Leonard absentmindedly skipped pebbles across the water, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation, while Kenneth watched him intently, concern etched into the lines of his face.
“Where does that leave Sally?” Kenneth’s question hung heavy in the air, breaking the moment’s tranquility.
Leonard’s gaze remained fixed on the rippling surface of the brook, his thoughts turbulent as he struggled to find the right words. “She doesn’t fit into my plans, Kenneth. She never did. She got caught up in all of this, innocent and yet embroiled in it all. I need to ensure she isn’t hurt further. That means keeping my distance.”
Kenneth’s expression darkened with disbelief, his features tight with worry. “By ignoring her? That will hurt her, Leonard. Speak to her. Clarify your intentions and explain why it must be this way.”
Leonard’s fingers tightened around a smooth stone, his gaze drifting downstream as he grappled with the gravity of his decision. “No, Kenneth. I cannot risk the consequences. What if she persuades me to reconsider? What if... complications arise?” He didn’t want to tell his friend that he was afraid he’d allow Sally to convince him, to allow them to try…
Kenneth leaned back against the soft grass, frustration evident in his furrowed brow. “You’ll never find resolution without engaging, Leonard. At least owe Sally that courtesy.”
Leonard’s shoulders slumped under the weight of his uncertainty, his resolve weakening in the face of Kenneth’s persistent entreaty.
“I owe Sally the opportunity for happiness,” Leonard conceded. “And that does not include me.”
A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the gentle rush of water over stones. Kenneth searched Leonard’s face, seeking reassurance in a truth that was as painful as it was inevitable.
“Is this truly what you desire, Leonard?” Kenneth’s inquiry hung in the air, a quiet plea for clarity amidst the uncertainty.
Leonard’s gaze remained fixed on the dancing currents of the brook, his heart heavy with the burden of his conscience.
“No,” Leonard confessed above the gentle rustle of leaves. “But it is what must be done.”
CHAPTER27
Sally
“How about we swing her this way? Or that? Oh, look at her dance. Do you know what this dance is called?” Sally asked as she sat on a blanket spread out on the lush green grass, engrossed in a playful game with her niece, Louisa.
“Drill Drill!” The little girl giggled with delight, her small hands cradling a doll, while Sally animatedly made the doll dance and twirl in the air, mimicking the graceful movements of a ballerina.
“That’s right. The Quadrille. When you are bigger, I’ll teach you to dance it as well,” she said, and her niece whopped with delight. She was an adorable little girl, an orphan from the orphanage her sister and brother-in-law were actively involved in. Like her brother, Peter, Louisa had been in the orphanage waiting for a home – and found one with Kenneth and Joanna.
As Sally glanced up, her gaze drifted towards Joanna, who stood a few feet away, assisting Peter in his endeavor to fly a kite. Her stomach was round now, and soon, she’d have a baby to add to the family. Peter’s face lit up with excitement as he tugged at the string, his eyes fixed on the colorful kite soaring higher into the bright blue sky.
“Look, Aunt Sally! I’m flying it high!” Peter exclaimed with youthful enthusiasm.
Joanna smiled proudly at her son’s accomplishment. “You’re doing great, Peter! Just be careful not to let it drift too close to the trees,” she advised, her tone gentle yet vigilant.
“We’ll make sure it doesn’t fly away, right son?” Lord Carlise said as he helped Peter straighten the kite. Sally smiled. Her father had joined them for the afternoon, and she’d been pleased to see him. Indeed, she had missed him and Rosy very much these last few weeks but hadn’t gone to visit their home because she hadn’t wanted to see her mother, despite the doubt Leonard had instilled in her regarding this decision. Time was short, and she knew this. Yet, she hadn’t been able to forgive her mother, not after everything.
However, her father’s presence was both towering and comforting as he offered Peter a helping hand with the kite. With his guidance, Peter managed to maneuver the kite with greater ease, his joy evident in every triumphant maneuver.
As Peter’s kite danced gracefully in the breeze, Joanna approached Sally with a warm smile. “Isn’t this a lovely sight, Sally? It’s moments like these that make all the troubles of the world seem so distant,” she remarked, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of contentment.
Sally nodded in agreement, her heart swelling with affection for her family. “Indeed, Joanna. These moments are truly precious,” she replied, her gaze lingering on Peter’s infectious laughter and Louisa’s innocent joy.
Sally found momentary solace, but it was bittersweet as she also knew that this was the only way she’d ever experience family and motherhood. As a bystander, someone looking in through a window.
“You’re such a wonderful mother, Joanna,” Sally said, a hint of wistfulness swinging with each word.
Joanna turned towards Sally, her smile radiant with maternal pride. “Thank you, Sally. I’m so grateful for moments like these,” she replied, her eyes shimmering with affection.
A pang of jealousy gripped Sally’s heart again as she watched the tender bond between Joanna and her children. “I wish I could have a family like yours,” she admitted softly, her gaze drifting towards Peter and Louisa.
Joanna’s expression softened with understanding. “You will, Sally. Soon, with Leonard by your side,” she reassured, her tone infused with hope.
Sally’s facade crumbled, her voice laced with despair. “No, Joanna. It’s never going to happen,” she confessed, her words heavy with resignation.
