Page 52 of Pursuing Mr. Mattingly

Chapter Sixteen

July 22, 1819

Sophia’s spirits raised exponentially, for the rain that had plagued the area for the past three days had finally cleared and left behind blue skies with warm sunshine. Both she and Hannah were beside themselves, for there was a picnic in the offing for the afternoon, and Oliver had spearheaded the outing as a surprise.

“There is something truly lovely about walking through the world after rain has come.” She held hands with her daughter while the other rested securely in the crook of Oliver’s right arm. This little family of hers was too precious for words, and she remained amazed that she’d been fortunate enough to secure both Hannah’s future as well as her husband’s. “The air smells fresh and new, and the grass sparkles where the raindrops cling to it.”

“I see wetness, Mama,” said the practical Hannah. One of the kittens—the white and orange one—trailed after her. He had refused to remain in the basket Hannah carried. While that one seemed to enjoy adventures outside, its companion kitten preferred to remain inside.

“Well, yes, there is that.” She chuckled, as did Oliver. “You must use your imagination a little bit.”

“Would you enjoy a bouquet of wildflowers today?”

“Always.” Soon, the season for the blooms would be over… as would her existence. “There is never a day when I won’t enjoy flowers.”

Hannah nodded. “Then as soon as we choose a spot for our picnic, I’ll pick some for you.” She smiled. “So will Oliver.”

“What?” The ambassador looked baffled. “I rather thought to enjoy the time at the side of the creek. It’s more emboldened than the stream at the other side of the property. A smaller sister of a river, if you will, and I would imagine with all the rain we’ve had, it will have more power.”

“No, silly.” Hannah laughed as if that was the funniest joke she’d ever heard. “I named this kitten Oliver. Since he’s a boy.”

“I see.” Oliver—Sophia’s husband—glanced at her with an expression of confusion mixed with pleasure. Clearly, he did not. “Why would you name a kitten after me?”

“Because he’s nice, and he makes me happy, and he’s good to talk to. Just as you are.” Her grin widened as she rested her attention on Sophia. “Do you want to know what I named the other kitten?”

“Dare I guess that it is called Sophia?”

“No.” Hannah snickered. “I named him Gilbert, because he’s grouchy like my uncle.”

“Of course.” Sophia shot a glance at Oliver, who shrugged but chuckled. “Your Uncle Gilbert is in a mood, of that there is no doubt.” Again, she wondered if it had anything to do with the state of his marriage, for she’d more or less forgotten about everything over the last week or so while she’d committed to living her own life.

“Do you think he would like a bouquet, too?”

Sophia squeezed her daughter’s fingers. “It couldn’t hurt. Maybe they’ll cajole him into better spirits once he sees all the colorful flowers.”

“Good.” Hannah released her hand. “I’m going to go right now and pick them. Then I’ll run back to the manor and give one of the bouquets to Uncle Gilbert.”

“What about our picnic lunch?” Oliver asked as he hefted the lidded basket. “I might eat all the food before you return.”

“You won’t.” Hannah waved to him. “Truly, you will spend your time flirting with Mama, probably kissing her, and you’ll forget to eat until I come back and scold you for it.” Her sigh sounded all too grown up. “Someone will have to look after you once Mama isn’t here, so you’d best come to terms with that.”

Oliver cleared his throat. “Actually, I intend to employ a few tutors once we’re in London to occupy your time while I’m involved in business.” One of his eyebrows rose as he peered at her. “At least one of them will travel with us when the need arises. I refuse to neglect your education, no matter what you have planned.”

“Fine.” Hannah shrugged. “But keeping house for you might be fun, especially while in London. I’ve always wondered about how a household is run.”

“Then you agree to the tutors? I’d like you to learn at least two foreign languages. Not only will it help when we travel, but it will serve you well into adulthood.”

“I agree. Besides, the tutor who visits me now doesn’t understand I’m more advanced than the lessons she gives me. A challenge is most welcome.” Then she scampered away, the basket swinging on her arm while the kitten raced after her through the tall meadow grass.

“She is quite the dervish and will prove a handful for anyone I bring on as staff,” Oliver said as he pushed his spectacles back into place on the bridge of his nose. “I have a feeling I won’t be allowed to linger in mourning for long.”

That knowledge both cheered her and sent knots of worry into her belly. “Hannah is becoming a bit managing, though. Perhaps it stems from not being properly stimulated with schoolwork.” That might have been a mistake on her part, for Sophia had grown lax in her daughter’s education ever since the news of her diseased heart came to light.

“She is merely concerned. Too much death is truly too much. It changes one’s perspective.” He remained silent for a few seconds. “However, she is too young to put herself on the shelf, so to speak, merely to look after her stepfather.” A sigh escaped him. “I’d hoped I haven’t given her the impression that I’m a doddering fool already.”

Sophia snorted with laughter. “I’m sure she doesn’t think that.” She squeezed her fingers on his arm. “Though, it is sweet she wants to take care of you. It’s incredible how well she’s adopted you as a parent.”

And I won’t be there to see how their relationship progresses.

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