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The man nodded. “I am. But she’ll be home next week, and then I’ll wonder when she’s going to visit her mother again.”
Sydney laughed. “I think that’s how it should be.”
“I do too. Have you enjoyed your time here, Mrs. Dailey?”
It was the first time the name had been applied to her and she stopped for a moment. “I have. The Dailey family has been warm and welcoming. I really like them all so much, and Susan has treated me like a new daughter.”
“That’s Susan. I’m not sure David realizes just what a prize he has in her.”
Sydney felt a tapping at her shoulder, and when she turned, her heart dropped into her stomach. “Papa.”
Her father, a portly man who was slightly shorter than she was herself, opened his arms and she flew into them. “Is Mother here?”
“No, I left her at home because I wasn’t going to listen to her nag. I thought you were with the Daileys, but every time I asked, they said they’d never heard of you. But I recognized that bicycle of yours.”
Sydney laughed. “I guess we should have hidden that away in the carriage house.”
“It would have helped your cause, I think.”
“Why are you here, Papa?”
“I want to make sure you’re all right. You didn’t come here to marry into the Dailey family, did you?”
Sydney sighed. “I didn’t. But before I left Beckham, Elizabeth told me of her sister living here and what her name was. When I realized the error I’d made coming out here, I got directions to Susan Dailey’s house, and I rode my bike out to meet her.”
“Are you happy, child?” Her father looked deeply into her eyes as if he was trying to read her soul.
Sydney felt Lewis walk up behind her and he gave her strength. “I am. I was never going to be happy with one of the men Mother kept trying to force me upon. Here, I can be myself, and I can wear bloomers and ride my bicycle whenever I want.”
Her father nodded. “And this man you married? Is he good to you?”
“He is. He makes me feel like I’m cherished and loved more than any woman deserves to be loved.”
“Introduce me to him.”
Sydney was still nervous as she turned so she could see Lewis. “Papa, this is my husband, Lewis Dailey. Lewis, this is my father, Edmond Weatherby.”
Lewis held his hand out for the older man to shake. “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Weatherby.”
Her papa looked Lewis up and down for a moment before shaking his hand. “It’s good to meet you. My daughter says you’re good to her. I had better never hear you have treated her poorly.”
Lewis put his arm around Sydney, still feeling the need to protect her. “You will not hear I’ve been rude or unkind to her. I’m in love with your daughter, sir, and I plan to follow the advice my father gave me on my wedding day.”
“What advice is that?”
“I’ll treat her as I want my sisters to be treated when they marry.”
Edmond smiled, nodding slightly. “Then you are the son-in-law I’ve been hoping for.”
“You won’t make me go home, Papa?” Sydney asked, still not sure exactly what was going on.
“I won’t. I will explain to your mother you’re happily married. She’d love a visit from you when you can, but she won’t be putting any kind of pressure on you ever again.”
Sydney threw herself at her father, hugging him close. “Thank you! Tell Mother I love her.”
“I will. Now, introduce me to the rest of this big family you married into.”
Sydney hurried around, introducing her father to each of the Daileys. She even introduced him to Clarissa and little Rachel.
