Page 87 of A Foreign Crown
She curtsied to the staff, which he found charming. As they approached and he searched the servants’ faces, he could tell they were equally pleased. And then the doors opened again, and his parents stepped out.
“Now, this I did not expect.”
As soon as they were close, he bowed to his parents. “Albert Frederick Wilhelm, King of Oldenburg and Serafina Alexandria, Queen. Father, Mother, I would like you to meet Lady Aribella, daughter of the Duke of Sumter.”
“I’m happy to meet you.” Aribella’s sincerity warmed Layton. She curtsied low, all that was grace and loveliness, and upon rising, Layton’s mother surprised him and pulled her into a hug.
“Oh, my dear. We are so grateful you have come and arrived safely. I couldn’t have born it if anything had happened to you on your journey.”
“I too am grateful.” His father reached a hand to rest on her shoulder while Aribella was still in an embrace with his mother. “Your family is important to our country; your father may well be a national hero. We are sorry for his passing and express our sincere condolences.”
She stepped away and nodded. “I thank you. He will be missed
every day.”
“And cherished in our hearts and memories. You can be certain of that.” Layton’s father turned toward the castle. “Shall we begin our tour of Layton’s home?”
“I don’t know if he told you, but Brittiny Castle comes through my own family line.” Mother placed her hands in the crook of Aribella’s arm, and what he’d thought might be a romantic introduction to his home had turned into something perhaps even more important.
He walked at their side.
His mother lifted her hand toward the stunning views out to sea. “One of the best features of this castle that I have always loved is the many windows. We had those added in more modern times, as of course, naturally, the walls used to be covered in stone.”
“I don’t think I could ever look away.”
The group moved to the windowed dining hall, and Aribella wiped
a tear.
“Are you well?” Layton stepped closer, standing at her other side.
“Yes, quite.” She indicated the ocean out his windows. “I’ve never seen such a lovely view. It will delight my dreams for many nights.”
Relieved, he indicated that they continue. The portrait hall, the armory, the music hall, all brought exclamations of delight, and Layton found a multitude of reasons to once again feel great pride in his home. He thought again that perhaps he should have spent more time living here and not on his ship. When at last they agreed to pause for refreshment, he led them to his cozy family breakfast room, where the servants were setting up a small luncheon.
“We would love for you both to come to our dinner this evening.” Mother’s smile was warm and engaging. “There will be dancing, I’m certain. And of course, Lady Aribella, we have rooms set up for you at the main palace.”
“Thank you.” The brief disappointment that crossed her face made Layton smile, but of course, she could not live at Brittiny Castle—not while they were unwed, which he had become anxious to remedy as soon as possible. She was born to live in his home. She fit in every room, in every scenario of his mind. He could now envision children and grandchildren and Aribella at the head of his tables. How could he have ever thought to be happy for one moment with Princess Mary or anyone else at his side? Duty or no, Aribella was his future—had always been.
But she was in mourning.
He reached for her hand. She squeezed his in return. “I wish your father were here with us as well,” he said.
Sadness and gratitude filled her expression. “I was just thinking of him. I wear these colors with such love and pride.”
“We hope you will pass your mourning with us... and many years more.” His mother’s eyes filled with love.
“Thank you.” The pretty blush on Aribella’s cheeks made Layton want to pull her into his arms.
They did not tour the family rooms. That would come later. The servants brought them their coats and furs, and then they made their way back outside, where the palace had sent over their smaller transport to travel across the bay.
Layton turned to his mother. “How did you and Father know to come?”
She laughed into the wind that whipped across the bay. “We know our son. You entered with two merchant ships and a woman in your arms on deck and went straight for Brittiny Castle.” She laughed again.
“Your mother has been watching the sea with a spyglass of her own,” Layton’s father added.
Aribella’s color deepened, and Layton chuckled. They continued to chat until they had crossed the bay, and once inside his parents’ palace, the King and Queen left them alone for a moment. Layton bowed over Aribella’s hand. “Thank you for coming. We did not have as much time alone as I would have liked, but I want you to know how sincerely happy I am that you are here.”
