Harold then turned to Lucy. “My darling sister, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”
Lucy lowered her head and closed her eyes for a moment before answering, “I have to say I was surprised when I learned of your past. But I am devastated by what happened to you and so grateful that you chose to seek me out. I truly believe you wish to make a stable life for yourself now and I do forgive you.”
“And you forgive that I lied about offering you a dowry that I cannot supply?”
Lucy snuck a quick glance at George, and then said, “I can adjust my expectations.”
Harold then took her in his arms, and they held on to each other for a long time, and when they were done, Harold turned back to George.
“Your Grace, I shall begin immediately to prepare the repayment schedule you require and will submit it to you within the week. And tomorrow morning I shall be back at my post as estate manager and serve you to the very best of my ability.”
“And what are you going to tell Betsy of our meeting this evening?” Lucy asked.
“She deserves to know everything,” Harold said. “But I should like to tell her in my own time and in my own way.”
Lucy looked over at George and he nodded his assent, and then he added, “As long as you tell her before you propose. I feel she must be free to judge your actions for herself before she accepts your hand in marriage.”
“I agree,” Lucy said.
Harold bowed his head in agreement.
“And now if you will both excuse me, I should like to retire to lick my wounds,” he said with a slight smile. “I have a great deal to contend with, and I must prepare myself for my new reality. Good evening.”
George and Lucy were left alone. It had been a stressful evening for both of them, and they stood looking at each other and smiled in a moment of relief that it was over.
“I hope this evening has not been too difficult for you?” George asked.
“It was not easy, but it was necessary. Thank you for handling the matter in such a mature way. I believe you even surpassed your father’s wisdom, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Lucy.”
“And now begins the healing—for all of us, I trust.”
“You know, having Harold as the estate manager, frees me to begin my painting again. I have a lot of work to do to prepare for the autumn show. I would love it if you were to join me again in the studio with your writing. I somehow feel our working silently together helps each of us with our creativity.”
“I should like that. I definitely need to restart my writing, and I can certainly use all the help I can get.”
“Then let it be so.”
* * *
After his meeting with Harold, George had gone to his mother to apprise her of the situation with Harold and explained what had been agreed upon. It was only right she should know.
He was pleased she took the news with little of her usual fuss. In fact, she seemed to welcome the news.
Chapter 35
There were to be thirty for dinner—a modest supper, her Grace called it, downplaying its true purpose of providing a venue as a marriage market. Her Grace was determined to get at least one proposal this evening even if she needed to wrestle Mr. Goodwin to the floor with her own hands.
“George, we have a situation,” Mother said at breakfast after she was alone with her son at the table.
“Yes, Mother?”
“The dinner this evening has a veiled purpose,” she announced carefully folding her napkin and smoothing it out on the table.
“I was wondering about that. You have been so strict about observing this time of mourning; I began to suspect ulterior motives as soon as the dinner was announced.”
“We can no longer dilly-dally about with your sisters’ marriages. It is time to be decisive.”
