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Andrew snapped out of his brooding to embrace his sister.
“As are we,” he said. He didn’t realize what he had said until he saw Rowena looking at him and blushing. He, too, blushed and went on to greet Edmund, trying not to think of his casual, almost natural, reference to himself and Rowena as a couple.
“Come,” Gemma said, taking Andrew’s hand in one of hers and Rowena’s in the other. “Everything is ready. We just needed the two of you. And Benji, of course,” she added, laughing lightly as she looked down at the little dog.
Rowena smiled shyly at Gemma, and Andrew was reminded again of how unwanted his mother had set out to make her feel. Gemma’s treatment of her was a stark contrast, and it was clear it delighted Rowena. As Andrew and Rowena took their seats beside Gemma and Edmund on the picnic blanket spread out for them, Andrew made a mental note to talk with his sister and see what she thought he should do about their mother’s attitude to Rowena.
As Gemma’s footman oversaw the laying out of the refreshments, little Benji curled up in Rowena’s lap. As she giggled and scratched him behind the ears, Andrew couldn’t help but smile. He realized that his ingrained dislike of dogs was slowly fading away. He thought he might learn to like Benji, after all. And it was very clear how happy the little mutt made Rowena. That alone was reason to like the animal.
The scene was a lovely one. Gemma and Edmund had chosen a lovely spot underneath a tree on the grassy banks by the shore of the Thames. To their left was a lovely view of London Bridge, which was filled with traffic and people taking a stroll on such a lovely, cloudless day. To their left was the vast expanse of the water, upon which they saw a couple of small families in boats rowing slowly up the river.
Over on the other bank, Andrew saw a man and a young boy fishing. Around them, the grass was lush and green, right up to the edge of the riverbank. Andrew could hear the soft rushing of the river water. It was a beautiful spot for a picnic, and Andrew found himself quickly relaxing and enjoying it.
As they each helped themselves to the refreshments, Gemma looked at Rowena and smiled brightly.
“How are the wedding plans coming along, darling?” she asked.
Rowena blushed and returned the smile.
“My mother and sisters have taken full ownership of everything wedding related,” she said. “My eldest sister has even chosen my dress for me.”
Gemma laughed.
“It is amazing how excited those around us become about our weddings,” she said. “It is wonderful that you have such a close bond with your family. Though, I can see how it might be overwhelming when they get so involved in something so grand.”
Rowena nodded, still smiling.
“I am very grateful to be blessed with the family I have,” she said. “My mother and sisters truly are wonderful. I do not know what I would ever do without them.”
Andrew listened to Rowena speak, enraptured. Watching her open up so easily to Gemma reinforced his idea that the pair would become close. And yet, as his fiancée spoke, he could see an underlying sadness in her eyes again.
He had no doubt she meant what she said about her mother and sisters. But he was equally sure that the sadness in her eyes was because of her father. Without a doubt, she would always carry with her the memory of what he had done to put them in financial danger and what he was willing to do to turn that around. For an inexplicable reason, it made him feel very protective of her.
A sudden gasp from Gemma turned everyone’s attention to her. When he saw his sister clutch her stomach with wide eyes, his heart leapt into his throat.
“Darling, are you all right?” Edmund asked, his face scrunched up in concern.
Andrew was rising to his feet, preparing to go for help if needed. Edmund put his hand on Gemma’s back to comfort her, and Rowena watched, her face fearful. When Gemma finally giggled and waved her hand, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
“Everyone, settle down,” she said. “I apologize for giving you a fright. But there is no need for alarm. Baby just kicked for the first time, that is all.”
Everyone’s fear instantly turned to joy. Especially Edmund’s. Gemma took his hand and placed it gently on her stomach. Edmund looked as if he didn’t dare breathe as he waited to feel what his wife was talking about. Andrew knew the instant he did, because his whole face lit up, and his eyes filled with pure joy.
“Oh, my love,” he said, leaning in to kiss Gemma softly on the lips. “That is such a wonderful thing.”
Andrew and Rowena looked away shyly, giving the couple a moment for their happy affection. Then, Gemma turned to Rowena, holding out her hand.
“Would you like to feel?” she asked.
Rowena’s eyes brightened, much as Edmund’s had.
“May I?” she asked timidly.
Gemma nodded eagerly, taking Rowena’s hand.
“Of course,” she said.
She put Rowena’s hand on her belly, just as she had Edmund’s. Rowena’s smile widened so much that Andrew was sure it would take over her entire face. She squealed softly with delight, and Gemma giggled fiercely, indicating to Andrew that the baby must be very active.
