She wasn't sure who moved first - but suddenly she was in his arms, clinging to him like a lifeline. Her hands wound around his neck, and Alicia had to stand on her toes to reach him fully; but when their lips met, hesitant and shy, it was the best feeling in the entireworld.
"I love you," James murmured against her lips, and it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
"I love you too."
Chapter Twenty-Six
James had a habit of floating about the house in a daze now; nothing held his attention, and all he could think about was the wedding. Sometimes that joy was dulled by the memory of Edwin, the knowledge that he wouldn't be in attendance when he and Alicia married. Then he thought of father, and how he should have been there too, and for a while his excitement was dampened with the reminder of all that had happened.
It was one ofthosedays, as he stared out of the study window at the grounds outside. A drizzle of rain made the world outside look damp and gloomy, although the sun was beginning to peek out from the thick white clouds. James stared at them, lips tugged down into a scowl, mind drifting. There was so much to organize for the wedding, but his mind had fixed on one little problem.
Agatha.She hadn't come around when James had asked, and he had been too afraid to ask again. As time dragged on, he came to realize that this was turning out to be the end of their friendship. It hurt his heart to think of it that way; but how else was he supposed to take it?
With a dull sigh, James let his head sink into his hands. It felt cruel that father wouldn't be there, and now Agatha likely wouldn't come to the wedding, either. He had sent her a formal invitation of course, but if she didn't even want to visit, why would she come to his celebration?
He hated to admit it, but James knew what he had to do. If he wanted to fix things between them, he would have to take the first step. If Agatha wasn't going to visit him then he would visit her instead.
Gathering his energy and steeling his nerves, James strode into the foyer with his head held high. He wasn't going to let things continue on like this. "Archie," he said to the doorman, who was lingering at the bottom of the stairs, "could you arrange for a coach, as soon as possible."
Archie quirked a brow. "For anything specific, my lord?"
James nodded. "Yes. I'd like to visit Agatha."
"Right away, my lord."
With that done, James went to seek out Alicia. He had insisted that she didn't need to act as governess now that they were engaged, but she still enjoyed teaching the children at least two days a week. He found her upstairs in the classroom, a book open on her knee as she sat on the edge of the desk.
"Oh, James." She grinned when she caught his gaze. "We were just about to start a new book. Would you like to join?"
"Actually," he replied, stepping further into the room so he could take her hand, "I was hoping that we could take a ride?" He paused, then, unsure if he should even invite her to come with him at all. "I hate how I left things with Agatha, and I was hoping we could visit her together - to make amends."
He expected her to decline. James couldn't have blamed her; Agatha had been horribly rude, and then she had simply dropped out of their lives. But... well, he wished that they could be friends. Or at the very least, that all three of them could come to an understanding.
Yet Alicia surprised him with her enthusiastic nod, loose brunette curls spilling into her eyes. "Of course, I'd be honored. I know she doesn't exactly like me, but I hope we can all put it behind us."
Her willingness to forgive left James speechless, and he couldn't help but smile. He really didn't deserve her, did he? Plucking the book from her hands, he set it aside and said, "Thank you."
At his own desk, Samuel cleared his throat. "Does that mean lessons are finished for today?"
James and Alicia shared an amused look. "I suppose it does, yes."
"Then can I go downstairs?"
"Yes. Just stay out of trouble while we're gone."
Samuel beamed and hopped to his feet, almost tripping over the desk legs in the process. "Okay," he chirped, in a decisivelyI make no promisestone of voice. Jenny clambered upright too, and together they hurried from the room.
"They should be all right, shouldn't they?" Alicia asked with a muffled laugh.
"It won't be for long," James replied, then looped an arm around Alicia's waist. She fell against him easily, head resting on his shoulder, and he happily tucked her into his side. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked, referring to Agatha of course, "You don't have to come, just because I asked."
"I know," she replied, "but I want to. She's your closest friend, and you shouldn't end on terms like this. I know she was rude, but it's because she was hurting. Jealousy can do horrible things to a person, but I know you two can get past that."
He offered her a grateful smile, feeling his chest bloom with warmth. Alicia really was the kindest, warmest person he had ever met. James wouldn't have been surprised if she forgave Edwin, if given the chance. Yet he wasn't silly enough to mistake her kindness for naivety because she was also intelligent enough to knowexactlywhat was going on around her.
"Would you like to go now?" Alicia asked; once again surprising him with her eagerness, "I'm sure Agatha will appreciate you making the effort to visit. She probably wants to speak with you, she's just afraid."
Afraid. Over the last few weeks, James had learned exactly what it meant to beafraid.It was time to move past that, though, and gather up all of his bravery to do what was right. So, with a deep breath and a smile, he nodded. "Let's go."
