Page 24 of The Nanny Who Healed the Earl (Secrets and Passions of High Society #10)

Chapter 24

Ophelia pulled away the heavy velvet curtain draped over the carriage window and looked out, realizing she was just a few minutes away from home. The prospect of returning was extremely joyful to her, especially with Amy, who was seated comfortably in her lap. Although, her heart still felt awfully sorrowful.

She did wish to return home, but not in these circumstances.

It was hard to believe that just yesterday, she had danced in Edward’s arms at the Cartwright ball, and only he had meant to hurt her so terribly. When Ophelia had gone into the gardens for a few moments of peace, she had found Edward just a little further away with no one else but Alice.

I am never going to fall in love with someone beneath my rank. She is entirely unmarriageable and will never be good enough for me. The words he had used for her in front of Alice were burnt in Ophelia’s memory.

She would never be able to forget them.

Although, all of it was her fault. She already knew how Edward had treated his sister when she fell in love with someone below their rank. Hence, it was understandable that he felt the same towards Ophelia. To him, she was just a maid who was never going to be his equal, and Ophelia would best accept that. But his words had been hurtful, all her fears confirmed.

“Miss Jennings, are we there?” the maid accompanying her asked, snapping Ophelia out of her thoughts.

“Yes, just a few minutes away.”

After crying the entire night, Ophelia had decided it was best to take a break and return home to distance herself from Edward for a little while. The feelings she had for him were still intact, but she needed to let go of them to find peace.

The sooner she accepted that Edward would not feel for her the same way, the better it would be.

Thankfully, she did not have to speak to him since she had asked Rosalina to return home, who had been happy to let Ophelia go for a while. Upon asking if she could take Amy along with her, Rosalina had easily agreed. Ophelia was simply a little too attached to the little girl and had no desire to part from her, even if it was only for a few days.

The carriage stopped, and Ophelia knew they had arrived. She looked out the window, finding her house on the familiar streets of Kent.

“We are here.” Her heart already felt lighter.

Ophelia stepped out, hoping for someone to be home since she had not informed anyone of her arrival, having no time to do so. With Amy in her arms, Ophelia knocked on the door and her mother opened it, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Am I missing you so much that I have begun to hallucinate, or are you truly standing before me?”

“I am here, Mama.”

“Oh, my darling.”

The maid who had accompanied her, Selene, took Amy from Ophelia’s arms so she could greet her family, and Ophelia immediately hugged her mother. She wanted to break into tears at the comfort she felt upon being home again, but she knew it would only worry her mother, and that was the last thing she wanted. She was just here for a few days and had no desire to cause anyone worry.

“Who is it?” Amelia asked from behind their mother before exclaiming in surprise once her gaze landed on Ophelia, “Sister!”

Ophelia laughed, finally crying happy tears at the occasion as Sarah came outside as well, Andrew perched in her arms. Both the sisters refused to leave her until their mother finally ushered them inside the house after already making quite a commotion on the street. Ophelia was certain by now that all the neighbours must be aware of her arrival.

Her mother also brought Selene inside, immediately asking her to feel at home. Selene and Ophelia were already good friends, so it was hardly an issue. Both Sarah and Amelia had already taken Amy in their arms, playing with her. Amy, being a friendly little girl was laughing along with them, beginning to enjoy herself.

“I cannot believe you brought Amy along with you.” Amelia smiled as Andrew, too, began to play with Amy.

“Little baby,” he kept calling her, not leaving her hand for even one second.

Ophelia’s heart was already full, seeing how Amy had so easily adjusted in the midst of her siblings. Her heart was much lighter, and she could not believe how much she had missed her home. She had been far away for too long, and being back only made her feel at peace.

“Sweetheart,” her mother addressed her once they were all finally seated, “why did you not tell us you were coming? I would have cooked something you love.”

“The plan was very sudden, Mama,” Ophelia lied, not knowing what else to say. “I only decided last night that I was tired and must come home for a while. Hence, I came as quickly as I could.”

“I cannot tell you how delighted I am to see you.” Her mother sighed, tears stinging the corners of her eyes.

Ophelia immediately stood up and went to sit beside her mother, hugging her from the side.

”Oh, Mama, stop crying. I am here now.”

“I have missed you terribly, my child.”

“She really has, Ophelia,” Sarah chimed in, still sitting beside Amy, who was clearly fast friends with Andrew already as the two played together, “not a single day has gone by where she failed to mention you or how she wishes you to be here among us.”

“Is that so, Mama?” Ophelia laughed.

“I believe I am allowed to miss my daughter?”

“After all, you do love her the most,” Sarah said teasingly upon which her mother rolled her eyes.

Ophelia could not stop laughing.

“You two must stop being jealous of the love Mama has for me. I am the eldest daughter, after all, and bound to be her favourite.”

She stood up from beside her mother and went to stand behind the sofa her sisters were seated on. Amy began to jump when she saw Ophelia approach, already wanting to be in her arms. Ophelia picked up the child, placing a kiss on her cheek as Amy clung to her.

“Amy, come back,” Andrew motioned with his tiny hands towards Amy, who stared at him in surprise. “Come back, Amy.”

Everyone laughed when Amy extended her small hands back towards Andrew, clearly wanting to go back to him. Ophelia loved how, after only knowing each other for a few minutes, they interacted as if they had been playing together for ages. This was what she loved about children: the way they instantly chose to play together.

Sarah took Amy from her, once again seating her on the sofa so Andrew could play with her.

“I am so glad you brought her along,” Amelia said, “she is a delight.”

“She is an angel,” Ophelia sighed, “I have come to love her like my own.”

“You spend day and night with her, and knowing you, you give her the love only a mother would give a child,” her mother said. “It is heartwarming to see the two of you together.”

“You should see her at the manor,” Ophelia replied, “everyone in the household loves her.”

“Ophelia is right,” Selene, still sitting in the living room, said. “Everyone in the house loves Amy from all their hearts, but no one loves her as much as Ophelia. She loves her even more than her own mother could have loved her.”

“Ophelia has always been loving,” Sarah replied, “she gave us siblings the same love as well. She is truly a jewel.”

“Everyone in the house will immediately agree,” Selene laughed.

“You all must stop singing my praises before it goes straight to my head.”

“I do not mind one bit, even if it goes to your head. You have come home after months, and I plan to spoil you with love.” Her mother hugged her once again, and Ophelia gave in to it.

“I am counting on it.”

She looked at the living room, which had come to life from the chatter and already felt worlds better. It was almost like her heart had found a home again after being lost for days. She had been emotionally exhausted and needed a place where she could keep her head and rest. That was all she needed.

And now that she was home, she had just that.

I will be fine soon.

All she needed to do was get over Edward as quickly as she could, and all would be well again. Her heart wouldn’t hurt ever again. At least, that was what she hoped for.