“It would. This is a family occasion,” Juliet said.
Lydia furrowed her brow and came to sit beside Juliet. Her heart swelled when she looked at John, but while there was still an element of regret at having had him taken away, it was no longer as sharp or all-consuming as it once had been. This was mostly due to the fact that he clearly loved his parents, and Harry and Juliet had gone from strength to strength.
“You are family, Juliet.”
Juliet gave a sheepish smile. “I appreciate that, but I feel as though I am an intruder. I suppose it doesn’t help that we live so far away.”
“Have you thought about moving back to London?”
“No, the countryside agrees with us although I have received offers to return to the stage. Perhaps one day…”
“You are always welcome, and you must not feel like an outsider here. We are all an eclectic mix of individuals, but we are all linked by family. There is no need to feel alone,” Lydia said. Juliet smiled and was then ushered into the room where the others were standing while Lydia offered to take John for her. As Lydia held the baby she smiled. John gurgled and reached out to her, stroking her cheek. Lydia chose to interpret this as him remembering her.
“So, Uncle, how does it feel to leave the life of a bachelor behind?” Harry asked with a grin.
“I’m not sure I was ever your typical bachelor, but I am quite looking forward to it. I just hope I can adapt to married life. It will be a change of pace.”
“I’m sure that it will be indeed. I don’t think that Agatha is one to sit around and while away the hours,” Victor said.
“Certainly not. She already has our diaries filled with social engagements and trips. I believe I shall live more in these coming years than I have ever lived before, but I suppose the right woman can do that for you,” he said.
“Hear, hear,” Harry replied.
Victor couldn’t help but agree. Speaking of the right woman, there was a knock at the door, and Lydia entered holdingJohn. Victor’s eyes brightened at the sight of his nephew. He approached Lydia and offered John his finger.
“He’s getting big,” Victor said.
“He is.”
“How do you feel?” he asked. There was a hidden meaning to his words, for he was really asking how she felt about being with John.
“I’m fine,” she replied with a firm smile.
“We will have one of our own soon,” Victor said, “and there will be no doubt about the parenthood.”
Lydia chuckled. Harry then came over and took his son. Victor put his arm around Lydia’s waist and smiled. Soon enough, they were all leaving for the wedding, thinking about the future that was to come and the life they were all going to enjoy together.
After the ceremony, everyone gathered at Stonewood Manor to celebrate the union. Victor couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his uncle, who looked like the cat who got the cream. He had a dazed look on his face, as though he was dreaming. Harry sidled up to Victor.
“I daresay that Uncle Theodore has his work cut out for him. I’ve never known anyone to know so many people. It’s almost as though she’s royalty. Look at how many people spoke to her today! It must be a surprise for Uncle. He’s going to have to become a social butterfly,” Harry said.
“Perhaps he will like the change. And I can’t imagine he would be upset at anything as long as he gets to be with her,” Victor replied.
“How strange it is that all three of us are married now,” Harry said. He sipped his drink and rocked back on his heels. There was a broad grin on his face and a shine to his eyes. Victor felt rotten for having taken away the chance for Harry to feel this sooner, and he was glad for Lydia’s intervention in the end.
“Indeed, but life takes strange turns. And I must admit that we are all the better for it.”
Harry chuckled and lifted his glass.
“Ho! Lydia has melted your icy heart. I am glad to see it brother and glad to see the change in you as well.”
Victor arched an eyebrow and straightened his back. “I have not changed,” he said in a defensive tone.
Harry slapped Victor’s arm. “Yes, you have and for the better! Believe me, if you remained as you were, then a fair creature likeLydia could never be with you. You are much more sympathetic to people’s feelings now.”
Victor curled his lip and scowled, not wanting to admit that there had been anything wrong with him in the first place. However, he could feel the change in himself, and he supposed there was no point in denying it although he wasn’t about to admit as much so freely to Harry.
“I suppose there is always room for reflection and self-improvement. It would take someone who possesses extreme arrogance to believe that they are complete. As Agatha and Theodore have proven, surprises can happen at any stage of life.”
