Epilogue
“And then we saw a badger set!” Phoebe exclaimed, eyes full of delight, her fork halfway to her mouth.
Harriet sat across from Phoebe with Theodore sitting at the head of the table between them. Every so often, she felt his knee brush against her leg, and she smiled.
The distraction had made her nearly upset her wine goblet more than once, though Theodore seemed to find the whole thing amusing.
As soon as Harriet had walked into the dining room with him for dinner, Phoebe had launched herself at her. Harriet had hugged the little girl back, and then Theodore had scooped them both in his arms and swung them.
This had resulted in a smashed vase, but no one seemed to mind. Phoebe’s delight at Harriet’s return had manifested into a stream of chatter.
Harriet steadied Phoebe’s fork before she sent peas flying everywhere with her excitement. She could feel Theodore watching her, but she managed to keep from looking at him.
“If you are not careful, your uncle will end up wearing your dinner,” Harriet teased as she motioned for Phoebe to actually eat her mouthful of food.
Phoebe gave Harriet a sheepish smile and ate her fork full of peas. Harriet could tell she was chewing as quickly as she could, eager to tell her the rest of the story.
She caught Theodore’s eye, and saw his smile broaden. “Perhaps we should take your aunt to see it for herself.”
Phoebe nodded excitedly, and for a moment, Harriet worried that she might accidentally choke. Her stomach tightened, but Phoebe seemed not to notice as she swallowed her food and said, “I can introduce you to Socks and Mr. Big.”
“And just who are they?” Harriet asked, leaning over the table and wiping a spot of gravy off Phoebe’s cheek.
“Socks is my puppy. I called her that because she has three white paws and one brown one. She has brothers and sisters, but Uncle said I can only keep one.” Phoebe gave Harriet a sidelong look. “But that was before you came home, and I think maybe you should have a puppy too.”
Harriet laughed. “I think one puppy is more than enough. They are rather a lot of work.”
Harriet caught Theodore’s eye and gave him a look that clearly said, “I told you she would fall in love with them all.” He grinned back and spread his hands in front of him in a helpless motion, but the way his eyes danced in the candlelight spread gooseflesh across her body.
“But maybe she will be lonely,” Phoebe insisted, drawing Harriet’s attention back to her.
“She will have you. And me, and your uncle and all the servants,” Harriet pointed out, helping herself to one of the bread rolls.
Phoebe sighed, but her smile only broadened. “All right. But you still need to meet Mr. Big. He is my pony.”
“And you have named him Mr. Big because?” Harriet saw Phoebe exchange a look with Theodore and giggle.
“Phoebe has learned about irony,” Theodore explained. “Mr. Big is a rather small pony, which makes him perfect for her.”
“It’s funny because he’s small. And so am I.” Phoebe giggled and looked so proud of herself that Harriet felt her own smile broaden in return.
The laughter around them, and lifted Harriet’s spirits so high that for a moment, she was convinced she would be able to fly. Tears of joy rolled down her face, and by the time she stopped laughing, her sides ached.
“Did you like the drawings?” Phoebe asked, propping her head on her hands and her elbows on the table as she leaned towards Harriet.
“They were beautiful.” Harriet touched the pocket of her skirts were she had kept them. “I love them.”
Phoebe nodded and grinned at her uncle. “I told you so.”
Theodore leaned over and ruffled her hair, and the sight made Harriet’s heart swell to at least three times its size. “I have already told your aunt how instrumental you were in the plan.”
Phoebe puffed out her chest, and beamed at Harriet. “Uncle was too busy being sad to plan, so I helped.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Harriet caught sight of Theodore choking on his wine and managed to hide her smile behind her hand. Phoebe clearly noticed, and Harriet saw a glint of mischief in her eye.
“It is lucky your uncle had you to help him.” Harriet smiled at her.
Phoebe agreed and took another mouthful of her food. Harriet glanced at Theodore who was watching her. The way he was looking at her sent her stomach into a spin.
“I am the luckiest man alive to have you both to treasure.” His voice was soft and serious. “I will not forget it.”
“I will remind you if you do.” Harriet’s lip quirked as Theodore’s eyes flashed, lowering to her lips in a way that made her mouth go dry.
It is a good thing I am already sitting down.
She realized that Phoebe had started talking again, and turned to face the little girl, catching the end of her sentence.
“Uncle promised to teach me how to swim now the weather is warmer. Do you know how to swim, Auntie?” Phoebe asked as she pulled more of her food towards her.
“Careful.” Theodore leaned over and helped her before she toppled the knife into her lap. “You will hurt yourself.”
“Sorry.” Phoebe gave Theodore an apologetic look before her eyes returned to Harriet.
“I know you are excited, but if you eat too fast you will make yourself sick, and then you will not be able to eat your pudding.” Harriet saw Phoebe’s eyes widen and added. “And to answer your question, yes, I do know how to swim, though it has been some time since I have done it.”
“Uncle can keep us both safe.” Phoebe patted Theodore’s hand. “He is good at that.”
“He is indeed.” Harriet saw Theodore’s smile broaden at her words.
“And now you’re home, we can all go on all sorts of adventures.” Phoebe chewed on her lip. “You are staying, aren’t you?”
Harriet saw the uncertainty in her eyes and felt it tug at her heart. She took Phoebe’s hand in her other one, and saw Theodore do the same.
“I am.” She gave Phoebe a serious look. “I missed you both too much to leave again.”
Over the next few hours, Phoebe chatted, livelier than Harriet had ever seen her, until eventually, she began to nod into her plate.
“I think it is time you went to bed,” Harriet said gently, helping Phoebe to her feet.
Phoebe nodded, and Lucy appeared, leading her away and to her bedroom. Harriet smiled. “She must be tired. Generally it is far more of a struggle to get her safely to bed.”
“It has been a long day.” Theodore was leaning against the wall, his eyes intent on her face.
“But a good one.” Harriet smiled and glanced the way Phoebe had left. “I suppose I should get to bed. I fear I might fall asleep where I stand if I wait much longer.”
She began to turn, ready to walk to her rooms and follow Phoebe, but Theodore caught her wrist and gently turned her to face him.
“Theodore?” Harriet asked when he said nothing. “What is it?”
“I would like you to come with me. To my room.” He smiled, and though his eyes were dark and hungry, there was something softer beneath the surface. “I think it is high time we began that big family I drew for you.”
She realized that he was nervous. She reached up and stroked his face, pressing her lips to his. “I would love to.”
His eyes widened, and he swept her into his arms. Harriet yelped and curled into his chest. She felt the rumble of his laughter as he carried her to his room.
They crossed the threshold, he kissed her deeply, and he kicked the door shut behind them. Harriet would never be alone again.
The End?