Henry could do nothing more than laugh at the absurdity of her statement. “Trust me. One day you will see that, although he may be wealthier than I, I am the better man. I will prove it the day we are married.” Harmony went to speak, but he grasped her by the wrist. “You have insulted my honor, and now you will see the repercussions of such an act.” He released her arm and smiled. “Good afternoon.”
With that, he turned and left the room. Once outside, he took in a deep satisfying breath of air. There was much to do over the next days and weeks, and although he was unsure of how his goal would be accomplished, by the end, Harmony would be on his arm, right where she belonged.
Chapter Eleven
A week had passed since Lord Miller accosted Harmony at the party given by the Windhelms, and each day her anger at the man grew. How dare he assume he could treat her as he had? And to think she would marry him one day showed how mad he truly was.
“Doesn’t your father care that the man roughed you up like that?” Lydia asked as she brushed Harmony’s hair. “I don’t understand how a man of his position could be so uncaring.” She stopped the brushing and her eyes met Harmony’s in the mirror. “Or why you waited so long to tell me.”
Harmony had not mentioned the short meeting in the drawing room just the day before, either.
“Well, as to Father, his words were simple. I am being dramatic and telling tales. Although I know he knows the truth, he does not care.”
Lydia nodded before placing the brush on the table. “I’m sorry, Miss. If I’d been there, I’d’ve walloped that Lord Miller good.”
Harmony laughed as the woman lifted her fist in a menacing manner. “I would have liked to have seen that,” she said. She took Lydia by the hand as she looked at her reflection. “You are my best friend and closest confidante, and I am sorry to burden you with my problems.”
Lydia shook her head. “You know I’m here for you, Miss, and you may tell me whatever you wish, whenever you wish. Don’t you believe for a moment you’re ever a burden to me, for you’re certainly not, I assure you.”
Harmony smiled and turned to face Lydia. “When you became my lady’s maid, I knew we would be the best of friends. I am thankful you will be joining me at Scarlett Hall when I am married.” She giggled. “I certainly sound sure of myself.”
“As you should,” Lydia said. “But there’ll be no Scarlett Hall – or a wedding for that matter – if you don’t finish getting ready.”
Harmony laughed, her spirits once again lifted. Nathaniel had sent a card asking that she join him for an outing, although he did not specify to where. She had not seen him since her father accepted his request for courtship and could not wait to see him again.
“Would you prefer the hat with the blue or the red ribbon?” Lydia asked.
Before Harmony could respond, her mother entered the room. “The one with the yellow ribbon would be more suitable for a summer outing,” she said as she approached Harmony. “You should know this, Lydia.”
“My apologies, Madam” Lydia said with a curtsy, her cheeks reddening. Harmony felt bad for her, but she had learned long ago that her mother had the final word on anything she wore.
Lydia placed the hat on Harmony’s head and took a step toward the vanity table to allow her mother to make her assessment.
“That is fine,” Harmony’s mother said. “I will take care of the pins. Leave us.”
Lydia nodded and left the room.
Harmony eyed her mother with curiosity. About what could her mother wish to speak to her? “Is everything all right, Mother?” she asked. Then she looked down at her choice in clothing. “Is there something wrong with my dress?” She would not have been surprised if her mother insisted she change into something different. The woman never seemed satisfied with any decisions Harmony made.
“No,” her mother replied. “It is acceptable. But we will need to visit the dressmaker and purchase you several new ones now that you will be seen out in public more with Lord Lambert.”
Harmony frowned. “There is nothing wrong with what I already own,” she replied. “I see no need for new ones.” Such an opinion when it came to new dresses was not popular, but she had never seen the sense in wasting money on frivolities. Not when so many people suffered with little in the world.
As if she had not spoken, her mother took a step back to look Harmony up and down and then nodded in approval. “Yes, you look wonderful. And as to the dresses, I will not stand for any argument. You have an opportunity with Lord Lambert for which many women would do anything. We must ascertain that your attire and mannerisms are above standard for him.
Did her mother not understand that Nathaniel cared nothing for such things? Instead of arguing further, she chose her words carefully. “Nathaniel cares for me as I do him,” Harmony said. “And although I will remain the lady you have raised me to be, I am not worried. He would hold no ill will toward me if I were to make a misstep.” She had thought the words would assure her mother, but instead they brought about anger.
“Your father and I have given up everything for you. Do not take this courting lightly. There is no room for missteps, as you put it. You will conduct yourself with the utmost dignity at all times and not give Lord Lambert any reason to dismiss you. Is that understood?”
Harmony frowned. “Just last week you did not approve of Nathaniel, and yet now you do? Why?”
“My interests are your interests,” her mother replied. “And my interest is making Lord Lambert happy so you are married into one of the wealthiest families in England.” She took Harmony’s hand in hers. “Do you not see, my child? Your children will grow up in the finest of homes, wearing the finest clothes and eating the finest food. If the man sees you as you claim, you will receive mountains of jewelry, dresses…even your allowance every week will be the talk of the town!”
Although Harmony wished to tell her mother that she cared nothing for those things, she found herself merely nodding. The woman would not listen to any arguments she made, anyway.
“I understand,” she whispered.
“Good. Now, hurry along. He will be arriving at any moment.” Harmony nodded and followed her mother out of the room, but her mother was not through with her rampage. “Do not forget to remain quiet. Let the man speak, and do not offer your opinion. The last thing a man wants is to hear the opinion of a woman.”
Harmony stifled a sigh. Nathaniel is not like that, she thought. She hoped her mother would not decide to go with them to chaperon, or she might never be able to speak!
***
“I promise I am not teasing,” Nathaniel said. “I value your opinion on all matters, and I want to hear yours on this.”
Harmony could not help but smile. Her parents did not understand the handsome man who sat across from her in the carriage. Not one bit! It was moments like this that made her adore Nathaniel more than anything else in the world.
“Very well,” she replied. “I will give you my thoughts on this matter. If a lord and lady treat their servants with respect, and reward them with increases in pay, they will work harder and perform their tasks more vigorously, which in turn only makes a better home.”
“And why is that?”
“It is simple really,” Harmony replied with a smile. “They feel appreciated and satisfied and therefore will not seek employment elsewhere. If they remain, there is no need to concern oneself with finding replacements.” She gave Lydia, who sat beside her, a small smile.
“What you say has merit,” Nathaniel said. “And your wisdom is noted.” He turned his attention to Lydia. “I will honor Harmony’s words and offer you an increase in wage by two pence a year.” Harmony giggled when he winked at her. “I am only saying that in jest, of course. I believe everyone should be well cared for.”
Harmony sighed. Nathaniel was perfect in every way.
As the carriage slowed, she glanced toward the curtained window. He had forbidden her from looking outside, even for a peek. “Where are
we going, by the way?”
“It is a surprise,” Nathaniel said, brushing back a wave of dark brown hair from his brow. “You will know soon enough.”
Not a breath later, the carriage came to a stop. “Pull aside the curtain for me,” she whispered to Lydia. Nathaniel gave her a sharp, “Tsk!” and she glared at him. “If I must wait a moment longer, I will go mad!”
The carriage door opened, and soon all three alighted. They stood on the side of a country road she did not recognize. In front of them was a wooded area with a winding path leading through it.
Nathaniel went around to the back of the carriage and returned with a blanket and a basket in hand.
“If you would join me,” he said.
Harmony smiled and placed a hand on his arm. The sky was a deep blue with clusters of clouds about, but otherwise it was a lovely day.
They walked down a small incline, and Nathaniel said, “I am sorry I was unable to call on you sooner. I have been quite busy finalizing some business plans.”
“I thought that might be the case,” Harmony replied. She glanced around, still unsure where they were headed.
“Do not worry. Our destination is just ahead. It will be well worth the walk, I promise.”
“If we walk together forever, I do not care. As long as you are beside me.”
His cheeks reddened, and she felt her heart flutter. He was so handsome, but especially so when he blushed.
“That is my desire, as well,” he replied. “Now, be careful. This hill is quite steep.”
She gripped his arm as they approached a small clearing, and the view had to be the most wonderful she had ever seen. The forest opened up to a large field of golden wheat and in the middle sat a large lake.
“It is beautiful!” she gasped. The sun glinted off the surface, making her squint from the glare. “I have never seen anything more perfect.”
They walked through the well-worn path that snaked through the field. Once they reached the bank of the lake, Nathaniel placed the blanket on the ground before helping her sit. Then, to her surprise, he also helped Lydia sit.
“Are you happy?” he asked as he took his place across from Harmony.
“Very,” she replied. “This is a beautiful outing. Quite soothing.” And indeed, it was soothing. The subtle sound of the wheat rustling in the light breeze and the light lapping of the water on the bank was pleasant to the ears.
With a smile, Nathaniel produced a bottle of wine. He poured them each a small measure into glasses. “To happiness,” he said, raising his glass. “Although many seek it, few find it. And those who do are never the same.”
Harmony raised her glass and said “Here, here!” before taking a sip. The fruity flavor tickled her tongue and she thought she had not tasted anything better.
“I brought you a gift,” he said. “Though, it was too large to bring with me today.”
“A gift?” Harmony asked in wonderment. “I need no gifts.”
“That is where you are wrong,” Nathaniel replied. “You deserve the best of everything, and I wish to give it to you.”
For a moment, her mother’s words assaulted her. Did Nathaniel feel the need to buy her things? Did he believe her only interest was in what he could give her?
“Have I offended you?”
Harmony shook her head. “No, you have done nothing wrong. It is my mother. She believes that you buying me gifts is what I should strive for in life.”
“I assumed as much, but I assure you that it is because I care for you that I make such purchases.”
She smiled. Perhaps she was being overly concerned. “May I ask what you bought me?”
“You may,” he replied, a twitch playing at the corner of his mouth.
“Well?” she demanded when he said nothing more.
He sighed. “It is a ship.”
Harmony nearly spat out the wine she had been sipping. “A ship? You purchased an entire ship for me?”
He laughed. “Well, perhaps I did not purchase it for you but rather I had it named after you. It arrived in Cornwall and was named after the very woman I admire. Harmony of the Soul.”
“I-I do not know what to say,” she replied. “I thought you meant a book or perhaps a…oh, I do not know what exactly, but I never expected to have a ship named after me.”
“Wherever it sails, it shall carry your name so all may see how majestic you are.”
Harmony’s heart beat with love, and although she wanted to tell him, she knew she could not. No lady made such statements before the man! But the moment he made his proclamation, she would do so, as well!
Chapter Twelve
They spent more than an hour admiring the lake and enjoying conversation. With the gentle breeze and the lovely scent of the grasses around them, Harmony had never been more at ease. And although her surroundings contributed to the serenity, it was the presence of Nathaniel that sealed it.
He was tall, but not intimidating. His voice was stern, but never mocking. Yet, it was his smile, or the way he brushed back the dark wave that often fell over his brow, that caused her heart to flutter.
“I have a topic I would like to discuss,” he said. He glanced at Lydia. “I feel it cannot wait.
Lydia, the ever-observant maid, rose and brushed at her skirts. “I believe I will search for some flowers to take home with us,” she said before she hurried away, doing her best to hide a smile.
Harmony laughed. “She is good to me,” she said. “And you.” She sighed. “Naming a ship after me. I have never received such a gift. How will I ever be able to match it?”
“There is no need to reciprocate,” he replied. “For it came from the heart. For two years, we have become better acquainted with one another, and in that time, I believe we have grown quite close.”
“I agree. Far closer than I would have first thought.”
“I know that traditionally when a couple courts, it is meant as a time to learn more about one another, but I believe we know much already.”
Harmony scrunched her brow. “I do not understand.”
Nathaniel shifted in his place. “What I mean is, I do not wish to continue courting. I would rather come right out and ask you to marry me.”
Harmony’s heart nearly burst from her chest. “You know I have already accepted,” she said. “I have known for some time that one day we will wed.”
“Then let it be sooner rather than later,” he said, sitting up on his knees. “I will speak to your father and invite your parents to Scarlett Hall. Once there, we shall announce our engagement. Then we need only wait for the reading of the banns before we are married.”
Although she wanted nothing more, the sudden change caught her off-guard. “And this is not too soon for you?” she asked. “I can wait until you are ready.” Was he asking because he was worried she would accept an earlier offer from Lord Miller?
He stood and offered his hand. She allowed him to help her stand. Then she gazed into his eyes. No, he was not asking her merely to keep her from accepting another proposal. He truly loved her.
“There is no one I care for more than you,” she said. “Yes, of course, I wish to be your wife!”
His smile widened. Would he now speak his love for her?
“I-I must say,” he stammered, and Harmony braced herself for the words she longed to hear. “I am…happy for both of us.” The last he blurted as if he wanted to spray the words all at once. Although they were not the exact words she had hoped to hear, she was pleased, nonetheless.
“As am I,” she said. Then she lifted herself onto her toes and placed the smallest of kisses on his lips. For a moment, they stood staring at one another.
Harmony could not help but wonder several things all at once. Where would they marry? When would they leave for Scarlett Hall? Would he love her forever and for always?
“My sisters will adore you,” he said, taking her hand in his. “Isabel, the eldest, is wise – and a duchess. Hannah can always be found with a book i
n her hand, even now after she has married a marquess. Juliet is abroad, but you will never meet a woman so fierce and so bold as she. And Annabel is the kindest, most loving of them all.”
Harmony smiled. “They all sound wonderful,” she said. “And your mother? Will she approve of me?”
His gaze returned to hers. “I have no doubt she will welcome you into our family with open arms. I believe the two of you will have much in common.”
Lydia returned as soon as they sat once more, as if she had been waiting behind the stalks of wheat.
They spent the next hour conversing about whatever topic came to mind, and before long, the conversation turned to the future ahead.
In Harmony’s mind, it would be a future where she was not scolded at every turn. A life of happiness with the man she loved. And Scarlett Hall, the grand home Nathaniel spoke of often, would be her home. According to him, the place shielded those inside from the troubles of the world, and Harmony looked forward to a life of safety and happiness for the first time in her life.
***
Although Harmony wished for this day to last forever, it indeed came to an end. As she stood beside Nathaniel’s carriage in front of Eastwood Estate, she considered leaving with him. Running away to be with him for the remainder of her days. It was a silly thought, of course, for she could not defy her parents in such a horrible way, but it was tempting, nonetheless.
“I will send your father a request to speak with him,” Nathaniel said. “It will be then that I extend my invitation to join me at Scarlett Hall.”
“And once there, we shall announce our engagement,” Harmony said, her cheeks burning. “I cannot wait to tell the world about our commitment to one another.”
“Nor can I,” he replied. “Soon, your voice will fill the halls of my home.” He shook his head. “No. Our home, where you will become Lady Harmony Lambert, Baroness Lambert.”
“Baroness,” Harmony whispered. “I had not considered that, but you are right. I will have a title.” She tugged at her lower lip and forced her hand at her side. “From all you have told me of your mother, I can only hope to be able to carry myself with the same dignity she has since taking her place as baroness.”
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