Page 87 of Finding Hope
“Some might think it beneath the dignity of a Duke, but he says Sylvester has given him a new reason to live.”
“I suppose we can hardly begrudge him that,” Patience conceded, “but I will hold my nephew before I leave!”
“Soon you will have another niece or nephew to dote on,” Faith told her sisters. “If all goes well, by Christmas we expect to have another christening to attend.”
“Oh, Faith!” Hope exclaimed. She and her sisters immediately hugged their eldest sibling.
Hope knew her sister had been despairing over the fact she had not yet conceived. It was joyous news indeed.
“I believe it is time we proceeded to the church,” said his Grace, “We do not want to be late.”
They drove in procession to the church and watched as Magnus Sylvester Valerius was christened, with Lord and Lady Westwood named as godparents. When Sylvester objected to the water, the Duke immediately took him from the bishop’s arms, and his grandfather somehow seemed to entrance the child, causing him to forget why he was crying. Soon Sylvester was cooing and blowing bubbles at his Grace. It was not often that the future duke fussed. He was a joy to the entire household.
After the christening, Hope had ordered a picnic luncheon set up for them alongside the river.
It was a warm, sunny afternoon, too hot for anything other than relaxing in the shade with a cool glass of lemonade.
The Duke was seen napping with his grandson on his chest beneath the shade of an old chestnut.
Max and Hope sat on a swing overlooking the water.
“Are you happy, my love?” Max asked.
“I am happy and content,” Hope answered. “Your father still lives, I love you more every day that passes, and my family is here with us to celebrate our precious child.”
“That does paint the perfect picture,” he agreed.
“Mm,” she murmured as she laid her head on his shoulder, enjoying the slight breeze drifting off the water.
“Father has asked me for a favour,” Max said, causing her to turn her head up to look at him.
“What is it?” she urged.
“He desires a trip to the Continent.”
Hope did not know what to say.
“He makes a good argument,” Max continued. “He has not been there since his Grand Tour and wishes to enjoy the warm sea air.”
“If his doctor thinks it safe for him to travel, I daresay it could prove very beneficial, but how long would he be gone?”
“That is the minor detail I wish to discuss with you.”
“Yes?”
“He wishes me to bring Sylvester and you and accompany him. You know he dotes on Sylvester and does not wish to be away from him for even a day. Dr. Cafferty has no objections. In fact, he thinks it might be good for him. Since you have never been to the Continent, I thought you might enjoy a visit to France and perhaps Italy.”
“Indeed I should, husband—but to do so with a baby? Would it not put our son at risk?”
“We will take an army of servants to tend his every need. I think you would enjoy it. Manners on the Continent are less…restrained, shall we say?”
“I have always wished to travel. If Dr. Cafferty has no objections, then I think we should grant his Grace this wish. Thus far we have an excellent record of fulfilling them, do we not?”
“Indeed we do.” Max chuckled. “I wonder what he will ask for next.”
“Thus far I have been happy to oblige him. It is the least we can do for him when it was his support which enabled us to be together.”
It was a solemn reminder of those tumultuous weeks before their wedding. The Duchess was never spoken of within hearing of the Duke, Max, or Hope. Her portrait had been removedto a remote attic, and replaced with one by Lawrence of Max and Hope together. Hope found it very humbling that Max had chosen her over the Davenmere name, and she intended to do everything in her power to bring him joy. She was happier than her wildest dreams could have imagined.
