One Winter's Night by Sharon Sobel

Author:Sharon Sobel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BelleBooks Inc.
Published: 2016-04-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF comfortable,” Rosemary said gently as she led Ivy into the sitting room. Indicating a velvet chair, she took the one across from it. Noting Ivy’s anticipation had been replaced by worry, she delivered the lie she had prepared. “I realized I have two rooms available, should you require them.”

Ivy paled. “Why would we need two?”

“As a mother, I am concerned for your welfare. May I share a personal observation?” Rosemary said delicately. “Your manner tells me you are reluctant. If you are not quite ready, do you not think it advisable to wait until you reach Gretna Green?”

The young woman’s pallor, already contrasting sharply with her black hair, grew even whiter before reddening as she realized she had been discovered.

“May I ask your advice?” she begged. “Timothy does not want to wait, and I am afraid of disappointing him.”

At least she was honest. “I imagine your mother has no idea,” Rosemary said gently.

“My mother died many years ago. My father and elder sister raised me. Delphinia married earlier this year.” Ivy’s face paled again. “She would be furious if she knew.”

Rosemary patted the young woman’s hand. “My mother died giving birth to me. I married a man whose father disapproved of our union. Now I am a widow with a son of my own,” Rosemary confided. “I know how your sister would feel if she knew your intentions. You are a lovely young woman of breeding with your life before you, while Timothy seems a bit youthful yet.”

Memories engulfed her. How much like Ivy’s her situation had been, except Ivy’s family was wealthy and Timothy’s intentions were less noble than Theo’s. What an advantage hindsight was, Rosemary reflected. Family disapproval probably made them want each other more. Knowing the pain that would result, she was relieved Ivy seemed receptive.

“You want a man who will love you despite the quality of your nightdress. One who will accept you with all your foibles and imperfections. If your sister were here, she would tell you the same. You must be certain the man you choose loves you for who you are.”

As Rosemary finished the thought, her words caught in her throat. She was convinced Ivy’s Timothy had never known true love, but Arthur certainly did. The words intended for Ivy applied to her also. Despite her imperfections and headstrong ways, Arthur had never faltered in his support of her.

Ivy’s next remark was so unexpected Rosemary regretted her own mistake.

“I would like to find someone wiser and more understanding—someone like your husband,” Ivy said bluntly, “for I can see that is how you and he are together.”

That, Rosemary knew with all certainty, was true love. She fought to find her voice. “I shall put you in my room if I must, but I beg you to think this through. Please reconsider your options.”

She listened while Ivy described her beau as a former soldier with cousins in Cheshire they were to visit before continuing on to Gretna Green. Ivy froze in mid-sentence at a commotion down the hall, her whisper a suspenseful lament.

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