“Afterwards, Father just left it as it was,” Phyllis pointed out. “And the gardener was simply instructed to plant bushes and shrubberies where the weeds had overtaken completely.”
In a way, that was easier. A blossoming garden reminded them of their mother. It reminded them of painful times, but Phyllis had also come to associate colorful gardens with rebirth, with a new life that perhaps did not necessarily have to be as bad as one imagined it. That was why she wished for more flowers in the Woldaves estate, hoping that it might bring life to the old mansion, as well as some joy in her own life. She wanted to leave a happy mark on something that meant a great sadness.
“My father’s brother also died when I was a young boy,” the viscount added. “I know it is not the same as losing a parent, but my uncle and I were very close. He was like a second father to me and losing him was very difficult. I… I know what that feels like when something brings back bittersweet memories.”
Joyce locked eyes with him, and it was as if a bubble of protection formed around them. It was all their love, enshrouding them with its power, protecting them from the rest of the world. Relief washed over Phyllis momentarily as she witnessed the tender exchanges of affection between the young couple. The viscount was truly everything Joyce had claimed him to be: a shy, kind, and sweet young man who truly loved her. Phyllis had to admit that, after everything that had happened, she was doubtful of him. But fortunately, experience and time spent in his company had proved her wrong.
Feeling this enormous amount of relief led Phyllis to believe that maybe, just maybe marrying Alexander was not such a great sacrifice. After all, it led to Joyce’s happiness, and even Phyllis herself had some rather joyful moments with the duke.
No, no,she quickly thought to herself. Thinking in such a manner was not beneficial to their agreement. She had to banish those thoughts immediately. However, it would appear that she did not do it quickly enough, because her gaze met Joyce’s worried eyes. She gently took Phyllis by the hand, leading her around the fountain, a bit further away from the viscount, who immediately understood the need for the sisters’ privacy, and remained where he was, without any intention of following them.
“All right,” Joyce said in a conspiratorial manner, her voice carrying a tinge of expectancy. “We are at a safe distance, no one can hear us here. Is everything all right, Phyllis?”
Phyllis nodded without thinking. “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
Joyce didn’t seem convinced. She pretended not to have heard Phyllis’ response, and instead, asked again. “Is everything all right between you and the duke? Is he treating you well?”
The sisters were still holding each other by the hand, so Phyllis squeezed Joyce’s hand reassuringly. “Yes, my dear Joyce, everything is in perfect order, just as it should be. You just focus on your own life and your own happiness, and let me worry about my own.”
Despite this reassuring, Joyce still didn’t seem appeased. Her forehead was still etched with lines of worry. Phyllis knew that look well, even though Joyce did not insist any longer, for which she was grateful.
“You know you can always come back and stay with me, Phyllis,” Joyce told her. “You are always welcome.”
“I know,” Phyllis smiled. “Thank you.”
Phyllis didn’t ever consider leaving and going back, but in light of recent events, perhaps that wasn’t such a bad idea.
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
Alexander was still in his study, which had become an enclave of quiet concentration. Amidst the rustle of papers and the scratch of his quill against parchment, the sudden announcement by Milligan pierced the stillness yet again. Alexander looked up from his work, his brow furrowing in surprise at some more unexpected news.
“Your Grace,” Milligan’s voice was apologetic and composed, “Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess, has arrived and requests an audience.”
“My mother?” A mild astonishment played on Alexander’s features, replaced quickly by a nod of acknowledgment. “Is Leonard with her?”
“No, Your Grace,” Milligan informed him. “It is only Her Grace.”
“Strange,” Alexander mused to himself. He would have expected them to come for a visit together. “Very well, Milligan. Please, show her in.”
A minute later, the heavy door creaked opened and his mother entered, her presence as always commanding attention. He immediately got up from his seat and greeted her cordially.
“Mother,” he smiled, as they exchanged a reverent kiss on the cheek. “I have not been expecting you. What brings you here?”
She lifted an eyebrow. “Does a mother need a reason to see her son?”
She caught him off guard with that question. “Of course not,” he assured her.
She settled into an ornate chair, only to continue. “I thought a visit to my dear son was overdue. The estate seems to have kept you quiet occupied… both you and your wife.”
Seeing her settled so comfortably assured him that she had not come for a quick visit, but rather one where she expected to be entertained for a while. He didn’t mind, despite the vast work he needed to do.
“Why don’t I call for some tea to be served,” he suggested. “And we can catch up.”
She smiled at the proposition. “I would like that.”
Alexander summoned a servant with a pull of a silken cord, requesting tea for their meeting. The flicker of the candles cast shadows on the polished surfaces of the room, creating an atmosphere both elegant and tinged with the weight of unspoken matters. As they awaited the tea, Alexander took a moment to study his mother’s expression, searching for any subtle cues that might hint at the purpose behind her unexpected visit. However, she was very good at hiding many things behind that kind smile of hers.
“How come Leonard has not joined you?” Alexander wondered, taking a seat opposite her, as they waited for the tea to arrive. He also knew that this was an overture into a more serious talk, which she obviously had in mind upon coming here. He could sense it in the way she looked at him. But it was obviously still not the time for it to commence. He needed to be patient.
