Molly-Jane Walter

Chapter Twenty

Oh, reader, I cannot tell you how much fun our honeymoon was! France was absolutely beautiful! And oh my, how breathtakingly gorgeous Ireland was! Scotland was chilly, but I enjoyed seeing so much greenery! It was simply amazing. And I got to do it all with Gilbert. I honestly didn't want our honeymoon to end, I was having that much fun. Alas, it was time to return back to Woodland Manor and make arrangements for where Gilbert and I would live. The plan was Rosefield, as that way Charlotte and Lillian would be able to have their holiday visiting Gilbert and I. We hoped that we would be able to live at Rosefield, because it was such a beautiful house, and the gardens were simply divine. 

Sitting in the carriage beside Gilbert, the horses trotting away merrily, I can't help but think again about how lucky I am. I was married to the love of my life, I had a wonderful family, I was treated like a person and not a piece of furniture as I had been treated by my aunt. Laura, Robert and their children didn't live too far away either, which meant that I could visit Laura any time I wished to, and vise versa. The sun was shining brightly and all around us were rolling green hills and big oak trees. All I could hear was the sound of the carriage, the sound of the horses, and birds twittering. It was so peaceful. I suddenly feel very tired and am struggling to keep my eyes open. Tiredness wins, and I close my eyes for just a moment, only to be woken by Gilbert who had shaken me gently. "Sweetheart, we're here," He whispered quietly, and pressed his lips to my forehead. "Home sweet home," I grin sleepily, making Gilbert laugh. Gilbert's parents, Charlotte and Lillian all come out to greet us. "How was your trip? We want to know all about it!" Charlotte and Lillian said as they raced out to embrace Gilbert and I. We pick them up and cuddle them as they wrapped their arms around our necks. "Oh, my darlings, it was simply MARVELOUS! I've so much to tell you!" I grin at them. "But come, we must first go inside, instead of staying out in the hot sun. And, I have a little surprise for you," I tell them. Lillian and Charlotte jump up and down with excitement. Gilbert and I make our way towards his parents. "Welcome home!" Mrs. Harding smiled as Gilbert and I embrace his parents. "Come, cook has made a lovely afternoon tea. You can tell us all about your honeymoon." Mrs. Harding ushered us inside. 

Gilbert and I tell of the things we did on our honeymoon, and I have everyone laughing when I said I had never seen a whale before. "Whale watching was definitely one of my favourite things," Gilbert winked at me. "They certainly are beautiful creatures, aren't they my dear?" Mr. Harding asked his wife who nodded her head in confirmation. "Very beautiful indeed," She grinned. "Charlotte, Lillian, are you ready for your surprise?" I ask them, smiling. "Yes, oh yes we are, Molly!" The grinned. I pull out two packages from underneath the table. "Be careful with them girls. They are very delicate," I warn. The girls unwrap their presents. I had found two very beautiful jewellry boxes in France, and had bought them for the girls. "Oh, Molly! We love them! Thank you!" The girls placed their presents on the table and ran to hug me. "You are very welcome, my darlings!" I hug them and laugh. "Now, Gilbert, Molly, we must speak about your living arrangements." Mr. Harding nodded his head at the butlers to come forward and take our plates. "Yes, we were hoping you would allow us to reside at Rosefield," Gilbert said to his parents. "Why, yes, that is exactly what we were thinking, but we wanted to bring it up in case you and Molly wanted something different," Mrs. Harding smiled. "Rosefield is very beautiful, just like Woodland." I said, "It would be perfectly splendid to live there." "Then it is settled. You shall live at Rosefield." Mr. Harding laughed heartily. "You simply must stay with us another week, though. Let the girls get used to the idea that you won't be staying with us all of the time," Mrs. Harding advised. "Oh, but who will take over the girls' education?" I ask, frowning. "Oh, don't you worry about that, dear. I have a dear friend who's grandmother has graciously agreed to teach the girls. And you need not worry," Mrs. Harding added when she saw my concern, "The girls absolutely adore my good friend's grandmother. Gilbert you may remember this friend I speak of, Miss Catherine?" "Oh, I do remember her. Catherine used to teach me before I went away to Lancaster," Gilbert explained to me. "Well, I am quite sure that if Charlotte and Lillian like Catherine, then I am possitively sure they will love her grandmother," I smile. I feel instantly relieved.