Page 22 of The Misfortunate Miss Farthington
“So, it didn’t go well then,” Luke said mildly.
Toomildly.
Richard frowned over at him before raking a hand through his hair. “I made a mess of it. She’ll never forgive me.”
“Nonsense,” Lydia said. “Miss Farthington is nothing if not understanding and patient. That’s what made her such an excellent headmistress.”
He nodded. He could see that clearly. How exceptional she was in that position, and how well it suited her. What had she said…? It made her feel useful.
He could understand that. Being the third son of a not-terribly-well-off baron had a way of making a man feel utterly purposeless. He wasn’t even the spare. He’d been the spare’s spare. Not exactly a purposeful part of the household growing up.
So yes, he understood that, just as he understood the pull of helping those in need of guidance. It was what he loved about lecturing, and perhaps it was that shared love that had first brought them together.
And now, in the cold light of day, far from her father’s regretful voice and ideas, he could see just how right she’d been.
Her father didn’t know what she wanted.Hedid.
And he’d made her doubt that he wanted it to. But truly, everything she’d said—the family, the quiet life, their partnership—it had wrung his heart and made him feel like he might explode with yearning.
He wanted all of that too. Every bit of it. And he should never have presumed to decide her fate for her.
He groaned loudly and Lydia came to his side, patting his arm gently. “Talk to her,” Lydia said. “She’ll understand.”
He nodded. “Yes, but…”
“What is it?” Luke asked when he trailed off.
“There are still factors to consider. Those shortcomings her father pointed out.” He drew in a deep breath. “She does deserve more than I can give her just now.”
“But—” Lydia started.
Her sister’s petulant voice in the doorway stopped her. “We must be getting home, Lydia. Mother will worry.”
Lydia sighed. “Keep the faith, Mr. Grant. All will be well, I promise.”
Luke wrapped his arms around Lydia from behind and leaned down to rest his head on her shoulder. “So my wife-to-be says, and so it shall be.”
Lydia laughed. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And I’m all yours,” he teased.
Richard turned away from the happy couple with a sigh. “Thank you for your support, Lydia. I appreciate that.”
She and her sister left, leaving Richard and Luke alone to stew.
Well, Richard stewed. Luke mocked him for it. “You made one mistake and you act as though there’s no hope left.”
Richard frowned. “I’m still not convinced it was a mistake.”
“Of course you are. You were wrong to doubt her and your feelings for one another, and now you must admit it.”
Richard shook his head, glaring into the fire. “That’s not all there is to it, Luke. I do still worry I’m not good enough—”
“Now see here,” Luke started, indignant on his behalf.
“But I mean to be.” Richard cut his friend off, holding up a hand. “I told Tessa I only wanted her happiness, and I mean to give her everything I can.”
Luke’s gaze turned curious as he studied him. “Why do I get the feeling you’re up to something?”
