Flower Of Hope – Episode 36
Flower Of Hope
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- 1. Flower Of Hope – Episode 36
JOSEPH and Eliza were married that winter, on a day of bright sun and a chill wind. Eliza said she hoped, as a widow, to be wed quietly.
This meant there was a great deal of discussion about how very quiet and discreet things were going to be . . . just before she changed her mind and decided on something more elaborate.
In the event, it was a very happy day. Joseph could not have looked more steady, nor Eliza happier – or more fashionable. The wedding party was not large, which gave Eliza plenty of time to speak to her sister.
“Thank you, my dearest Caroline, for all your kindness. I can’t imagine what might have happened to my darling boy if you, Papa and Joseph had not been there.”
“And Luke,” Caroline said, realising they still had not spoken to each other.
“Naturally I do not forget our dear friend,” Eliza said, her gaze searching for him.
Caroline watched Luke’s head incline as he talked to Matthew. He looked attentive and absorbed, then quite suddenly he smiled at something Matty said.
Such a familiar, easy smile! Caroline couldn’t help recalling those times in Florence when his smiles had been directed at her.
“I know he cares for you. Eliza said quietly. But he will not ask for you without encouragement.”
“What has Papa told you?” Caroline asked sharply.
She had no idea Eliza had even heard of Luke’s earlier proposal. That belonged to another life.
“Papa has said nothing.” Eliza gave a soft smile. “But I have eyes, my dear! I know you care for him, too.”
Afterwards, their conversation stayed in Caroline’s mind. It forced her to accept Luke had kept away from Lyon Place.
At first, Caroline had put this down to consideration for her father’s illness. But now, with William recovered, she wondered why their association had not been renewed.
Truth was, she missed his company.
After the ceremony Matthew sought out his aunt.
“I am pleased to see my mother so happy,” he said as they took their places for the wedding meal.
“And you, Matty? What would make you happy?”
“Becoming the next doctor in the family!”
“We are all so proud of you,” Caroline told him.
“I would never have made such a decision without my new stepfather’s help.”
“On the contrary, I think you have always had it in you to do well, Matthew.” She hesitated. “No talk of marriage for yourself?”
“The lady I once loved was wed to another by the time we returned home.”
“I’m sorry, dear.”
Matthew’s gaze became focused on his plate.
“Not all attachments end badly. May I offer advice?”
“If you wish . . .” Caroline said, bewildered.
“Mr Hathern is keeping himself busy. It may be to avoid certain . . . situations. He speaks of you constantly, yet doesn’t talk directly to you at all.”
“Nonsense,” Caroline protested, though she felt Matthew spoke the truth.
The boy looked up.
“I wish you might feel as happy about life as I do, Aunt Caroline, that’s all. Now, let’s forget serious things and enjoy this excellent food.”
They talked about Florence and the houses and gardens there.
“London gardens seem dull by comparison.”
Matty mentioned there was shortly to be an auction of established plants near Lyon Place.
“The owner of the house passed away and goods are being disposed of. Plants, I’m told, and furniture. You should go!”
Caroline smiled at his enthusiasm, and thought she might do that.