“Would you like some water, Phyllis?” Alexander suggested, glancing at the small table by the window, where he could see a pitcher of water and glasses. He had heard Charlotte’s words to her sister, but he felt that was something private, something he should not overhear.
“Yes, please,” he heard her say.
He moved a bit away, but he could still overhear them. In a hushed whisper, Charlotte expressed her delight at meeting Alexander and sensed the depth of his feelings for Phyllis. She assured Phyllis that this was a far cry from the painful chapters of their family’s history, a sentiment he was sure that brought a mixture of relief and gratitude to Phyllis’ heart.
EPILOGUE
During the next two days, Phyllis found solace and care in the comfort of her sister’s home. Alexander, the unexpected harbinger of support and affection, was warmly welcomed to stay. He devoted every waking moment to being by her side, ensuring she had everything she needed for a swift recovery.
In the cozy chambers of Joyce’s residence, the atmosphere was filled with a blend of familial warmth and the burgeoning promise of their new life together. Alexander’s presence was a constant source of reassurance for Phyllis, as he attended to her needs and shared in the familial bonds that were slowly taking root.
As Phyllis convalesced, the moments spent together allowed them to deepen their understanding of each other. Conversations flowed freely, punctuated by shared laughter and the unspoken acknowledgment of the uncharted territory they were navigating together. He would read to her, bring her fresh flowers from the garden, and even play the servant as he brought a tray of tea to her chamber.
“You really don’t need to do that,” she told him on that particular occasion, as she watched him set everything on a little table by the bedside. Then, he proceeded to pour tea for them both, handing a cup to her.
“You’re right, I don’tneedto,” he agreed, with a smile. “I want to. There is a very big difference.”
“Oh,” she chuckled sweetly. This time, she didn’t even think to hide her unrestrained laughter. She relished the look of adoration that emanated from his deep eyes.
“Yes, so allow me to take care of you, my love,” he told her, sitting next to her on the bed. “Now, and for the rest of our lives.”
“I would like for nothing better than that,” she gushed gratefully.
The tender days of recovery not only mended Phyllis’ physical well-being but also forged stronger ties between her and Alexander. The walls around their hearts, once guarded by caution and fear, began to crumble, revealing the blossoming prospects of their future together. She never thought that such a thing would be possible, but there they were, finally in the carriage that was taking them back to Woldaves estate, back to her home.
However, there were still a few things left unsettled. This particular one hung like an ominous cloud over her head, but she hoped that she was good at concealing it. As it turned out, she was wrong.
“Is something the matter, Phyllis?” Alexander asked tenderly, taking her by the hand.
As the carriage rumbled through the streets of London, Phyllis couldn’t shake off the nervous flutter in her stomach. The prospect of facing Alexander’s mother again weighed on her mind. However, Alexander, ever perceptive to her unease, held her hand gently, offering a reassuring squeeze.
“It’s… oh, it’s nothing,” she smiled unconvincingly. She didn’t want to say anything that might ruin this perfect moment.
“It cannot be nothing,” he shook his head. “Something is obviously troubling you. How can I help you, my love?” His eyes held a promise of support, a vow to navigate any treacherous waters of life together.
“I’m just… a little apprehensive about seeing your mother again,” she finally admitted. “I know that the words she had said were never meant for my ears, but I can’t help but know them now, and the thought of facing her fills me with sorrow that I will never be the daughter-in-law she had wanted.”
Her hand in his felt comforting, the warmth of his touch offering a reassuring anchor.
“But you are the wife I always wanted,” he gave her one of those irresistible grins, and she felt her heart melt at the sight of it. “No one else matters but us, my love. Always remember that. As for this evening and our family dinner, there is nothing to worry about.” His voice was rich and calming, saying exactly what she needed to hear.
Phyllis drew strength from his words, a smile forming in response to his comforting gaze. In the warmth of his hand, she found a steadying force, a silent pledge that they would face whatever lay ahead as a united front.
About an hour later, Woldaves Estate greeted them with its familiar grandeur, and Phyllis felt a surge of joy as she stepped onto familiar grounds. It was a place where memories were woven into every corner, and she found solace in the notion of being truly home.
Alexander noticed her joy, as they stood in the grand foyer. Her heart was filled to the brim, and she felt a sudden onslaught of tears. But they were tears of joy. Alexander turned to her and wiped her cheek with the palm of his hand.
“I never want to see you cry, Phyllis,” he whispered.
“I can’t help it,” she beamed. “I am so happy…”
He pressed his kiss softly upon hers, both of them reluctant to pull away. She inhaled deeply, looking around.
“Well, I do believe that we need to start preparing for this evening,” she smiled. “I want everyone to feel welcome.”
“How could they not?” he replied, as they headed up the stairs together.
The estate bustled with activity as preparations for the family dinner unfolded. Servants moved gracefully, setting the grand table with polished silverware and fine china. The air was infused with the rich aroma of the evening meal being meticulously crafted in the estate’s kitchens. Phyllis was overseeing the entire process, not wanting to allow for a single thing to go wrong. Everything had to be perfect. She still felt slightly apprehensive, but she kept focusing on Alexander’s words, which gave her hope and strength.
