He reached over and set his hand on mine. “We’ll fix this together.”
I loved this man. He knew my imperfections—my fears and my struggles. He had seen me act the fool and say the wrong words. And yet he still cared.
My mother had been mistaken. Being a Society diamond was not everything. Chasing perfection hadn’t brought me any happiness. But living, caring, serving, challenging each other—those things mattered. Those were the places love blossomed. There had been no romantic moments for Atlas and I on the dance floor of a ballroom, or carriage rides through Hyde Park, or any of the other gilded moments of a spectacular London Season. The simple moments on a bench, in the stables, and in the kitchen larder outshined any of those for me.
Our love was not at all the one I had imagined for myself before I had left home. But as I met his gray-green eyes and saw myself reflected there, I do believe our story was better. We had lived in the same house, broken bread at the same table, struggled and challenged each other. We had rescued each other from our darkest moments. We had grown close despite all the reasons claiming it impossible.
I didn’t care who Mr. Hanover was. I already knew the man I wanted to marry.
Chapter 38
Atlas
Ihad not arrived at Norwood Hall with a well-laid plan, only the undeniable certainty that I needed to be here. It was all I could do now not to reach for Estelle and publicly claim her as my intended. Rashness would not win over Lowry though, but I hoped patience and fortitude would.
Augusta moved to the opposite side of Estelle from me where we stood near the front steps of Norwood Hall and linked arms with her. “Everything is going to work out. You’ll see.”
Estelle glanced over at me and shot me a small smile. She had faith in us. I had to have the same. I could have used her presence and assurance at home the last two weeks with my mother. Now I was finally here at Norwood Hall with Estelle, I would not fail her.
“This is my sister I’ve told you so much about,” Reginald said, leading Mr. Hanover to us.
Just like I used to do in a game of cards, I sized up my competition, studying out his strengths and weaknesses. Mr. Hanover was smaller than me by a good three inches—a weakness—but had a pretty face, medium-brown hair, and an obnoxiously charming grin. I suppose those could be considered strengths, though it was debatable. Especially if it motivated Estelle to act violently. The thought almost made me smile.
Hanover went straight to Augusta, scooped up her hand, and bowed over it. “A pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Lowry.” Augusta gaped in return.
Mistaken identity—a rather humorous and awkward weakness.
To be fair, I could see how he might have made the mistake. Estelle had stepped closer to my side at the last moment of our approach, which might have given the impression that we were a couple. Augusta had been a logical choice.
“I am Miss Wilde,” Augusta said, tugging her hand back.
“This is my sister,” Lowry said, pulling Estelle away from me and to his own side.
Mr. Hanover’s skin reddened like the skin of a partially ripened tomato. “Forgive me.” He took Estelle’s hand next.
It was all I could do to allow it.
“Shall we visit inside?” Estelle said, stepping away from their new guest. “I will see that tea and refreshments are served.”
“Yes,” Lowry said. “Let’s visit in the drawing room.” His smile was tight, and I sensed his stress.
Everyone started inside, and I set my hand on Lowry’s arm and held him back.
“My lord?” he asked, his annoyance betrayed with his gritted teeth. During school, he had idolized me as an upperclassman. Despite my failings then and after, I had a few desirable qualities that others respected. I had included Lowry in my circles, and he had been a grateful recipient. Would any of that make a difference to him now?
“It appears my sister and I will be staying for a few days,” I said.
He studied me. “You’re welcome of course . . . but why stay?”
I smiled. “Because I am to propose marriage.”
Lowry jerked his arm back. “I think not.” The others turned around and Lowry lowered his voice. “Do you propose to all the women you seduce in your employ?”
My brows raised. “I have never seduced a woman in my employ or out of my employ. I resent the insinuation. Moreover, I will not hear your sister’s name sullied with your misinformation.”
Lowry set his hand on his hip. “Let’s say I believe you. Why would you want to marry a servant? And worse, one who lied to you?”
“A companion is a respectable position, as you well know. The situation will lead to speculation, which I regret, but it cannot be helped. As for her lie, I know her character. She is a woman of conscience, and I know she would not lie unless she felt truly desperate.”
