“Another Christmas Alone,” She Thought — Until a Duke’s Carriage Broke Down at Her Gate
Chapter 26
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Rosamond felt her throat tighten.The Dowager looked directly at her. "I do not know what the future holds for either of you, but I know my son. And I know that something good has returned to his life."Rosamond answered quietly: "He has brought something good into mine as well."Lady Margaret studied her. Then she smiled. "Then perhaps we should allow the two of you to discover what that something might become."Rosamond smiled back. "I should like that very much."Spring arrived slowly: the fields surrounding Willowmere turned green, the orchard blossomed, and the damaged gate, now properly repaired, opened and closed with admirable efficiency.Julian visited whenever his responsibilities permitted: sometimes he came for luncheon; sometimes they walked for hours; sometimes they sat in the sitting room reading separate books, speaking only when one found a passage worth sharing.Rosamond discovered that she loved those quiet afternoons most: there was no need to entertain him, no need to be clever, no need to fill every silence; Julian seemed content simply to be there. And Rosamond, who had spent years learning to enjoy her own company, discovered the rare pleasure of being equally comfortable in someone else's.One afternoon in April, Julian arrived carrying a small parcel. Rosamond looked suspicious."I thought we had agreed that you would not bring expensive gifts.""We did.""Then what is that?""A very inexpensive gift.""How inexpensive?""Embarrassingly so."She accepted the parcel. Inside was a small wooden frame with an ink-and-wash drawing of Willowmere Cottage, beautifully rendered in pencil. Rosamond stared. "Julian...""I asked an artist to sketch it from the road."She looked at the picture: the cottage stood beneath the bare winter trees, the iron gate was visible in the foreground, and beside it, almost hidden beneath the snow, was the faint outline of a carriage.Rosamond laughed softly. "You included the broken carriage.""Naturally.""Why?"Julian smiled. "Because it was the finest accident of my life."Rosamond looked up; his expression was tender. She set down the frame. "Julian, there is something I must ask you.""Anything.""If we were ever to marry..." She stopped.Julian became very still.Rosamond took a breath. "I would not wish to leave Willowmere entirely. I know your responsibilities are considerable, and I understand that a duchess has duties. But this cottage is my home; it is the place my aunt gave me, and the place where I have built a life of my own."Julian listened without interruption."I would not wish to become someone who merely visits her former life occasionally, as though it were a pleasant memory." She looked at him steadily. "I would need to remain myself."Julian stepped closer. "Rosamond, do you imagine that I fell in love with you because I wish to change you?"