While Luke and John looked at each other in confusion, little footsteps sounded in the hallway. Soon, a young boy with dark black hair and bright green eyes appeared, holding a tiny little girl. “Mamá?” the boy questioned, looking at John and Luke with trepidation.
Luke’s mother bent down and scooped up the baby. “Manuel,” she addressed the little boy, “Hermano Luke.” She pointed to the baron.
Manuel’s face instantly filled with recognition and excitement. “Luke!” He shouted, jumping up into his big brother’s lap.
“Oh,” Luke said in surprise. He had absolutely zero experience with children.
Mother laughed, loud and merrily. “That is Manuel,” she explained with affection. “This,” she held up the baby, “is Isabella.”
“It is nice to meet you, Manuel,” Luke replied stiffly.
Manuel didn’t notice his brother’s discomfort as he pointed his small finger at John. “Hermano?” he asked.
John shook his head, “Amigo.” And then he pointed at himself. “John.”
“John!” Manuel replied happily, climbing over to his lap instead. John playfully bounced him up and down on his knee, and the little boy giggled.
“I am so glad you have come!” Mother said as she rocked baby Isabella. “Alfonso is working, but he should be home any minute. Luke, how are you faring?” Her English was beginning to sound more natural.
“I am well,” Luke answered instinctually, but he knew it wasn’t actually the case. “Things are well.” He corrected, though that wasn’t necessarily true, either. “How are you?”
“Amazing! We are happy.” Her face beamed as she looked down at her little bundle. While Luke had tried to picture her new life, what he now saw was far better than anything he had imagined. He was blissfully grateful for her situation.
After getting the baby settled, Mother turned to Luke’s friend. “And how are you, John?”
“Much better now that I am back on land.” John laughed, and Mother joined in.
“Oh, I understand! That is a long journey you took!” They discussed the trip for a moment. Apparently, Mother had also been sick on the voyage, and she and John sympathized with each other before she asked, “and how is Lady Clara?”
Luke had only started feeling at ease, but her comment jerked him into awkwardness once more.
“She is well,” John responded hesitantly. “She has just gone to London for her first Season.”
“Oh,” Mother responded excitedly, “I am sure she will be ever so popular!” John gave Luke a sympathetic look, but Luke’s eyes were focused on his dirt-covered shoes. Avianna did not miss the interaction, and sent John a quizzical raise of the eyebrow. There was no way to silently explain the situation.
Before more could be said, the front door swung open. “Avianna! Hay caballos afuera!” came a deep voice. In walked a tall, round man. His deep black hair was pulled back with a navy-blue ribbon that matched his work clothes. He had a gray, scruffy beard, and a concerned expression. “Mi Amor?” He quickly surveyed the room.
“Papá!” Manuel shouted, leaping off John’s lap and running to hug the man.
“Luke,” Mother stood and rested the baby on her hip. “Luke, this is my husband, Alfonso.”
“Luke?” Alfonso scooped up his son and stepped up to the two English gentlemen seated near the fire.
Luke quickly stood and extended his hand out to greet him. “It is good to make your acquaintance.”
Alfonso pushed past his intended handshake and pulled the baron into a tight embrace. “Mi chico!” Manuel, still in his father’s arms, wrapped his little arms around Luke’s neck as well.
“Oh,” Mother exclaimed, rushing over and joining in the group, the little Isabella pushed up against her breast. “Finally,” her face filled with tears, “the whole family is here.” And they all stood in that position for a moment. Luke, safely wrapped in the arms of his mother, new father, and two little siblings.
Family.I have a family.He had a hard time comprehending the idea, but as it settled, so did something deep inside him. An anxiety that had been itching at him so long, he had forgotten it was even there.I have a family.He repeated.I am not alone. I have a family.
Chapter 21
An Untouchable Placeholder
London
So far, Clara’s first official ball was not nearly as fun as she had expected. The festivity was being held at the Viscountess Lady Coventry’s home. The Coventrys were a large family, and Clara was well acquainted with the women. The sisters had often hinted that Clara would be a good match for the oldest brother, Philip, and the ball had originally been planned for them to meet. Now that Clara was intended for Lord Gallant, things were a bit different.
