“I hope so.”
“I do appreciate you, Mother,” Verity continued. “I know that you love me and are trying your hardest to support me with Henry. It means a lot to me. But I believe that Henry is unwavering. I don’t know if there is anything that I can say to make him understand my point of view.”
Her mother smiled weakly and rose to her feet. “Come on. Let us go to Hyde Park. Perhaps an afternoon in the sunshine will help us. Maybe we will even come home with a solution.”
Verity wasn’t convinced by that at all.
She did not think that there was anything her and her mother could do when Henry was the one who held all the control. But she had to admit that she was looking forward to getting to Hyde Park. Any time spent with her cousin was wonderful.
“Yes,” she agreed with a more genuine smile than Elizabeth had managed. “Let us go.”
As they walked, Verity could not shake off her memories of the last time she was at Hyde Park. She had been forced here with Ambrose and it was a terribly stark reminder that they had nothing to talk about. He did not even really engage with her in talks about the beauty of the gardens. It was as if he did not see the beauty at all.
If they could not talk, then what would their marriage become?
She would not be his wife. Not in any real sense of the word. She would simply be a woman by his side when he needed that, and a woman to help raise his children. The children who hated her would probably give her far more conversation than Ambrose ever would.
That was a truly depressing thought that sent a shudder down her spine.
But it was also heartbreaking to know that was the best future that she could hope for.
“What do you think, Verity?” her mother finally asked, breaking the silence. “It looks like it’s going to be a wonderful afternoon.”
Verity finally managed to smile just a little. “Yes, the weather looks like it will be lovely.”
There were a lot of visitors to Hyde Park that day, but thankfully it did not take them long to see Faye and James already seated in their picnic spot. Their servants had alreadylaid out a blanket and spread for them, and Verity had to admit that it all looked utterly delicious.
If anything could lift her spirits, it was this. Delightful food, drink, and company too.
Verity’s spirits lifted as she saw her cousin Faye waving enthusiastically, and James smiling warmly beside her.
At least they were here to help make her smile.
“Verity! Aunt Elizabeth!” Faye called out, her voice bright and cheerful. “We have been waiting for you. Come, sit and enjoy.”
“This looks lovely,” Elizabeth said as they took a seat. “What a spread.”
“Well, it’s a lovely day!” Faye agreed. “We thought it best to take advantage of it.”
“Oh yes, we cannot waste the sunshine,” James chuckled.
Verity found herself smiling.
Faye and James always had a way of making everything seem brighter, and today was no exception.
“So, Verity,” James began, pouring her a glass of lemonade, “have you completed your latest painting?”
Verity smiled, grateful for the distraction. “Yes, I finished it this morning. It’s of the orchids we saw at Kew Gardens. I tried to capture their beauty as best I could.”
“I am sure it’s wonderful,” Faye said sincerely. “You have such a talent for bringing nature to life on canvas. I would love to see it some time.”
“Any time,” Verity agreed. “You are always welcome.”
She did not always like to show her art off, but she would always let Faye see it. Her cousin was always nothing but supportive.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, much to Verity’s relief. This was exactly the kind of afternoon that she needed, to take her mind off everything. As the afternoon progressed, Verityfelt herself relaxing more with each passing minute. Even the thought of Henry’s overbearing nature seemed to fade in to the background, and she did not even think of at all, purposefully banishing all thoughts of him to the back of her mind.
Verity was about to take a bite of a delicious looking scone when she noticed Faye sitting up a little straighter, clearing her throat. There was a curious glint in her eyes, one that Verity could not quite place.