Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Iwas reviewing the foundling home's accounts with Mrs. Hartley when word came that Captain Hollings had called and was asking to speak with me privately. My stomach tightened with apprehension—I had been dreading this conversation since Julian and I had begun our courtship in earnest.
"Shall I tell him you're occupied?" Mrs. Hartley asked diplomatically, clearly sensing my reluctance.
"No, I should see him. It's only fair."
I found Timothy in the cottage's small parlor, hat in hand, his military bearing somehow making him appear younger rather than more imposing. He rose immediately when I entered, his smile warm but carrying an undercurrent of tension.
"Mrs. Tynsdale, thank you for seeing me. I hope I'm not interrupting important work."
"Not at all, Captain. Though I should mention that my time is somewhat limited this morning."
"Of course. I'll be direct, then." He paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. "I wanted to speak with you about... about the direction of our acquaintance."
I settled into a chair and gestured for him to do the same, dreading what was to come.
“Timothy, I—"
"Please, let me speak first. I've come to understand that your affections are engaged elsewhere."
Relief flooded through me at his directness. "They are. I'm sorry if I gave you false hope."
"You didn't. You were always perfectly proper, never encouraging beyond courtesy. The fault is mine for reading more into your kindness than was there."
"You're very gracious."
"I try to be a realist. Lord Avebury is a fortunate man, and I suspect he knows it."
"He does. And Timothy, I hope you know that your friendship has meant a great deal to me. You're a good man, and any woman would be fortunate to have your regard."
Timothy smiled, and for the first time since his arrival, it reached his eyes.
"Actually, that brings me to my second purpose in calling.
I've been spending considerable time here lately, helping with various projects, and I've noticed that there are several remarkable women involved in this charitable work. "
"Indeed there are."
"Might I ask... that is, would it be presumptuous of me to continue volunteering here? Even though my original motivation has... evolved?"
I couldn't help but smile at his careful phrasing. "Not presumptuous at all. The children benefit enormously from having male volunteers, and I'm sure the other ladies would appreciate your continued assistance."
"The other ladies," he repeated with a slight grin. "Yes, I've found their conversation quite stimulating."
"Anyone in particular?"
"I shouldn't say. But Miss Thornfield has been most... educational about poetry and literature."
Sophie! I should have seen that coming. "She's very knowledgeable about such subjects."
"Indeed. And remarkably independent in her thinking."
"She is that. I think you'd find her friendship quite rewarding."
"I hope so. And Mrs. Tynsdale... Eliza... I hope we can remain friends, despite my initial hopes being disappointed."
"I would like that very much."
After Timothy departed—with obvious eagerness to return to the main cottage where Sophie was currently teaching the older children—I remained in the parlor, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. His gracious acceptance of the situation had removed a weight I hadn't fully realized I was carrying.