Bringing his gaze back, he asked, “Haven’t I?” The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, leaving little doubt that he still cared for her.
As she stared at him in utter disbelief, unable to form words, he dropped his hand and took a step back.
“Are we decided?” he asked. “You will remain here with Marigold?” His words were half-hoping, half-demanding.
Enid knew her father was making an effort and the least she could do was meet him halfway. “We will stay for now, but I can’t promise more than that.”
A rare smile formed on her father’s lips. “I will accept that.”
“All I want is for Marigold to be surrounded by people that love her,” Enid said. “She deserves that.”
“I agree, wholeheartedly,” he responded. “Now, if you will excuse me, I am needed at the House of Lords.”
Her father spun on his heel and walked down the corridor.
Enid stared at his retreating figure and couldn’t believe she had agreed to remain at the townhouse with her family. But how could she deny him his request when it was so obvious that he cared for Marigold? That is all that she wanted for her daughter- to be loved.
She went to open the door to the nursery when she saw her mother walking towards her with a bright smile on her face.
“I hear that you have agreed to stay,” her mother said. Her eyes shone with happiness.
“Did you speak to Father?”
Her mother bobbed her head. “We spoke briefly on the stairs,” she revealed. “I must admit that I am relieved.”
Enid furrowed her brow. “I can’t quite understand Father’s sudden transformation. He hates me, yet he wants me to stay.”
“He doesn’t hate you.”
“His actions suggest otherwise.”
Her mother sighed. “Your father is not good at showing his emotions, but he does care for you in his own way.”
“I doubt that.”
“Regardless, he adores Marigold and visits her every day,” her mother said. “Your daughter has brought back your father’s smile.”
“I just wonder how long it will be before Marigold does something that disappoints Father and he turns on her.”
Her mother gave her an understanding look. “Your father is a stubborn man, and I do believe he is determined to not make the same mistakes with Marigold that he did with you.”
“That is good.”
“If I can give a word of advice,” her mother said. “You both have made some mistakes, but true happiness is the ability to move forward with the hope that the future will be better than the past.”
With a shake of her head, Enid responded, “It isn’t that simple.”
“Nothing worth having comes easy. You have to work for the future you desire.”
Enid heard some noises coming from within the nursery. “It would appear that Marigold is awake.”
Her mother’s eyes lit up. “We mustn’t make her wait.”
“Marigold is thriving here,” Enid said as she opened the door.
“Who wouldn’t?” her mother asked. “She is loved here, just as you are.”
Enid stepped into the room and saw Marigold lying on her bed, babbling away. When she stepped closer, Marigold smiled, filling her heart with joy.
