Page 58 of Becoming Lady Dalton
“We had intended to wait until we were gathered at Briarcliff to tell you,” Edward said. “But it seems this is as good a time as any. Harper is expecting.”
His wife pulled her head back from the window.
“That’s wonderful!” Viola exclaimed.
“Yes, in theory. In practice, nothing short of the prospect of seeing my sister one final time could have dragged me away from home. Motion, heat, hunger, everything makes me ill. The sickness lasts all day,” Harper complained.
“It’s the worst bit, but it shall pass in a few weeks. Harper, this is such amazing news. I confess I am full to the brim and cannot absorb any more wonderful events today. All I want to do is rest. I assume this means I needn’t finish the town house in time for your arrival in spring?” Viola squeezed her son’s shoulder and whispered, “You’re going to have a cousin.”
Matthew wrinkled his nose.
“We plan to make a few appearances, but no hosting next season. You may make it as comfortable as you like and live there, if returning to Grandmother’s is too fraught, now.”
Viola’s heart nearly burst with gratitude. “Thank you, Harper. Edward. I appreciate your generosity more than I can express. I could not ask for a better brother-in-law than you.”
Again, Piers tapped his foot uncomfortably, as though he felt like an interloper in this cozy family scene.I wish you were part of this, for all its awkward, loving messiness.
Now was not the time to speak her heart. This was not the place.
When the coach delivered them to the Landor residence, Piers sketched a bow and placed his hat on his head.
“I wish you good day, madam,” he said formally. The heat in his eyes was banked, covered over by a sadness that twisted Viola’s battered heart even further. Yet, worn out by her ordeal, Viola could think of nothing to say that might keep him by her side.
“Will we see you for Christmas?” she blurted as Piers was about to walk away.
“I sincerely doubt it.”
“Why not?” demanded Edward. He drew himself up to his full imposing height. Garbed in proper lordly attire, he struck an intimidating note. Had it only been a few months ago when convincing him to wear trousers and a shirt regularly was a daily ordeal? Harper had worked wonders with the man.
“My sister, Gwendolyn, is alone at my country seat. I am expected to join her there with Emily.”
“Can’t you bring her to Briarcliff?” asked Harper, who had recovered from her bout of illness.
Piers’ gaze cut to her. Viola opened her mouth, but her heart tried to leap out and run to him. Nothing came out. He stiffened.
“Thank you, but I wouldn’t wish to impose, Harper.”
Viola found her voice. “Please, come. It would be an honor to celebrate with your family, if Gwendolyn is up to the journey.”
Still, he hesitated.
“I shall send notice to her. If you wish it.”
Viola sagged with relief. “Please, come. I should love to meet your sister.”
“Of course, we wish it, Piers. We couldn’t have won today without you.” Harper accepted her husband’s arm and placed a careful hand on Piers’ shoulder. “You have a place with us, always.”
Behind them, the front door of the townhouse cracked open. “Well, don’t stand out there in the cold. Come in and tell me how you saved her.”
The baroness gazed at Viola as though she was a ghost. An air of mournful regret hung over her frail body. Viola felt the fleetness of time with every pulse of her blood and puff of air. She could be angry and resentful, or she could choose to forgive.
Viola chose to forgive—not just her grandmother. Herself. She had been bullheaded and stubborn in her insistence upon taking care of every family matter herself. She should’ve asked. The fragile newness of having a family that offered support, instead of demanding it from her, made Viola feel vulnerable and shy.
“Go in,” she urged Matthew. “See how many tea cakes you can eat before Gran cuts you off.”
Matthew beamed up at her and headed inside, trailed by his aunt and uncle.
Leaving her alone with Piers. Viola gathered the wisps of her emotions and tried to form them into thoughts and words, but nothing came out quite as she meant it to.
