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His quiet patience impressed her again; though he watched her settle the parcel, never did he press about its contents, he only waited for her arms to be free and offered his elbow.
As soon as he pocketed the key after locking the front door to his shop, he informed her that unless she preferred a different park, he’d be leading them to Green Park. “It’s a ten-minute walk from here.”
“Very well,” she said distractedly.
Molly Hawkins, on Christmas, I shall ask for your hand in marriage, he’d announced to her at Kew Gardens a few weeks ago.
Come to think of it, he always explains what’s he’s going to do in advance—and then he does it.
“You’re a reliable sort of man, Frederick.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you mean that as a compliment?”
“Very much so.” She frowned. “What else could it be?”
“Reliable. Hmm. Itisan excellent trait, I should think. It’s not as celebrated as courageous or strong, though, is it? I’ve just finished readingIvanhoeagain. Sir Wilfred is a knight, chivalrous and strong-willed. His skills as a warrior are prized. Would he be calledreliable?”
“Will you tell me more about the book?”
As he explained the plot, Molly heard the enjoyment if not admiration in his voice. She smiled, tugging playfully on his arm. “That knight jousted, but did he know how to tune a piano?”
He laughed. “No. Had theyhad invented the fortepiano in the Middle Ages, perhaps he would have, though. No, likely not.”
Nodding primly, she continued. “I see. He fought in the Crusades, but did he search the markets far and wide for the perfect asters for the lady he courted?”
He tilted his head. “No, I don’t believe he did. But theydeclared him champion of the day at a tournament. Befitting that honor, he selected Lady Rowena as Queen of the Tournament.”
“I suppose that’s romantic to some. I, however, favorreliable.”
Frederick examined her expression and, finding her sincere, furrowed his brow. “You do?”
“From your first appointment with Lady Clara, you explained your procedures with her piano. You arranged an appointment time, and you were always punctual.” Her smile was radiant. “Is it any wonder I looked forward to your visits?”
Frederick stopped his rapid walking pace, guiding her to the side before they blocked other pedestrians. “If only I’d known, Molly. What if instead of spending these past years disbelieving and we’d spent them together?”
“I’ve wondered the same. But it wouldn’t have worked before, Frederick. I—I couldn’t have acceptedthis”—she gestured between them—“before. Seeing Lady Clara married and happy. Discovering that there are ways to have a safe marriage bed.” She dropped her gaze. “And serving as the lady’s maid, I couldn’t have left her…”
Frederick had never asked why her ladyship had left her behind; he’d only noted that Molly must miss Lady Clara.
“And now?” he asked quietly.
She swallowed. Marrying would mean leaving service—departing from the household that had represented family and security for the last decade.
“I believe Lady Clara will understand.” The answer Molly had settled on fell flat even to her ears.
Frederick blinked. “What doyouthink of leaving your work?”
“I know that I’msupposedto think it’s for the best to leave service. If we married”—she felt a blush creep into her cheeks at the words—“I know your trade would provide for us well. I never believed that if I married, I could marry so well, Frederick. But I shall miss my position.”
He looked neither surprised nor disappointed, only pensive.
She tried to explain. “It’s reliable. Predictable.” She shrugged. “Ilikethe tasks. For a long time, her ladyship relied on my putting her belongings in order. I had responsibilities. Have them still, though they’re different now.”
“It’s been hard work.”
“It has.” Being a lady’s maid meant rising before her ladyship and retiring after her. She raised her chin. “I’m not afraid of hard work.”
“No. No, you’re not, Molly. You’re reliable, too, aren’t you?” He smiled, his eyes warm. “Is it any wonder I looked forward to my visits?”
