Victoria had wanted to be certain he felt the same for her as she felt for him before she believed him. He had not said the words she wanted to hear, but what he did say convinced him, for his eyes spoke what she wanted to know.
She was convinced he felt the same for her as she felt for her. Yes, his mere words had convinced her – just like she feared – but he told her he would never turn his back on her. And somehow she believed that. Besides, was love not about taking leaps in the dark?
It had been easy for Andrew to convince Malcolm to take Victoria to Duncan. Not only did her brother want some peace alone, he also seemed to trust Andrew. And if he did, then why should she not?
The ride to Duncan took about a day, and while they were patiently sitting in the carriages, waiting to arrive, she noticed Andrew looking at her every once in a while. Could he not believe she was truly joining him to his estate?
She wondered if she did not need Mrs. Stanley, her chaperon. Certainly she would not mind getting her old job back – none of her staff would. But mayhap this was a quest for just Andrew and Victoria, and there was no need for a chaperon.
Andrew told her about Elizabeth and Francis, saying both mother and son are healthy. He also said that lady Anne was very excited and happy to have her first grandchild be a boy. He would not carry the name Brompton, but would be loved by everyone who does.
When the evening started to fall, they finally arrived at the big estate of Duncan. The sun was setting behind the building, giving it an orange glow and making it look quite magical. The red bricked building reached three levels high and was the only one in the neighbourhood. Fields surrounded it, and next to it was a natural pond, reflecting the setting sun.
Victoria was in awe by it, finding it even more beautiful than Blackburn. How can someone hate this?
Andrew guided her toward the building, and when they were near, the door opened. It revealed not only Mr. Lennard, but also Mrs. Stanley, Sophie, Melany, Sam and Theo.
"The staff had just lost their mistress and were looking for a new place to work," Andrew told her.
She turned to look at him in disbelieve, but when she saw he was not joking, she could not stop smiling. He had taken in the staff that no one wanted.
Then she looked back at her staff, making certain she was seeing this right. They were really here, in Duncan, ready to serve her. As a guest, she thought. A guest that would return often.
She ran toward her friends and hugged them all, the smile never leaving her face. She had never thought she would be so happy so see them again.
They might not be working for her anymore, but she was happy that they had found a place to work, and that they could all work together. Their new master was a good one, they would have a good life here in Duncan. And whatever she would do after leaving, she did not know. She did not even knew when she would leave. But those were worries for another time, for now she was reunited with the friends she did not give a proper goodbye.
"We are so happy you are here, my lady," Melany spoke.
"I have already prepared a room for you, but we were not certain you would agree with the lord's proposal," Sophie told her.
"The stables are huge!" Sam said, motioning wide with his arms. His brother was next to him, nodding his head enthusiastically.
Victoria smiled at all of them, looking at their faces one by one. "I am glad you all found a place to work."
"But we would give it up if you needed us back," Sophie said immediately.
Victoria shook her head and smiled. "That is kind, but I cannot do that. Your place is here now, not with me anymore."
YOU ARE READING
The Beautiful Wallflower
Fiksi Sejarah"You truly are one special lady." Wallflowers symbolize a shy or excluded person at a dance or party, especially a girl without a partner. Victoria Blackburn lives a lonely and simple life. She is not like most ladies in London, and that is how she...
