Page 57 of The Widower Without a Will
Caroline added: “Papa, we would like you to know that we five—and your nine grandchildren—love you with all of our hearts.You are our bulwark, and when we have quarreled, it is only because we always assumed you were more god than man.I am so glad that you have found happiness with the new Lady Preston.When I see you together, I see a fuller version of you.I am proud to be your daughter, and I am proud to call the new Lady Preston my stepmother.”
As everyone around him raised their glasses in cheers, Martin found himself frozen, paralyzed by the relief he felt to hear those words from Caroline.
Martha whispered in his ear, “It’s true, you know.Sheisproud to be your daughter.”
“She is even more proud to call you her stepmother,” he replied, stealing Martha’s fingertips for a kiss.“Will you come with me to make our announcement?”
She nodded, excitement glowing in her eyes.“Let me say the part about Caroline.”
Together, they walked to the dais.From the tables came cheers and a few bawdy jokes.Martin acknowledged it all with a wave; Martha smiled shyly at the group of two hundred or so people gathered before them.
She surprised him by speaking first.“Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us.I did not know what kind of reception to expect when Lord Preston did me the great honor of proposing marriage, and I am truly humbled to know that we are all part of the same community forever after.”
This was met with a cheer, and several people tipped back their glasses in approval.
“It is important to know that what myhusband—” Martha emphasized the word by turning to grin at Martin “—is about to announce comes from years of great ruminations.I may have suggested some practicalities, but you must trust that any changes come from his wisdom and vision of a Northfield that continues to be a haven for all.”
Martin wouldn’t have phrased it so ominously.A pall descended as everyone—even his children, who already knew what he would say—tensed.Squeezing Martha’s hand, Martin took up his part of the speech.
“For a long time now, I have pondered how to ensure that the legacy of Northfield can sustain every newcomer who needs our welcome and every family that wants to remain here for generations.It is a question of money as well as natural resources, and balancing the demands of the here and now versus the greater good.Traditionally, these decisions have landed on the shoulders of the Baron Ashforth, whoever he may be.However, it is time for that tradition, like many others we have changed, to transform.”
Taking a deep breath, Martin gestured to the gaping landscape around them where once had stood the great house.“Just as we are going to rebuild a Hall that serves everyone, not only the baron’s family, so will we change our decision-making processes to include everyone’s voice.Instead of hiring a new steward to do my bidding, we are establishing a stewardship council to oversee the care and funds of Northfield.There will be one representative for every fifty adults who have lived at Northfield for at least one year, as well as a representative of the Preston family, and the representatives will be elected every five years.We will hold our first elections by secret ballot on the summer solstice, and I invite every eligible adult—manandwoman—to consider whether they should like to run for this solemn duty.”
As these words rang out, Martin felt a great calm settle in his bones.Here he was, holding Martha’s hand, bathed in spring sunshine, and for the first time in his life, caring for two hundred people did not weigh on him like a hundred-pound stone.
“In fact, we are pleased to announce that for the council’s first term, the family has elected Mrs.Caroline Chow as our representative,” Martha said, beaming like a proud mother.
Caroline stood to accept the round of applause.
“Today is a day of celebration.Lady Preston and I wanted you to know that just as our marriage is the beginning of something new for us, it is also the beginning of something new for Northfield—something that I hope you will join me in considering an improvement for everyone.Now, please, raise your cups once more to toast my wonderful bride, family, and this singular community!”
This earned him the heartiest cheers yet.Fueled by the crowd’s enthusiasm—and his own relief—Martin could no longer keep his impulses in check.Right there on the dais, he pulled Martha into his arms and claimed a great and wonderful kiss.
His wife, his partner, his inspiration.Soon, they would head to London for the parliamentary season, which meant a new set of challenges and moral quandaries as they continued his fight against imperial injustices.Too, they would guide the stewardship council, especially in its first few years.And there would be their own relationship to navigate amidst decisions about the new Hall and negotiations about which balls to attend and disagreements over things small and large.
He looked forward to all of it.He wanted to miss none of it.He had Martha, he had his children, he had a new Northfield and all the old problems that Britain still hadn’t conquered.
In the meantime, he would embarrass her with the strength of his affection.
To a chorus of whoops, Martha pushed away, joking, “When does our honeymoon begin?”
He laughed because he wouldn’t mind that himself.But neither did he want to leave this beautiful afternoon, surrounded by everyone he held dear.Clinging to Martha, he returned to their table.
“I think it’s a stunning idea, Papa,” Ellen said from the next bench.“I’m glad you are brave enough to give it a try.”
He had discussed it with his children when they had all arrived the previous week, and they had stood as witnesses to his new will, which directed all his money except Lolly’s dowry to be established in a Northfield trust.
Her husband Max grinned.“If it’s a success, we might steal it in a few years for Hope Hall.”
“Might?”Ellen raised a brow at her husband, and Martin could see a lively debate sparking between them.
“The London papers will be calling you a seditionist by tomorrow morning,” said Benjamin.“Which only means it is the obviously right thing to do.”
Lydia said wistfully, “I think the idea would take on like wildfire in Ireland.All anyone wants is a say in how things are done.”
“Then we should try it ourselves,” he agreed, wrapping an arm around her and earning an adoring look from his wife.
“Will you ever run for representative, Sophia?”asked Nate.“I might throw you a vote, if you convince me of your vision.”
