Strawberry Fields
Page 23
A round of applause, instigated by Amaretta followed, and Nicolas smiled at his sister.
“Thank you. We wanted everyone here to know our news. As to Nathan’s other decisions, he believed this was also the best place to apprise everyone.” Nicolas slid an arm around Nathan who smiled and nodded, then took a deep breath.
“I wanted you all here as, one way or another, you’ve become my family.” Nathan took another deep breath. “I got very emotional last time I was here, as Mr. Snapper is well aware. However, I’ve had time to consider the future very carefully. I do not want to run a company. I wouldn’t know how, but the Wolfestan brothers do. I’d like to retain shares, and the Holland name to remain, but the company will be sold to you. As we discussed in generalities.”
“Are you quite sure about this, Nathan?” Both brothers stood, but it was Gerhardus who spoke.
“I’m very sure. You understand business.” Nathan shrugged. “I do not. For my father’s legacy to thrive, it needs men who know what they’re doing. That settled, I can move to you, Langdon. I love designing hats and I want to continue. But not full time. I want to give you the capital to open shops in Paris and New York, in appreciation for all you did for me, a penniless stranger.”
“But a man of great talent, nonetheless.” Langdon stood as the Wolfestan brothers sat. “And a man with an incredible generosity of heart. They’ll be great successes. I know it.” Langdon executed a bow before sitting once more.
“Thank you.” Nathan smiled. “Lady Valentina, you welcomed me as a mother, and I will be eternally grateful to you. The country house needs a lady at its head and I would like you to take that role for me. Nicolas and I will keep both country and city homes. Amaretta, you are welcome at both, of course, and if you want a home of your own one day, we will purchase it for you. We will also set aside a yearly income for you and lady Valentina.”
“Oh, Nathan, Nicolas, thank you.” Amaretta dabbed at her eyes, but smiled brightly and Nicolas nodded.
For her part, Lady Valentina rose regally and on reaching Nathan, hugged him, pecking a kiss to each cheek. “I could not imagine a more devoted couple than I see before me. You are everything I could have wished for Nicolas. May you have a long and happy life together.”
“Thank you.” Nathan’s voice was rough, his eyes glinted with tears, and he looked imploringly at Nicolas who nodded and took over.
“Lastly, you, Jasper. We couldn’t have imagined a savior such as you when we were aboard Strawberry Fields. We can never repay you for the way you took care of us. You have the ship, of course, but not the finances to make use of it. Until now. The notion of saving poor children and taking them to better lives on New Eden is one Nathan and I hold dear to our hearts. We’d even like to accompany you occasionally. I’ll ensure your automatons are always in full working order, although three of those currently aboard Strawberry Fields will be coming to live with Nathan and myself in our country home.”
“I-I don’t know what to say.” Jasper looked from Nicolas, to Nathan, then to Amaretta who nodded eagerly.
“Yes. That’s all you need to say.” Nathan cleared his throat. “With the money I already inherit, without the sale of the company, I have more than Nicolas and I will ever need. We want to make other people happy as well. I’ll take my place as the heir to my father’s estate and firm. But as soon as possible, I want the Wolfestan brothers to take over, Mr. Snapper.”
“I shall set the wheels in motion, Mr. Holland.” Snapper rose from his seat and looked across the table at Gerhardus and Ernst. “Gentlemen, if you would care to make arrangements with my secretary to see me in say, two weeks, that will enable me to have everything organized.”
Nicolas gazed down into Nathan’s eyes. His beloved seemed to glow from within, there was no mistaking Nathan’s joy.
“Are you happy with my choices, Nicolas?” Nathan asked, and Nicolas bent down to claim his lover’s lips.
“You are all I want or need. I’m happy that you’re happy. We have money enough, and to spare, a beautiful home, you can still design hats, I can make automatons. Why should I be unhappy?”
“I think we need to move swiftly to declare our engagement publicly or Amaretta and Jasper may beat us to it.”
Nicolas glanced over Nathan’s shoulder at his sister and Jasper. “I think you’re right. I’ll have a word with Mother. It’ll give her great delight to be able to make the announcement. She can choose whichever newspaper she wishes.”
“Perfect. My plan is engagement, wedding, honeymoon. I feel like such a weight has been lifted from me.” Nathan smiled up at Nicolas.
“I’d like you to design the hats.” Nicolas kissed Nathan’s nose. “I’m sure Langdon won’t object. For him the publicity would be priceless, and for us, something to treasure once the wedding is over.”
“I’d like that, too.” Nathan nodded enthusiastically. “What a wonderful idea. Something very personal to us all. But right now, I’d like us to sneak away while everyone is still discussing the revelations. I asked Mr. Snapper to leave the keys for the city home for me to collect with his secretary, and the country home for Lady Valentina and Amaretta. We can go there later. I just want to spend a few hours alone with you.”
“Good plan.” Nicolas winked, and they moved slowly toward the door. Only Jasper noticed, and he nodded at Nicolas. Nathan took possession of the key and, feeling like a naughty schoolboy, Nicolas followed him from the premises.
Outside, Nicolas took a deep breath, then laughed out loud. Nathan called out the address before scrambling into the clockwork carriage waiting for them. Nicolas nodded at Patch, the automaton sitting in the driver’s seat, and the moment he was aboard, the vehicle clicked into motion.
There was still much to do, but for now, all Nicolas intended was to enjoy time with the man he loved.
The End
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