"Expectations" (Book 2), by Gratiana Lovelace (2018-2019), (Completed)

Ch. 19: Ever Faithful

"Expectations" (Book 2)--Ch. 19: Ever Faithful,
May 05, 2019 by Gratiana Lovelace (Post #1232and on Wattpad)

(an original Regency romance copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace, 2018 - 2019; all rights reserved); [(1) story cover art, abov]

[As is my custom, from time to time I will illustrate my story with my ideal cast consisting of (in order of appearance/mention in this chapter): Vicar Frederick Whitby (aka Lord Alfred Lindsay the Marquess of Malten) portrayed by David Oakes; Lady Constance Knightsbridge Lindsay the Marchioness of Malten portrayed by Margaret Clunie; Miss Tamsin Knightsbridge Lindsay, daughter of Lady Constance and Lord Alfred is portrayed by Francesca Capaldi]

Author's story content and serializing scheduling notes: For the most part, my ratings for the chapters will be PG-13—for romantic interludes and dramatic moments. If you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with these ratings, then please do not read that chapter. This is my disclaimer. And I always put the previous chapter's brief recap at the top of the next chapter. Also, I hope to post new chapters weekly on Sundays. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

"Expectations" (Book 2), Ch. 19: Ever Faithful

As Vicar Whitby/Lord Alfred conveyed somewhat sotto voce when reunited with his unremembered wife Lady Constance Knightsbridge Lindsay his Marchioness of Malten, he was overwhelmed with everyone's kindness. Which Lady Constance intuitively understood to mean that he felt overwhelmed in general. Though she assured him that they were all glad to have him back, she expects that theirs will be a patient reuniting of them as husband and wife.

So when Lord Alfred/Vicar Whitby suggests to Lady Constance that they return to Sussex Hall main house for dinner via a separate carriage from the others so that they may speak privately, she acquiesces knowingly. She even calms their daughter Tamsin's slight fit of pique at her wanting to ride with them--but being denied that right—with his help by him reminding Tamsin that they had a nice long chat this afternoon. So now it was her Mama Lady Constance's turn for a chat. And he also plans to move to the Sussex Hall manor house tonight, with his valise already packed—that he entrusts to his daughter Tamsin's keeping in the other carriage, which somewhat mollifies the child.

So after the merest of moment's shy hesitation, Vicar Whitby/Lord Alfred gentlemanly helps Lady Constance into their smaller enclosed carriage that Lord Christian loans them for the fifteen minute ride to the Sussex Hall manor house in the waning but still bright afternoon [(2) above]. There is a tension between them—yet not all tensions are bad. Then once situated in the carriage—with Lord Alfred/Vicar Whitby and Lady Constance sitting side by side on the only bench—there is an initially awkward silence between them. He does not remember her. Yet, he does not want to hurt her by admitting that—given her faithfulness to him in hoping for his safe return all these ten years.

And unfortunately, Lady Constance is sitting to his right, so Vicar Whitby/Lord Alfred protectively holds his right hand away from her and inside his jacket—due to his mangled right hand where his pinkie finger was amputated to remove his signet ring by a thief, who was then forced to turn over the ring to authorities so that his family was at least notified eventually that he had fallen in battle, though they had been incorrectly told that he had died.

Lady Constance notices Lord Alfred/Vicar Whitby keeping his right hand away from her. She wants to put him at his ease.

Lady Constance: "Alfred ... May I address you informally?" She asks hesitantly.

Vicar Whitby/Lord Alfred: "Of course, you may. But I must tell you, that I have thought that my name was Frederick or Fred, for the past ten years, so I might not recognize that you are referring to me when you call me Alfred." He tries to give her a small smile.