Page 88 of Her Tiger of a Duke
In such a short time, George had made a name for himself. He had become a solicitor, and to make him feel better about living there Owen hired him for himself. It was the best way to go forward. Owen knew that most men would not even accept that as a compromise, but though George was a proud man he knew it was for the best. He had a family to support.
In a way, Owen envied him for that. Though daunting, protecting Beatrice was one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life, and he wanted more. There was already so much love between George and their son, who they had named Johnathon Owen, and he wanted to have that same bond himself.
At the end of the month, Owen and Beatrice left for their honeymoon, and though they had discussed visiting many different countries, Beatrice had won in the end. They would go to Scotland, and stay in the Highlands in a small cottage just as she had wanted.
“It is spectacular,” she said wistfully upon their arrival. “Are we truly to spend two months here?”
“Indeed. You may wish to consider it home for this while.”
“And I most certainly will. I have always liked smaller homes.”
“But ours is enormous.”
“Yes, and I love our manor, but when I see Helena’s home, a part of me wishes that we had one of our own, too. You cannot tell me that this is not the coziest home you have ever seen.”
In an instant, he knew that he would purchase one for her. He would have purchased ten if it made her happy. He had always liked the home that Helena and George had, and though it was not the great imposing feat of architecture that they lived in, he agreed that it had a unique charm of its own.
“So,” she asked as they made their way inside, “what do you have planned for our time here?”
“I thought you might like to visit some markets and see some of the incredible sights here. It would also be nice to try some of the food, and I thought you would find some inspiration in the bakeries.”
Her eyes sparkled at the suggestions, just as he expected. He knew what she enjoyed, and it was easy to plan such things when that was the case. However, there was one more thing that he wished to do, and that was to be a surprise.
He took her the following day. It was a nearby farm, and she was pleased enough to be visiting that. She liked animals; something that surprised him when he learned of it because she had not told him before. They wandered a while, admiring the animals, and then he led her into a small room indoors.
It was warm and filled with soft blankets and cushions. Beatrice seemed unable to notice what was around her, and though it amused him he wanted her to truly enjoy the moment, and so he led her to one corner of the room.
“Look there,” he explained, and at last her eyes fell upon the litter of puppies.
They were getting their milk from their mother, who was lying on her side. She was a large dog, just as Owen wanted. He had always dreamed of a mountain dog, one that would proudly protect their home. It would bring him a great deal of peace to know that there was something of that size guarding them.
“Oh, look at them,” she gasped. “They are so small!”
“For now, but one day they will be rather fearsome.”
“Do not be so ridiculous. Cecilia has one, and he is well-meaning but clumsy. I do not think he would know how to frighten someone if it was explained to him in barks.”
Owen laughed, though he hoped that would not be the case for theirs.
“That one is ours,” he said suddenly, pointing to one with a green ribbon around its neck.
It was asleep as the others ate, which was not the best suggestion that it would one day be terrifying. Beatrice loved that, however, and as tears fell down her cheeks, she took the dog in her arms and gently stroked the top of his head.
“Oh, Owen, is he really?” she asked. “He is gorgeous! I have always wanted one just like him.”
“As have I. Why did you not have one?”
“You have met my father. Could you imagine him ever allowing such a thing?”
“I see. It was the same with my own.”
“Yes, well, we are going to be different. You and I will not treat our children like that.”
There was a certainty in the way she said it, as though they would definitely have children, even though they had not yet decided. It was an expectation placed upon them, but that did not mean that they had to, and it was not as though either of them seemed particularly inclined to do so.
Owen bit his lip. In truth, he very much did want a child, but he would never pressure his wife into it. He wanted a son and a daughter. A son so that he could raise a good man, and continuehis family name, and a daughter so that the world would know a little girl like his wife. It was daunting, and a lot to ask of his wife knowing her fears, but it was what he wanted.
That was why, partly, he had chosen a dog. It was not the same as a child, but it was similar enough that he could know for certain whether they were prepared for such a responsibility. If they raised their dog with ease, then he would be more comfortable broaching the subject again.
