“Daisy is back; she is currently resting. The journey has tired her out, but she will be back to worktomorrow.”
“Oh good.” Amy gave Ewan one of those genuine smiles that had only really appeared when Daisy started working for them. “I have missed her. I was scared she might not comeback.”
“Why not?” Ewan was shocked by this statement It seemed to come fromnowhere.
“Because they do not always return.” Amy shrugged as if this was normal. “But Daisy is the only one that I really wantedto.”
Ewan’s heart warmed. He felt guilty for not realising just how deeply Amy was suffering from abandonment issues, but it was wonderful that Daisy had rectified that. And she would be around for a whole lot longer if she became hiswife.
“Actually, I do wish to speak to you about Daisy,” he started innocently enough. “If you have sometime.”
“You cannot fire her,” Amy replied warningly. “I will not have it. I know I do not have much say around here, but she ismyhandmaiden...”
“I do not intend to fire her,” Ewan chuckled. “Will you just give me a chance to explain what I am trying to say toyou?”
“Yes, I am sorry.” Amy sat down in the nearest chair. “Please, goahead.”
“As you know, I have spent some time with Daisy while on the road to the city.” Ewan suddenly realized that his breaths were coming out sharp and ragged. He hadn’t noticed how truly nervous he was about this. “And I have gotten to know herbetter.”
“She is wonderful, I loveher.”
“Yes. I dotoo...”
Ewan waited for Amy to process those words. For a few moments, she simply continued to stare at him as if she had no idea what was going on. Then the cogs in her brains spun faster and she finallyclicked.
“You... you love her?” Amy leapt up as if she was ready for action, but she did not quite know where she was going. “You are in love with Daisy? Are you going to marry her? Oh, please marry her. I would love her to be your wife. She is so much better than those boring women you were going to marry at onepoint.”
Ewan smiled as he recalled Amy and her sulky tantrums when he suggested getting wed a while back. “Yes, I remember you were not happy, but I cannot simply make the decision to marryDaisy.”
“Why not?” Amy practically raged. “What is wrong with her? You love her, do you not?” Suddenly a horrifying thought struck icy cold fear into her heart. “Does she not love youtoo?”
“Oh well, I do not know about that. I have not asked her. I... I thinkso.”
“So what is the problem? You two would be wonderfultogether.”
“Because she is lowborn. It would cause drama in society, and it might cause you issues, too. It may make the eligible bachelors who are willing to wed youless.”
“As if I care about that,” Amy scoffed. “I want to marry a nice man, not someone who cares about suchthings.”
“I do not think you fully understand what you are saying...” Ewan needed Amy to fully comprehend before he could make any sort ofdecision.
“Oh, I understand fully.” Amy folded her arms across her chest and she gave her brother a stern look. “I know that I do not want my husband to be a cold-hearted man who is concerned with society opinion. I am not bothered about picking the man who can offer me the most. I want what you and Daisy have. I want truelove.”
“Even if it means giving upeverything.”
“It is worth it, is it not?” Amy raised her eyebrows knowingly. “I enjoy my life, I am grateful to everything that you have done for me, but I would like to lead a much less lonely existence when I get married. If a man cannot handle that my brother has chosen to marry for love, then so beit.”
Ewan was stunned. At some point, his sister had grown into a woman before his very eyes. She had wisdom that he could only dream of and a positive attitude that was admirable. Daisy had drawn that out ofher.
“So, what do you say, big brother? Will you be brave and marry the woman you love, or will you do what is expected ofyou?”
Ewan remained silent for a few moments while his head and heart battled it out. This was the blessing that he had been hoping for, but still, he wanted to do things in a way that was right. He wanted to be certain before he made anydecisions.
“I think it is time for you to get back to work, do you not think? Your governess will be waiting foryou.”
"Oh, that is so typical of you, blowing me off without giving me a real answer. I am old enough for you to tell me things now, you understand that? I have grownup!”
“I do.” Ewan smiled. “But I am still making decisions right now. As soon as I know what I intend to do, I will let youknow.”
