Chapter 43
Forty-Three
Seeing as she had retreated to her room the other night, when Aurora and Alec finally met again, it was over the breakfast table the next day.
It was a largely silent meal. Aurora looked bleary around the eyes, as if she had not slept well.
But Alec noted she was able to smile quietly at him, and the shared silence was companionable.
He let Aurora lead the morning’s conversation, even if it was to be a comfortable silence.
He was at sixes and sevens himself as he reflected back to all that had taken place over these past few days, including his first visit to the manufactory, and feeling entirely out of his element and inadequate to the business situation he was heading into.
So, he found it soothing simply to sit there with her, listening to her breathe and watching her twirl a curl at her temple around her finger as she stared blankly at the toasted bread she was nibbling on.
After a strong cup of tea, he watched her eyes come into focus, and he could see she felt ready to attempt conversation. “How is Marjorie this morning? Did she sleep well? I so hope she did,” she asked.
“I looked in on her before I came downstairs, and she was only now waking up. She seems a bit subdued as yet, but a day spent clambering through the attics again helped yesterday. Yes, I believe she slept.”
“Good. I plan to look in on my parents first thing this morning to see how they are recovering. I had not realized how poorly my father was doing. I hope recent events have not set him back. And after—”
Alec watched her take a moment, then continue as if she had come to a decision.
“With your permission, I wondered if I might take Marjorie on a good, long walk,” she said.
Alec gave her a grateful smile. “I think she would appreciate that. She quite hero worships you, you know. I believe she now thinks you might slay dragons. I am not entirely sure where that relegates me. You, however, are firmly in the ascendant.”
The corners of Aurora’s mouth turned up in a cross between a smile and a look of slight chagrin. “I do not believe anyone will ever dispel your place as the Greatest Hero of All Time.”
“Oh, that would be Wellington.”
“I stand corrected.” Aurora relaxed into a laugh. “I am honored to have her regard. She is a very special little girl. I see a great deal of promise in her. And, if you do not see this as too presumptuous, I find I have come to love her already. How much, I did not know until the other day.”
Alec did not say anything further, as he found himself suddenly unable to speak. All he could do was reach out to clasp Aurora’s hand and hold it silently, gently caressing her fingers. Finally, he managed, “Thank you. We have been alone for so long. I just, well—thank you.”
Aurora directed a soft look his way and returned the pressure of his hand. They sat there for another moment, saying nothing further, and then resumed eating the last portions of their meal.
Alec pushed back his chair, “My plan for this morning had been to consult further with your father so we could conclude our negotiations for our marriage contract. Perhaps that is better postponed for another day. In which case, I believe it would do me good to go for a ride. Clear my head, gather my thoughts.”
Aurora nodded. “I think that sounds an excellent plan. Shall we see each other again over luncheon? Perhaps another picnic, this time on the grounds? Would Marjorie enjoy that?”
“She would indeed.”
“Then it is settled. Have a wonderful ride, Alec.”
“And have a good walk with my imp, Aurora. Please give my best regards to your parents.”
“Thank you, I will.”
Alec stood up to leave the room, after first determining Aurora was intending to stay at the table a while longer but then leaned down and re-captured Aurora’s hand.
He brought it to his lips in a gentle kiss, his thumb caressing her fingers once more.
“I believe I shall enjoy having the opportunity to do this on a daily basis.”
She blushed slightly in return but then refused to let go his hand.
He smiled and turned her hand over, palm up.
He bent his lips to the hollow of her wrist and kissed it gently, breathing the scent of her in.
She stared at him, her eyes sad but so full of who she was, entirely present in front of him, that it clutched at his heart.
Reluctantly, he gave her back her hand and then turned and left the room.
* * *
A good hour later, Marjorie herself opened the door to her room at the light scratching telling her someone was outside. She gave a huge smile when she saw Aurora on the other side of the open doorway and stepped forward to wrap her arms around her.
Aurora gave her a kiss on the top of her head. “Good morning, sweetheart. Did you have a good breakfast?”
Marjorie nodded, released her hold and stepped back. Her mouth fell open. “Why are you dressed like that?”
“Well, I wager you might need some cheering up. So, I wondered, what might I do? Ah! I can take you to one of my favorite places in the whole wide world. Would you like to come with me? I will explain along the way.”
Marjorie nodded mutely, her eyes beginning to sparkle.
Aurora reached down to a little bundle of clothing resting on the floor near her feet. “Then let’s get you ready! Allow me to give you a hand.”