed for the better, leaving Sylvia excited for the future.
