Chapter 26 - Stephen
“They should have been back by now.” Stephen paced in front of the window.
He himself had only returned a quarter hour previously; he hadn’t even removed his boots yet.
“That’s funny—that’s what she’d been saying about you.” His mother paged through a book, looking utterly unconcerned.
Stephen frowned at her, then glanced at the clock. “What time did you say Mr. Crawford came, again?”
She sighed. “You heard me quite clearly the first two times. Are you certain you aren’t the one with the head injury?”
“I would think you’d be more concerned. Your protectiveness of Vera seems to have markedly waned.”
“It hasn’t waned, my dear. It’s been effectively transferred.”
“What was that?”
Stephen had been checking the clock again—the blasted thing was moving slower than the horse he’d once chanced a bet on. It was the one and only time he’d wagered on a race. Stupid thing, betting on animals—the loss had served him right.
His mother sighed as if quite put out. “I’m sure she’ll be back any moment. Mr. Frederick’s with her—that brute will keep her safe from harm.”
“Tell me again—why is she unchaperoned?”
“I couldn’t tell any of the maids to go out in this mess.”
“Yet you could send her out?” Stephen’s eyebrows were raised, as was his voice.
His mother paused, then slowly raised her eyes from the page. Stephen swallowed—he recognized that look.
Jacqueline’s voice was deceptively light when she said, “I didn’t send her. She went. And Mr. Frederick is extremely dependable. Vera’s reputation is exceedingly safe. No one will be out in this mess, so there’s no chance anyone will see her unchaperoned.”
“Perhaps she should have come with me. Then she wouldn’t have even been here to answer the blasted request.”
“She was needed here, with Anne.” His mother closed her book on her finger to hold her place. “This is a good lesson for you—that little girl needs a father and a mother.”
“I don’t want Vera to accept just because of Anne,” he blurted.
His mother smiled as if she were the proverbial cat who got the saucer of cream. “I knew it.”
“Yes, yes. You may enjoy your smug success later, perhaps. It’s far too soon for it now.”
“On the contrary. You were always the impediment to the issue. If you’ve decided to get out of your own way, I feel the situation can be charmingly resolved—and quickly. If you have the sense to propose to the lady, that is.”
“This is hardly any of your concern.”
“Is it not?” She raised her eyebrows. “Whose job will it be to help you raise that young girl if you don’t secure Vera’s hand in marriage?”
Stephen exhaled through his nose. He knew she had a point—if Vera turned him down, then his mother was the next most likely candidate to assist him.
She must have seen the truth of the matter upon his face, for she smiled again. “Exactly. So let me make this easier on you. I intended upon waiting to tell you this, but I feel now is the perfect time. I’m moving out.”
“Excuse me?” Stephen couldn’t have been more flabbergasted if she’d announced she was taking up a career on the stage.
“I’m relocating to the old groundskeeper’s cottage by the end of the month. Rest assured that I’m taking my menagerie with me. This house will be yours, as is right.”
“What about Benjamin?”
“I thought he’d stay here, with you. Of course he’s always welcome to live with me as well, but some time together might be a good thing for you two. Plus, this is his home.”
“This is your home.”
“It’s time you made it yours instead.” She waved a hand. “Oh, don’t look so shocked. This is the natural order of things.”
“Have I made you feel unwelcome? Because I’ve become accustomed to the animals.”
It was a half-truth, and they both knew it. Stephen had only just become comfortable taking a bath without first feeling the need to search the corners of his bathing chamber for raccoons and whatnot.
“Not in the least. But it is high time that you start living your life. It’s nearly impossible for a man to fully act as an adult if he’s still living with his mother.”
Stephen nodded. “As long as you’re happy with the arrangement.”
“Of course. It was my idea.” Jacqueline flipped open her book. “When are you going to ask her?”
“I’m not sure—when the time is right, I suppose.”
“Take it from me, Stephen. You don’t want to waste any time apart from the one you love—time isn’t guaranteed.”
Stephen glanced at the clock on the mantel once more. “Enough of this. I’m going after her.”
His mother hummed as she turned another page. “That’s the spirit, dear.”