Page 79 of The Precious Secret of a Loving Governess
The couple and his soon-to-be bride followed him as he led the way through the outer doors to where a coach was waiting for them. It was evident that no one quite knew what was happening or why Reginald was insisting upon this little adventure, but he didn’t mind surprising them. He had plans that he was putting into place now that mattered a great deal to him.
And until they reached their destination, he would not say a word about what it was that he wished to show them.
“You must forgive me that darkness is soon upon us. I had not intended to depart so late, but as it is, I think we must make this venture now and once again tomorrow,” he decided.
The three Jamisons looked at each other in curiosity and wonder.
“What is this all about?” he heard Mrs. Jamison whisper to her daughter who simply shrugged in reply.
“I haven’t the faintest idea,” she confessed.
“Your betrothed is rather a vibrant man, is he not? These are quite the theatrics if he was wishing merely for a discussion,” she replied in a hushed tone that was not quiet enough to escape him.
Reginald tried not to laugh as he listened to their conversation, but once they were all loaded into the coach, they moved swiftly away from the house.
“Darling, are we going far? It is nearly Marian’s bed time,” Miss Jamison noted.
“It is not so far, but I have already instructed Miss Franklin to put her to bed this evening and explained to her that I have a surprise which would keep us away for a time,” he explained.
Reginald was enjoying the mystery that he had created around this grand surprise and when they arrived at the estate, something like twenty minutes later, he was quick to step out of the coach and give each member of the family a hand down, along with the coachman.
“How beautiful. What is this place?” Mrs. Jamison asked.
“What a lovely home,” her husband added.
“You think so, Mr. Jamison?” Reginald asked. Delight filled his soul as he wondered about the response he would receive upon his pronouncement of the gift. Would they compliment it once they knew it was theirs? Or was this merely the sort of flattery they knew they were expected to give?
Reginald could not allow himself to worry. Although the estate was not quite what their former had been all those years ago, it was a space of their own that would give Mrs. Jamison’s sister her own space and home back. And that had been the very thing that they had wanted.
It seemed as though this must be the best solution, and yet Reginald could not help second guessing himself. He hoped that he would not wound Mr. Jamison’s pride, nor cause any rift. And more than anything, he hoped that they would be content with the location in which they were placed.
“Certainly, it is a magnificent home to be sure. But I fear that we are underdressed if we have come to visit a friend of yours,” Mr. Jamison replied, seeming concerned about his appearance and the trousers he wore which showed their age and the fact that he was no longer a man wealthy enough to afford new clothing, but rather depended upon a tailor to mend things time and time again.
“Indeed, a dear friend of mine does live here,” Reginald began. “But he may dress however he wishes. And you need not worry for a moment about your appearance for I think it is perfect for the resident of this home.”
Miss Jamison looked at him with a sudden, understanding smile.
“Oh, darling. Do you mean…?” she trailed off. He saw the glint in her eyes as she grasped what they were suddenly doing at this beautiful home and what it meant for her mother and father and the future they were working so hard to build together.
The same understanding had not yet struck Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, but that meant that Reginald was able to tell them himself.
“Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, you have seen rather difficult times in the previous years. But I know that you are good people. I know that your daughter is astounding. And I can think of nothing better to do with a property of mine than to bestow it to those who are most deserving,” he announced.
Like their daughter, the two appeared to be unable to accept right away what they hoped he was saying. Reginald laughed at the disbelief on their faces, having seen the same expression on Miss Jamison’s.
“You may allow yourselves to believe it. This home belongs to the both of you now. It is yours. It is my hope that you can make it into the sort of place that you might have dreamt of having. And while it is not so grand as the home in which you once lived, I hope it is to your liking,” he continued.
The two were evidently speechless and Reginald was glad that they had responded so strongly to this gift. It made him want to have more opportunities to do generous things for others, although he wondered what might be next.
His wife was a woman of compassion and forgiveness; that he had already seen. She was strong and loyal. She was kind and brave.
He wished to have some of those same characteristics, but knew that they were two very different people. And if he wished to be a better man, he thought that he would like to be a generous one.
Miss Jamison had tears in her eyes as she watched the exchange. Reginald felt overjoyed that he had been able to do something to please her while assisting her mother and father in their efforts to build a new life.
She gazed at him with wonder, with appreciation, and with respect. Miss Jamison brushed the tears from her face and hugged each of her parents, telling them that she had not known about this but was thrilled that they would now have a place to call home.
“You deserve it for all that has happened. Father, for all the work you have done to change and become a better man. And Mother, for all the suffering you experienced. I cannot be more thankful to the Earl for what he has done to bless our family,” she said in as formal a manner as her emotions allowed.
