The Montagues arrived the next day in time for lunch, and for the next few days James was Ellie’s constant companion. He was by her side every morning as she rode out to take care of any estate business. She enjoyed his company enormously. He was very knowledgeable, but he never questioned or interfered with her decisions. As the week progressed, she turned to him for advice if she was in any doubt. There was a growing rapport between them.
Spring was almost here now and there were signs that nature was awakening after its dormant time. The year ahead promised to be an exciting one, full of good things. Ted was to marry in April, and Maggie in June. Her sister was giving Augusta plenty of time to replace her with another personal maid before she left. There was only one blot on her horizon, and that was Harry. She now accepted that this special brother would not be found. The picture of him was firmly locked in her mind, and she knew it always would be. But she was grateful for the family she had been able to trace.
She glanced at James as he rode beside her on the way back to the house for lunch. They had fallen into a routine of working during the morning, leaving the afternoons and evenings free to do whatever they pleased. Ellie now knew that she did love James and, although he hadn’t said anything, she was sure he still felt the same about her. She was absolutely certain that this was the man she wanted to live with for the rest of her life, and she must have been blind not to see that sooner.
By the time they arrived back the sky had clouded and was sending down sleety rain as if the weather was reminding them that it was too early yet for winter to loosen its grasp. After reporting to her father about the morning’s work, it was time for lunch.
Not deterred by the inclement weather, Ellie’s father ordered a carriage as soon as the meal was over, and took Augusta off to visit Henry.
‘What do you want to do, Ellie?’ James asked.
‘I want to sit by the fire and talk to you.’
‘That’s fine by me.’ He drew up two of the library chairs to the fire, waited for Ellie to be seated, and then settled down himself. ‘What do you want to talk about?’
‘Us.’ When he merely raised one eyebrow, she knew he wasn’t going to make this easy for her. And why should he after the way she had treated him? It had never been in her nature to hedge around a subject, so she pitched straight in. ‘First, I must apologise for not taking your proposals seriously. I know my father placed certain restrictions on you, but I’ve had time to think things over. I would like to know if you still feel the same about me?’
‘I don’t say things I don’t mean, Ellie. You ought to know that by now, and I haven’t changed my mind.’
Immensely relieved, Ellie took a deep breath, her sense of devilment returning. ‘Did I hurt you when I laughed?’
James shook his head. ‘I was disappointed, but I’d known it wouldn’t be easy to convince you of my sincerity. I didn’t expect you to find it so hilarious though.’
She pulled a face. ‘It was all so sudden, and I did find it unbelievable at the time.’
‘And now?’ James held her gaze.
‘I’ve realised that I do love you. If I look back, it’s clear that my feelings for you have been growing all the time. I just wouldn’t admit it.’ The expression of disbelief on his face made her say quickly, ‘I’ve never been in love before. I love all the members of my family, but I love you in a different way.’
‘I’m pleased to hear it.’
Ellie had expected James to show some kind of pleasure, but he remained seated and appeared to be completely unmoved by her declaration. He’d said he still loved her, but had she lost him through her foolish behaviour? That prospect hurt her more than she could have ever believed possible. Now she exploded. ‘Is that all you’ve got to say?’
He lifted his hands. ‘What else can I say, Ellie? You know your father told me that if you refused me three times I was to walk away and never bother you again. I am bound by the promise I made him.’
She was on her feet now. ‘And that’s it, is it? I’m sure my Father wouldn’t mind if you proposed one more time. He likes you.’
‘And I like him. So much, in fact, that I won’t break my promise.’ James sat back while Ellie walked up and down.
‘You and your sense of honour,’ she muttered, removing her shoes and tossing them under a chair.
‘Would you expect me to be any other way?’
Ellie stopped in front of his chair and sighed deeply. ‘No, of course not. There’s only one thing I can do. This is not at all proper, James, but you are forcing me into doing this. And when have I ever been concerned about convention? Will you marry me, James?’
At first she thought he wasn’t going to say anything, then he surged to his feet, gathered her into his arms and lifted her off the floor.
‘God, Ellie, that took you long enough. Of course I’ll marry you, my darling.’
They were both laughing as James spun her round and round.
‘What’s going on here?’
Ellie disentangled herself from James and ran to her father. ‘James didn’t break his promise to you, Father. I asked him to marry me and he’s accepted.’
‘Congratulations.’ Albert kissed his daughter and then shook hands with James.
Augusta was clearly delighted and hugged both of them. ‘What are your plans?’
James laughed. ‘We haven’t had time to talk over details yet. You’re back so soon.’
‘One of the horses went lame and we had to return.’ Albert arranged two more chairs so they could all sit down together, and rang the bell. ‘We’ll have tea while we discuss yet another wedding.’
As soon as the tea arrived, Albert looked at James. ‘I’m sure you are impatient to marry, but I’m going to ask you to wait for a year. It will give you a chance to spend time together; get to know each other better. I want you to be absolutely certain that you are meant for each other and will be happy together.’
‘I’m already certain, sir.’ James couldn’t hide his disappointment. ‘I was hoping we could marry in the autumn.’
‘Albert is right, James,’ Augusta told her son. ‘How do you feel about waiting a year, Eleanor?’
‘Well …’ Ellie reached out for James’s hand. ‘We already have two weddings this year, so it would seem wise to leave ours until next year.’
‘I suppose you’re right.’ James agreed reluctantly. ‘And we also have to decide where we’re going to live.’
‘I have a suggestion to make regarding that.’ Albert placed his cup on the small table in front of him. ‘Henry and I have bought a parcel of land near the orchards. There’s a good spot on my section that I think would suit you. Why don’t we ride out there tomorrow and you can see what you think of it? If you like it I’ll build you a house there.’
James shook his head firmly. ‘No, sir.’
‘No?’ Albert frowned. ‘Eleanor has responsibilities here and she must stay on the estate.’
‘I realise that, sir, and I’ll gladly accept the plot for our house, but I’ll pay for the building. I am perfectly capable of providing for my wife.’
‘Of course, James,’ Albert said. ‘I didn’t mean to insult you.’
‘You haven’t, sir, but I insist on building our house. Ellie can tell me what she wants and I’ll have an architect draw up plans. If we start at once it might be possible to have the house ready.’ James squeezed Ellie’s hand. ‘Is that all right with you?’
‘Oh yes, it will be exciting.’ Ellie turned to Augusta. ‘Would you advise me on furnishings. You have such excellent taste.’
‘I’ll be delighted to help in any way I can.’
‘That’s all settled then,’ Albert said.
With the tea and discussion finished, James and Ellie went to break the good news to Nanny.
‘About time you two realised how you feel about each other,’ she declared. ‘And it’s right you should have a reasonable length of engagement. You are young, and there’s no need to rush into marriage.’
After giving them the benefit of her opinion, she promptly fell asleep with a smile on her face.
Later that evening, when everyone had retired for the night, Albert was still by the fire, deep in thought. He approved of the way James had insisted on meeting the cost of the house. The boy had a sound character, but he was relieved he had persuaded them to wait for a year.
The door opened and Augusta came in. ‘Am I disturbing you?’
Albert stood up. ‘Not at all. I thought you had retired.’
‘I doubt I shall be able to sleep.’ Augusta sat down, folded her hands in her lap and bowed her head. Just for a few moments her perfect composure slipped.
Albert sat down again. If there was a problem, then it had to be sorted out now. ‘You are not happy about our children marrying?’
She looked up sharply. ‘Oh, I couldn’t be more pleased that James has fallen in love with Eleanor. They will be good for each other. Eleanor will bring a sense of fun into James’s life, and James will be a restraining hand in the union. If they truly love and respect each other – and I believe they do – then the differences in temperament will make for an interesting and happy marriage.’
Albert nodded agreement. ‘I believe James is just what Eleanor needs.’ He studied Augusta intently. ‘So why do you look sad?’
‘Our children have grown up, Albert, and are ready to make their own way in life. We are losing them.’
‘It isn’t easy, but we would be more concerned if they did not leave our sides, would we not?’
‘You are quite right. How silly of me. I am not losing anything. I am gaining a whole new family.’
Albert chuckled. ‘More than you bargained for – more than either of us bargained for. What do you think of the Bonners?’
‘I like them. They don’t appear to be overawed by the fact that their youngest sister has been brought up in luxury. The elder Bonners are more reticent, but they’ve had a hard life.’
‘Indeed they have.’ Albert gazed into the fire, watching the flames dance. ‘I was very concerned when Eleanor wanted to trace the family she had no recollection of, but I knew this was something she had to do, or wonder about them for the rest of her life. It’s turned out better than I’d dared hope.’ He looked up at Augusta, then reached out and took hold of her hand. ‘And it brought you into my life.’
Augusta curled her fingers around his hand. ‘That is a blessing I shall always be grateful for.’
Albert rose to his feet, pulling Augusta up and slipping his arms around her, lowering his head for a long embrace. He no longer had any doubts. This was what he wanted – what they both wanted.