Chapter 30 #3
Nessa turned back and smiled at Alaric. “For everything.”
She was crouched down in front of Lady Honora’s burial site.
And laid in front of it was a bouquet of wildflowers that she had picked on her way there.
The weather had been beautiful these past few weeks, allowing the flowers to blossom and grow, and Nessa just knew that Lady Honora would love them.
It was only to be a short visit, because, as Alaric had rightly said, she had much to do. But it was also necessary. She had not visited Lady Honora’s grave for three weeks, and Nessa felt that an update was needed.
So, Nessa told her about all that had happened. And most importantly, she was sure to thank her because without Lady Honora, none of this would have been possible.
“I miss her,” Nessa said sadly as she looked at the tomb.
“As do I,” Alaric sighed. “As I know how happy she would be for you.”
“For both of us,” Nessa corrected.
With that said, Nessa allowed Alaric to help her stand, and they slowly made their way back to the castle. As they walked, Nessa noticed a look of deep contemplation on Alaric’s face, and even worry. Likely, he was simply thinking of the day ahead, checking off in his mind that all was ready.
But the longer they walked, the deeper his frown became, and Nessa knew there was more to it.
“Are you going to tell me?” she asked.
“Tell you what?”
“What has you so concerned?” she said. “Which I am now thinking is the reason that you came to find me.” She stopped walking but kept hold of his hand so that he turned to face her.
“There is something I need to tell you,” he began carefully, the worry increasing. “And please, promise not to be upset with me.”
“That depends on what you have done.”
He clicked his tongue. “Today is a special day, Nessa. Maybe the most important in your life so far.”
“How very humble of you,” she joked.
“The point is, it is a day to be celebrated, and that celebration should be shared with loved ones …” As he trailed off, Nessa’s stomach dropped.
“Alaric, what did you do?”
Before he had a chance to answer, a cry swept across the garden, and just like with Alaric, it was a voice that Nessa recognized as if it were her own.
Her eyes widened. “Alaric …”
“She deserves to be here, Nessa,” he hurried. “And I know that if she were not, you would regret it. Be mad at me if you wish it, but know that I only did it for you.”
“Nessa! Oh, there you are!”
Nessa went rigid. She could not bring herself to smile, and slowly she turned just in time to see her mother hurrying toward her down the garden path.
Nessa had not spoken to her mother since that single letter she had sent months ago.
She had not told her what happened. Nor had she told her about herself and Alaric.
The reason for this was anger, as Nessa felt betrayed by her mother’s silence.
She knew about her father, as she did about Aisling, and she had said nothing.
And while Nessa did not intend to ignore her forever, she planned on letting that silence stretch until her mother reached out in apology.
Apparently, Alaric had a different idea of how their reunion ought to be. And on today of all days … this should be interesting.
“Nessa.” Her mother stopped short just before reaching her.
“Mother.”
For a brief moment, Nessa felt compelled toward anger. Her mother had lied to her, and she very much wanted to let her know just how upset she was about it. It was what she deserved.
But as Nessa took her mother in, looking over her from the bright red hair to the green eyes to the face that she had known and loved her entire life, it was not anger that Nessa felt.
She had not seen her mother in well over a year, and while Nessa did not miss her home, she realized at that moment that she missed her mother.
Nessa might have searched her entire life for somewhere that she truly belonged, but her mother had always been who she knew and loved, and who would always be there for her. She was her home, and while she might never return to Ireland, she would never forget the woman who had raised her.
“Oh …” Nessa threw herself at her mother and wrapped her in a hug. “I have missed you.”
Her mother started in surprise, then relaxed and wrapped her daughter in a loving embrace that brought back memories of a childhood that Nessa suddenly missed.
“I am sorry, Nessa,” her mother said. “I should have told you –”
“It is fine,” Nessa cut her off. “You did as you thought you must. Perhaps not the right thing, but I cannot blame you.”
“You should,” her mother said. “But thank you.”
They held one another for a moment longer, and Nessa saw Alaric smile before slinking off back to the castle. He had done this, knowing that deep in her heart, Nessa wanted this reunion – that she needed it.
Just another reminder of why I love him.
“So …” Her mother pulled back, and there were tears in her eyes. “Today.”
“Today.” Nessa laughed.
“How are you feeling? Nervous?”
“Not even a little bit,” Nessa said with a smile. “And that ought to tell you everything you need to know. And with that said …” She took her mother’s hand. “Would you like a tour? I need to get ready soon, but there is still time.”
“I would love one.”
Nessa led her mother through the garden and back inside the castle, and as they started to talk, it felt like not a day had passed between them.
She showed her mother the full extent of the castle, and all those people who made it a home. Her mother met Mr. Carrow; she was introduced to Morag and Muirne, and she was positively delighted to see Nessa’s personal quarters.
“You have really come a long way,” her mother said as she looked around the large room. “All of this for you. I would have never guessed.”
“Nor would I,” Nessa said with a coy smile. “But I think I will come to grow used to it.”
“And what of today?” her mother then asked. “How did that come about? You still have not told me.”
“That is a long story,” Nessa said with a sigh. “Perhaps later? After the ceremony? We have so much to catch up on. How long are you staying?”
“How long am I welcome for?”
“As long as you need, Mother,” Nessa said. “This is my home now, so it is also yours.”
“Your home?” her mother pried curiously.
“Yes,” Nessa said. “And truly, it is about time that I have one.”
Nessa might have liked to have spent more time with her mother – now that the awkwardness was gone, they had so much to catch up on! But the day was getting away, and as said, time was not on Nessa’s side. She had a lot to do; she needed to be ready, and this was one day that she would not rush.
So, she left her mother in the library, promising to have her sent for when the time came, and then she hurried to her room. It was time to get ready.