Malcolm gave her a knowing look. “Just think on it,” he said.
“I can promise to do that, but that is all I can promise at this time.”
Rising, Malcolm said, “Furthermore, Mother and I have decided you are not to move out. We want you to stay.”
“But Father clearly does not want me here.”
“Father doesn’t even wantmehere,” Malcolm asserted.
“Yes, but you are his heir.”
“And you are his daughter.”
Enid pressed her lips together. “That means nothing to him,” she contested. “Besides, all we do is fight. I am tired of doing so.”
Malcolm sighed. “I told Mother I would try to talk some sense into you.”
“I appreciate the effort, but this is my life; my future.”
“Very well. But tell Mother I tried.”
Enid nodded. “I will tell her that you made the most valiant of efforts.”
“Thank you, Sister.” Malcolm walked over to the door and stopped. “I love you, no matter what you do or where you go.”
“I love you, too.”
Malcolm exited the room, leaving Enid alone with her thoughts. Which was never a good thing. Perhaps it was time that she went to see if Marigold had woken up from her nap. She exited her bedchamber and walked down the hall to the nursery.
She quietly turned the handle and pushed the door open. As she stepped into the room, she saw her father was sitting on a chair and he was watching Marigold sleep. His eyes held a tenderness to them that she had never witnessed before.
As she went to speak, he held his finger up to his mouth, indicating she should remain silent. He rose and walked past her as he stepped into the hall. She followed him, being mindful to close the door so as not to disturb Marigold.
Enid turned to face her father, giving him an expectant look.
Her father met her gaze and said, “I don’t want you to leave.”
Nothing could have surprised her more than what her father had just revealed. “Why is that?” she asked. “All we do is fight.”
“That we do, but I am hoping to change that,” her father said. “Frankly, I cannot stand the thought of not being in Marigold’s life.”
“Father…” she started.
He put his hand up. “I am not a perfect man, and I know that we are constantly at odds with one another, but I want to be a part of Marigold’s life.”
“And you shall, but I do think distance would do us both some good.”
He winced. “I visit Marigold every day,” he admitted. “When she smiles, it is as if I am free to do the same.”
Enid was at a loss for words. Her father had never been vulnerable around her before, but that didn’t mean they would cease to fight with one another.
Her father stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I know I am asking a lot but I hope you will consider staying. I will try to be better.”
“What if nothing changes between us?”
He glanced at the nursery door, his eyes filled with anguish. “I don’t want to lose Marigold as I have lost you.”
“You have not lost me, Father.”
