Page 3 of The Duke's Gamble
“My brother has written?” Florentina’s heart leapt in her chest, for Henry had been gone from the estate for three months now and, as yet, they had not heard a word from him. “Are you quite certain?”
The maid nodded. “A man on horseback arrived only an hour ago, my lady,” she said, dropping her head a little more as though afraid Florentina would scold her for not being informed of such an arrival. “The household was still abed—or so we believed—and the letter was placed in Lady Haddington’s parlour.”
A rush of excitement spilled from Florentina’s heart, and she pressed the maid’s shoulder for a moment, before continuing to make her way to the door. “I shall inform Lady Haddington at once,” she promised, her spirits lifted at the thought of hearing from her brother, and praying that her mother would share in her excitement. “The rose garden, did you say?”
Seeing the maid nod, Florentina hurried outside, ignoring the morning chill that had not yet been banished by the bright sunshine.
Her steps were quick and her breathing a little ragged as she moved with all haste towards the rose garden, eager to see her mother. As she walked, her mind filled with memories of all that had transpired on this day a year ago. Her heart ached as she recalled the many happy times spent in the gardens with her father—how he had often walked alongside her through the rose garden itself. Lord Haddington had been a kind and gentle man, although firm in his decisions and unyielding when it came to what he believed was right. The love that he had for his wife had been more than evident and Florentina had never once doubted that he loved each of his children as well, for she had felt that love practically radiating from him every day of his life. Therehad always been time to listen, time to talk and to laugh. How little laughter there was these days! Now that he was gone, it felt as though he had taken all joy and all happiness with him, leaving them with nothing but a barren, grey world.
We will laugh again,Florentina told herself, finally setting eyes on her mother.One day soon, wewilllaugh again.
“Mama!”
Lady Haddington turned her head, showing no surprise at Florentina’s presence. Perhaps she had been expecting her to seek her out.
“Florentina, good morning.”
Florentina was a little surprised at the lightness of her mother’s tone. She had expected to hear nothing but sorrow and had thought there would be a heaviness in her mother’s voice or even in her expression but, as Lady Haddington turned to face her, Florentina was all the more astonished to see the gentle smile on Lady Haddington’s face.
“Good morning, mama.” The fears that had tugged at Florentina’s heart when she had first realised the importance of the day immediately began to fade away as she looked into Lady Haddington’s face. “You are quite well?”
Her mother’s smile was tinged with sadness, but after a moment, she nodded. “I am well, Florentina.”
“I—I am glad.”
“You did not expect me to be so, I believe.” One of her mother’s eyebrows lifted gently. “You are aware of the significance of the day.”
Florentina nodded. “I am.”
Her mother said nothing for some moments, holding Florentina’s gaze steadily although a gentle smile still played around the corners of her mouth. A soft breeze stirred around them, and Florentina felt its warmth wrap around her shoulders, comforting her in its own quiet way.
“I have been reflecting on the blessing that your father was to us all, Florentina,” Lady Haddington murmured, finally breaking the silence as she turned her head to admire some of the most beautiful yellow roses. “I am deeply sorrowful over his passing and, indeed, I do not believe I will ever be free of this feeling of loss that now binds my heart. Yet, I have also come to see the importance of considering the good he brought us whilst he was alive.”
Florentina nodded, her throat aching as once more, memories of her father were brought to mind. “I understand, mama.”
“I shall never cease grieving,” Lady Haddington continued, as though she had not heard Florentina’s words. “It will always be with me now, but I will soften the pain by recalling all the wonderful moments I shared with him.” Her smile was brighter than Florentina had seen in many months. “In so doing, I believe a part of him will always remain with me.”
“I am very glad to hear you speak so,” Florentina replied, coming a little closer to her mother and feeling such a relief that it swamped her entirely for a few seconds, leaving her struggling to speak clearly. “I—I thought that….”
“You thought that I would be lost in my despondency and sorrow, as I have been for many months,” Lady Haddington said quietly, as Florentina nodded. “I quite understand, my dear.” Reaching out, she pressed Florentina’s hand. “You have been a great support to me, Florentina. Your sisters have looked to you for guidance and assistance and you have given it without hesitation. I cannot express to you how much I have needed you, nor how deep my gratitude is for all that you have done.”
Dropping Florentina’s hand, she embraced her instead, holding her tightly for a few moments. “But I am resolved to be restored to you all now. It has been a year and you must begin to turn your thoughts toward the future!” Releasing Florentina, shestepped back and met her gaze directly. “It is time to consider London.”
Florentina’s heart dropped to the ground. “London?” she repeated, as Lady Haddington nodded. “Mama, I am not ready!”
“Nonsense,” came the firm reply, as Lady Haddington compelled herself to behave in a manner that, as yet, did not quite sit naturally upon her. “All that is required are a few new gowns and arrangements for our arrival in London. No doubt your brother will be content for us to make use of his townhouse.” Her brow furrowed. “Mayhap that will encourage him to return to this estate, knowing that we have all departed.”
Blinking rapidly, Florentina tried to take in what her mother was saying, trying to accept all that was being told to her and yet struggling to do so without difficulty. She did not wish to venture anywhere near London and into society, not yet at least. She still felt the loss of her father keenly, felt the burden of responsibility of caring for her mother and sisters still weighing heavily upon her shoulders. To go to London and into society—with the clear hope of finding a suitable match—would mean that Florentina would have to set aside such responsibilities entirely!
But mayhap that is what your mother wishes,her heart whispered quietly.She has seen all that you have done, all that you have endured, and now seeks to lift that particular burden from you.
Florentina shook her head against such thoughts—an action her mother did not fail to notice—aware that, as yet, she had not fully worked through her grief. In caring for her mother and her sisters as she had, Florentina had been compelled to set aside her own pain, which she now carried deep within her, awaiting a time when it might finally be released in its entirety. She could not possibly go to London while such a burden weighed upon her soul!
“It will all be well,” Lady Haddington said, gently, evidently seeing the worry on Florentina’s face. “You have given so much, my dear. It is time you were recompensed, I think, and London has much to offer you.” Her smile eased some of Florentina’s fear, leaving her a little less anxious. “Mayhap you will find a suitable gentleman and soon experience the same happiness your father and I shared.”
“I do not think that I will ever be able to find the same joy and love that you and Papa shared, Mama,” Florentina replied, truthfully, as her mother grasped both of her hands tightly. “But I shall be content with something even a fraction of what you had.”
Lady Haddington’s eyes flooded but her smile remained. They stood together for some moments, saying nothing but perfectly content to simply linger for a short time. Things, it seemed, were about to change, and Florentina could not help but pray that her mother might be willing to wait for at least the little Season before insisting that Florentina go to London. Yet, she held out no great hope that it would be so. Her mother was markedly changed from yesterday, now seeming to possess a renewed hope for the future and a resolve that, while she would never forget her dear husband, would carry his memory with her in whatever course she chose to follow next.
