Page 51

“I cannot take all of the credit. Gerald was kind enough to supply flowers from his own garden. He has a vast collection that would be the envy of everyone in London, save perhaps for Aunt Charlotte.”

“I am happy to help in any way I can. It is the least I could do to honor my Grandmother’s legacy,” Gerald said.

“I propose a toast to Rose, Agatha, Clara, and all the other women who have helped maintain St. Margaret’s over the years,” Theodore said, lifting his glass, directing his attention to his wife. Gerald raised his glass and met Clara’s gaze. He tilted it towards her and nodded, hoping to show the depth of his appreciation of her.

The coy smile she returned suggested that he didn’t quite manage to fully communicate this.

“It’s just a shame she can’t be here. She would have loved this,” Agatha said in a wistful tone. “And she would have been proud to know that St. Margaret’s has lasted this long. When we started, all Rose wanted was for it to last beyond her death, even if it was for just a day. I’m sure she’s looking down on us, smiling, enjoying thinking about all the children we’ve helped.”

There were solemn nods as they thought about Rose.

“How are you enjoying your debut season, Eleanor?” Mary asked, directing the flow of conversation towards a happier subject. Eleanor beamed in response.

“It has been getting better and better. I’ve been thrilled to attend so many wonderful events and meet many wonderful people. It’s more exciting than I ever could have hoped, although I have not met a suitor yet.” As she said these last words, she drew her head down and blushed a little.

“I’m sure it’s just a matter of time,” Mary said. “Patience is a virtue. All of us here can attest to that, isn’t that right, Grandmother?” Although Mary’s words were directed to Agatha, her gaze rested on Clara. Gerald noticed how Clara turned her eyes away, pretending to be focused on her food.

However, instead of eating, she moved her food around the plate. When this agreement came to an end, Gerald wondered if he should have a frank conversation with Alfred to ensure that he did not become angry with Clara.

It only felt right that Gerald should bear the brunt of the blame.

“Oh yes, patience indeed, although one should not rely on it. You, for example.” She looked at Gerald. “You should ask the woman you love to marry you before it’s too late, otherwise she might not wait.” Tension ran through his body. Gravy dripped from the slice of duck meat that hovered above his plate. He clenched his jaw and stared at Clara, whose cheeks had paled. Eleanor put her hand over her mouth. Mary and Alfred glanced at each other. Then, Agatha spoke again. “Theodore, you must see the true meaning of my words, or do you require me to be more direct?”

Gerald was puzzled for a moment, until it became clear that Agatha had become confused and mistook him for Theodore, a much younger man. Theodore leaned towards Agatha and gently touched her hand.

“My darling, I already have asked you to marry me. Do you not remember? It was a fine day, the happiest of my life,” he said in a low voice.

Agatha turned and stared at him. She blinked quickly and then laughed.

“Yes, of course I remember. Why are you all looking at me like this? Clara, the children and I have been working on a surprise for the gala,” she said.

“What kind of surprise, Grandmother?” Clara asked. Gerald could detect the wariness in her voice, even though it may not have been evident to the others. Agatha smiled broadly and tapped her nose.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, would it? And the children would never forgive me. You will just have to wait to find out, but I assure you that you’ll enjoy it.”

“I will have to trust that you are right,” Clara said.

Agatha chuckled and the conversation moved on once again, but her words lingered on Gerald’s mind. They may not have been meant for him, not quite, but they still struck a chord in his heart. He ate the rest of the meal quietly, allowing others to carry the conversation. All the while he thought of Clara, wondering if he should set aside all of his previous notions and ask her to marry him.

But how could he do that when he had no notion of how to be a husband? Besides all that, Clara had stepped away both times he thought romance seized them. His world had burst in a vivid array of color, passion, and desire. He lost all sense of reason and control, whereas she had maintained hers.

It was clear she did not feel the same way as him as otherwise surely she would have returned his affections?

After dinner, the guests enjoyed a quiet drink in the lounge. Eleanor and Clara were sitting together, deep in conversation. Mary and Alfred were laughing at a shared joke, while Theodore led Agatha out of the room and into the gardens. Gerald was left to stand alone, not quite knowing his place. A short while passed before he noticed Theodore returning. Gerald left the room to seek him out.

“Excuse me Theodore, might I have a word,” he said in a low voice, making sure that nobody in the room behind him could hear.

“Of course, and I do apologize for Agatha’s abrupt departure. It’s good for her to spend some time in fresh air in the evening. It helps her to fall asleep, and it’s important she gets her rest. I hope you didn’t take any offence at her little mishap earlier,” Theodore chuckled, but his eyes were strained with worry.

Gerald quickly put him at ease.

“Not at all. I have spent enough time with Agatha to understand that sometimes she gets a little confused.”

“Not that she’d ever admit it,” Theodore joked, relaxing a little. “Now, what did you want to ask me?”

“I hope this is not too personal a question, but as I understand it you did wait a long time before you asked Agatha to marry you. How did you become so patient?”

Theodore nodded slowly and clasped his hands together. He pursed his lips before he spoke.