Page 80 of His Unforgettable Bride
Mrs. Taylor’s words were as vivid today as when she recited them at her table long ago. “I did not understand her message back then, but I do now.”
Dobbin leaned back and crossed his ankles. “I suspect your amnesia and leading a life as a commoner has molded your character and prepared you to rule Bascandy. Of course, it’s merely a guess.”
Henry had always believed that leading an ordinary life far exceeded one full of pressures, expectations, and rules from the palace. Then God answered his earnest prayer, dropping him into the role of a simple carpenter who faced hardships and heartbreak—the same as everyone else.
Cy had trained him to be patient and to start each day with a plan as they renovated the carriage house. More than once, Icala had relayed the importance of trusting his instincts, of not hesitating to try a new endeavor, and that mistakes were inevitable. The sisters had repeatedly embraced him as a beloved family member.
And then there was Juliet, the best person he had ever met. Throughout her life, she persisted and carried hope in her heart. She had a gumption he respected, and she always treated others with compassion, even the stray cat.
Was that not what God also preached—kindness and charity toward others?
Could he take fragments of what he had learned and lead Bascandy with integrity and empathy?
His time in Everly had shown him he was capable of all those things and more. In fact, he had matured and changed, and he was better suited now to the kingship than before he started his journey around the world.
Why, then, was he opposed to those duties and that role? What was wrong with him? Why did he still balk at filling his father’s spot?
“I am not Sutton. He was born to rule. And me? I have always made mistakes, causing problems and earning Father’s censure.”
Dobbin was silent a moment before speaking again. “Do you remember what your father told you on the dock as you were leaving for your voyage?”
Henry closed his eyes and tried to recall his father’s farewell. “‘I pray you grow into the man God created you to be.’” Although wise words, Henry had not reflected on the poignant message since leaving home.
“You may have thought he wanted you to be like Sutton.” Dobbin’s voice was earnest. “But he only ever wanted you to be the man God designedyouto be, someone different than your brother, to be sure, but still a worthy and noble man who was admirable in his own right.”
Henry opened his eyes and met his friend’s sincere gaze.
Was carrying on his family’s legacy without too many missteps possible? What if God had even allowed his amnesia to prepare him to be a better ruler?
But who would reign beside him? A sharp pain stabbed his temple, and he rubbed the sore spot with his fingertips.
“What specifically troubles you, Henry?”
His stomach burned with dread. “It may kill me to leave my beloved behind.”
Dobbin’s eyebrows climbed high as he leaned forward. “You have a beloved?”
One day, he would share the unbelievable tale of his Everly days with his friend, perhaps during their long journey back home. But two pressing matters elbowed that conversation to the side for now. “Yes, indeed. I have fallen deeply in love with Juliet Dash, who discovered me unconscious behind her workplace. She is everything to me.”
After blinking, Dobbin’s eyes still held a dazed stare. “In a matter of weeks, you met and developed deep-rooted love for Miss Dash while having amnesia? And she works for a wage?”
“Correct.”
“I don’t mean to question you, but are you certain it’s not merely an infatuation or gratitude since she saved your life?”
Dobbin’s skepticism failed to surprise, offend, or deter Henry. Naturally, he would forever be thankful for Juliet’s rescue, but love had shoved appreciation to the side. “My sentiments for Juliet are sincere. She is kind, charitable, and a genuine angel of mercy. At a tender age, she took responsibility for her life and faced many hardships, then traveled here on a bride ship.”
“She is searching for a husband and set her sights on you.” Although he failed to sayrich husband, Henry caught Dobbin’s inference.
Juliet cared about him as a person, not as royalty. “Actually, I gather she preferred me as a carpenter to a prince. Still, I intend to wed her if she agrees.”
“Forgive me for playing devil’s advocate, but what about Faith?”
Henry drew a labored, frustrated breath. “A fair question that I cannot answer, though I shall speak with her immediately upon arriving home.”
“Have you already proposed to Miss Dash?”
“Not yet. I realize I need to break my engagement with Faith first. For all I know, a wedding date is set, a dress is sewn, and invitations are mailed. Yet even if Juliet refuses me, I cannot wed another.”
