Page 82 of Finding Hope
“I will make certain he is on his lead this time,” Joy said.
“He did not put me out,” Faith said, bending over to pick up the cat and then scratching his ears.
Another knock caused them to turn about and see who was there. Rotham’s imposing frame filled the doorway.
He smiled warmly at Hope, then nodded a greeting to her sisters. “My father has returned. Would you like to go with me to welcome him?”
“Yes, of course.” She was touched beyond measure that he would think of her. He held out his arm to her, and she took it gladly. As they walked through the great hall, then the entrance towards the drive, she realized it would be one of many such times. It was awe-filling, looking at Davenmere in such a light. Each room so steeped in history, as well as each servant’s face, bore the responsibility of a legacy that she and Max would build together. It was very humbling.
They walked out to the drive, where Lady Diana stood with Lady Claudia and Lord Augustus, waiting for the carriage to arrive.
However, when a vehicle came into view, there was not one, but three carriages.
“Whatever is this?” Max asked.
“It looks as though Father has brought back some wedding guests,” Diana remarked.
“It would not surprise me in the least,” Gus agreed.
The first carriage slowed to a stop, and Max went to open the door for his father and handed him out. He was looking weary and worn, but he still smiled at his son. Max helped him to climb down and Hope noticed he leaned heavily on a cane, but once he was firmly on the ground, he held out a hand to Hope. “Come, child.”
Hope took his offered hand, and waited for him to speak.
“It is finished and you will never be troubled by my wife again. I can only convey my sorrow and apologies for not having dealt with her sooner.”
“You could not have known, your Grace. I can only regret being the source of such…emotions within her.”
“Never think the fault is yours, my dear. It lies entirely within her mind.”
“Where have you taken her?” Max asked.
“It is probably better you do not know for now, my son. Now is a time for happiness. I want to put this matter behind us. Speaking of which, I have brought a surprise for you.” He looked at the carriage which had drawn up behind them and the guests who were alighting.
Max grinned and looked at Hope. “Would you believe it? My father has brought an archbishop!”
“It was the best wedding gift I could think of,” the Duke said and squeezed each of their hands before releasing them.
Hope laughed and could only shake her head as a pleasant-looking gentleman with grey hair and dark eyebrows stepped forward and they made their bows.
“Your Grace, this is my lovely bride, Miss Whitford,” Max said. “Hope, may I present the Archbishop of York.”
“Rotham would find the loveliest bride to be had in all of England,” his Grace said.
“I am fortunate, indeed,” Max agreed. “Welcome back to Davenmere. We are grateful to you for coming.”
“I heard I missed a hunt! And in June!” the Archbishop exclaimed, known for almost turning down the archbishopric for fear of having to give up hunting. It certainly explained the friendship between him and the Duke.
“A capital run it was!” the Duke chimed in. “You must return in the autumn after the cubbing. It has been much too long!”
“It certainly has.”
“You have something suitably grand planned, I trust, Diana?” Hope heard the Duke ask.
“It is best just to smile and let them have their way,” Max whispered in her ear.
“I am coming to realize that,” she agreed.
“Now, I wonder who is in the third carriage?” A black travelling coach pulled by four matching black horses waited for the door to be opened and the step lowered.
