Winston exited the stables, brushing off a few strands of hay from his blue jacket. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. A light mist hung around him, dampening his jacket from his morning ride. He took a deep breath, savoring the cool, crisp air mixed with the comforting aroma of home.
He entered the cottage through the back door, stepping into the warm, inviting kitchen. Mrs. Watson stood by the hearth, stirring a pot with practiced ease. She turned and greeted him with a kind smile. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Good morning,” he responded, returning her smile.
“Your breakfast should be on the table shortly,” Mrs. Watson informed him.
“Thank you,” Winston said. “I truly appreciate you coming to help us out during this time.”
Mrs. Watson waved off his gratitude with a gentle laugh. “You don’t need to keep thanking me,” she responded.
“But I feel as if I do,” he said, placing a hand to his stomach. “Especially for your cooking.”
Mrs. Watson laughed. “Your wife tries.”
“That she does,” Winston agreed. “Speaking of my wife, is she still sleeping?”
Shaking her head, Mrs. Watson responded, “No, she is in the front room.”
“Excuse me,” Winston said before he headed towards the front of the cottage. As he approached, he saw Mattie sitting on a settee, her red hair pulled back into a low bun, focused on altering one of her gowns. The mere sight of her made his heart swell with love.
Winston leaned against the doorway, taking a moment to admire her. This past year had been the happiest of his life, filled with laughter and love, far removed from the burdens of his past.
Mattie looked up and smiled, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. “Good morning, Husband.”
He pushed off from the doorframe and approached her. “How are you faring this morning?”
“Not good,” Mattie admitted with a sigh. “I am taking out the waist on yet another gown.”
“That is to be expected in your condition,” Winston said gently.
Mattie placed the gown down and rubbed her growing belly. “That is what the doctor said as well.”
Winston sat down beside her. “I have a letter for you.”
His wife’s face lit up with excitement. “Is it from my father?”
“It is,” Winston confirmed, pulling the letter from his jacket pocket.
“Will you read it to me?” Mattie asked.
Winston leaned in for a kiss before replying, “Of course, my dear.” He unfolded the paper and read:
My Dearest Mattie,
My time is short, but I want to inform you that Emma has found a match. She is marrying the Duke of Kinver…
Winston paused as he heard Mattie gasp. “Do you want me to continue?” he asked.
Mattie snatched the letter out of his hand and read the rest of it. When she finished, she looked up, her expression one of disbelief. “I can’t believe it. The Duke of Kinver is four times her age. What is Emma thinking?”
“Well, Emma only seemed to care about titles and status,” Winston pointed out.
“Yes, but I was hoping she would grow out of that and marry for love,” Mattie said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Winston took her hand in his. “Not everyone is as lucky as we are,” he remarked. “Speaking of which, I have some good news.”
“Good, I could use some,” Mattie responded.
