11. Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

"Letter come for you, Lady Bell."

It took Theresa some few moments to realise the maid was addressing her. When will I ever get used to being called Lady Bell? she wondered despairingly, thanking the girl and accepting the letter. Her brows raised as she turned it over to find it had come from Mrs. Hatton at the Duke Street orphanage. Richard had written to advise Mrs. Hatton of their marriage, but Theresa had not expected any response. Sinking into a seat by the fire, she cracked the seal and unfolded the paper.

Dear Theresa, she read, I have recently been informed of your marriage to Sir Richard Bell and I must extend my most heartfelt congratulations. It warms me to know that you have found happiness in such a loving home.

Theresa's lips curved into a tender smile, the memory of her wedding day three weeks earlier still fresh in her mind. Clara, Anna, and Eliza had been so elated to participate in every aspect of the celebration, their laughter ringing like music through the halls of Belle Haven.

Continuing with the letter, Mrs. Hatton wrote, I also wish to express my gratitude for your care and kindness towards Helen Milnes. Though our paths may have diverged, it is comforting to know that the bond between those who once shared the walls of our humble orphanage remains strong.

Theresa felt a rush of warmth at the mention of Helen, who had blossomed in the warm, lovingly inclusive atmosphere of Belle Haven, even as her belly swelled with her growing babe. It was a pleasure to have a companion she could confide in as Theresa began this new chapter of her life.

Thank you for being a shining example of hope and perseverance to those who remain at Duke Street, proving that even the humblest beginnings can lead to lives filled with love and joy. Your kindness to Molly, too, has been exemplary – I admit that I struggled to see how we would be able to find a happy placement for Molly, but I have received two letters from her since she came to you and she is obviously happy.

That made Theresa feel even warmer. Molly occupied an unconventional position with the household, and had evolved her own role to be more of an assistant to Richard rather than Theresa or Helen. She could usually be found dogging his heels out with the horses, and was turning into a fearless rider, willing to take on obstacles that would have terrified Theresa.

The letter did not end there, however, and the smile slipped away from Theresa's face as she read on.

I am writing to ask if you and Sir Richard might consider providing sanctuary to a young woman in need. She is the sister of the Duke of Allanworth, who has unfortunately found herself with child and unmarried.

Theresa's heart clenched with sympathy for the girl. She remembered all too well the desperation and fear that hung heavy within the walls of the orphanage, particularly when a girl found herself in such circumstances. Determined to help if she could, she sought out Richard.

She found him in the library, the smell of leather-bound books filling the air. His dark hair was ruffled, and his clear blue eyes sparkled with concentration as he studied the plans for a new stone stable to replace the wooden one destroyed in the fire. He looked up at her entrance, his face breaking into a warm smile.

"Theresa, what brings you to me?" he asked, setting aside his work.

"Richard, I've received a letter from Mrs. Hatton," she replied, her voice earnest. "She asks if we might take in a young woman who is... in a desperate situation."

"Desperate? What do you mean?"

"She is of noble birth, but she has found herself with child out of wedlock," Theresa explained, her eyes imploring him to understand.

Richard's brows furrowed, and he took the letter from her to read it himself. As he did so, Theresa watched his face closely, hoping to see a flicker of compassion. It was there, beneath the worry – that same tenderness that had drawn her to him in the first place. She knew he understood the gravity of the girl's plight, just as well as she did.

"Would you be willing to help her, Richard?" she asked softly, her hands clasped together in quiet entreaty.

"Theresa, I…" he hesitated, his gaze searching hers. "I worry about the potential consequences of harbouring someone with such connections under such circumstances. Helen… well, she isn't the sister of a powerful nobleman."

"Please, Richard," she pleaded. "We cannot turn away someone in need. Our household is large enough to conceal one more person, especially one as vulnerable as this poor girl."

There was a long moment of silence as Richard pondered her request, his eyes never leaving hers. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "Very well," he agreed, his voice gentle. "For your sake, Theresa, we will take her in."

She watched as Richard retrieved a sheet of parchment and dipped his quill into the inkwell, his hand steady despite the gravity of his decision. As he penned their response to Mrs. Hatton, Theresa's thoughts turned to the preparations that would need to be made. A room would need to be readied, and perhaps a doctor should be consulted, given the delicate nature of their guest's condition.

A week later, a carriage arrived at Belle Haven, cloaked in the secrecy of the night. The wheels crunched on the gravel drive, coming to a halt outside the grand entrance. Theresa, her heart pounding with anticipation, stepped forward to greet their mysterious guest.

The door of the carriage swung open and out came a petite figure, veiled and cloaked. As Lady Laura emerged, Theresa couldn't help but admire her fine blonde hair that spilled over her shoulders and delicate porcelain skin. But what drew her attention most were the young woman's blue eyes, rimmed with red, reflecting a depth of fear that made her seem as frightened as a mouse.

"Welcome to Belle Haven," Theresa said softly, trying to make her feel comfortable. She extended a hand to Lady Laura, who hesitated briefly before accepting the gesture. "You will be safe here with us."

"Thank you," Lady Laura murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. As she spoke, Theresa noticed the swell of her belly beneath the cloak, a testament to the secret they now shared.

"Come inside," Theresa urged gently, guiding the young woman through the doors and into the warm embrace of the manor house. Candlelight flickered across the polished wood and thick carpets, casting an inviting glow throughout the foyer.

"Your room is prepared for you," Theresa continued, leading Lady Laura up the sweeping staircase. "I hope it will provide you with all the comfort you need during your stay."

Lady Laura said little in response, her demeanour making it clear that she was uneasy about her situation. Yet Theresa couldn't help but feel a sense of duty toward this vulnerable girl, determined to offer her sanctuary within the walls of Belle Haven.

As the days passed, Lady Laura seemed to retreat further into herself, spending most of her time shut away in her room, unable to face even interaction with the servants. Theresa and Helen were the only ones she seemed able to bear even to look at her. Theresa's heart ached to see her so withdrawn, but she understood that the young woman needed time to adjust to her new surroundings and the reality of her circumstances.

A warm glow emanated from the fireplace as Theresa carried a tray of steaming food to Lady Laura's room. The hallway was dim, lit only by the flickering candles in their sconces, casting dancing shadows on the walls. She hoped that the hearty meal might coax Lady Laura out of her melancholy and spark conversation between them.

"May I come in, Lady Laura?" Theresa called softly, tapping lightly on the door.

"Of course," came the quiet reply, and Theresa entered, setting the tray down on a small table near the window. Lady Laura sat in an armchair, wrapped in a shawl, her fine blonde hair cascading over her pale shoulders.

"Beef stew and fresh bread," Theresa said, trying to sound cheerful. "I thought something warm might be comforting."

"Thank you," Lady Laura murmured, picking at the food with little appetite.

"Is there anything else I can get for you? Perhaps some tea?"

"No, this is quite enough." Lady Laura looked up briefly, offering a small smile that never reached her eyes.

Theresa settled into the empty seat across from her, striving to engage her in conversation. "I heard the lark singing this morning," she began tentatively. "It reminded me of how much I love listening to the birdsong on crisp mornings like these."

"Indeed," Lady Laura replied, but offered no further comment. She seemed withdrawn, her gaze fixed on the fire crackling in the hearth. Finally, Theresa excused herself. Leaving Laura alone seemed to be all that the girl wanted.

At night, when the house was silent and bathed in darkness, Theresa lay awake in her bed, straining to hear any stirrings from Lady Laura's room. She often heard the faint sound of footsteps and muffled sobs echoing through the halls, each one piercing her heart like a dagger.

"Are we doing the right thing?" Richard approached Theresa one evening, his brow furrowed with concern. "She seems to be in such distress, and I worry that our presence is only adding to her burden."

"Richard," Theresa replied, her voice steady and resolute, "we must stand by her and help her through this ordeal. Despite her reticence, she needs our support now more than ever."

"Very well," Richard conceded, his gaze softening. "I trust your judgement, my dear."

Determined to break through Lady Laura's fragile fa?ade, Theresa devoted herself to caring for the expectant mother, bringing her warm meals, fresh linens, and anything else she might need. Over time, Theresa hoped that her unwavering kindness would reach the depths of Lady Laura's heart and help heal the wounds of her troubled past.

"Perhaps some fresh air would do you good," Theresa suggested one afternoon, finding Laura gazing wistfully out the window at the rolling fields beyond. "I could show you around the estate if you'd like."

"I don't want to be a burden," Laura replied hesitantly, her eyes downcast.

"Please, it would be my pleasure," Theresa insisted, offering a reassuring smile. "Besides, I think you'll find our horses quite charming. They've been known to lift even the heaviest of hearts."

At the mention of horses, a flicker of interest sparked in Laura's eyes, and for the first time since her arrival, she seemed to consider the possibility of venturing beyond the confines of her room.

"Very well," she agreed softly, her voice still tinged with uncertainty. "Perhaps some fresh air would do me good."

"Excellent," Theresa replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment at this small victory. "There's a gentle old pony in the paddock I think you might like to meet."

Laura nodded eagerly, her delicate hand reaching out to shyly take Theresa's as they walked side by side toward the paddock. As they drew closer, the soft whinnies of the horses filled the air, accompanied by the rustling of leaves dancing on the breeze.

"Here he is," Theresa announced with a warm smile as they reached the enclosure where a dappled grey pony grazed contentedly. "This is Mr. Pippin; he's quite the gentleman. He was Clara's first pony, but he's too old now to carry any of the girls, so Richard allowed him a peaceful retirement."

"Hello, Mr. Pippin," Laura said softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. She reached out tentatively, her fingers trembling as they brushed against the pony's velvety nose.

"Would you like to feed him a carrot?" Theresa suggested, producing some broken pieces from her apron pocket. "He's quite fond of them."

"May I?" Laura asked, her eyes widening with delight. As she offered the pony a piece of carrot, her face broke into an enchanting smile that seemed to chase away the shadows which had been haunting her for weeks.

"Of course," Theresa replied, overjoyed to see Laura smile. "You could also brush his coat if you'd like. I find it quite therapeutic myself."

"Thank you, Theresa," Laura whispered as she stroked Mr. Pippin's coarse mane with a soft-bristled brush. "I had forgotten how much I loved horses."

"Out here, with the animals and fresh air, we can forget our troubles for a while," Theresa mused, watching the transformation take place within Laura. "Perhaps we could make this a part of our daily routine?"

"I would like that very much," Laura agreed, her voice gaining strength.

From that day forward, Theresa and Laura spent their afternoons together in the paddock, tending to the horses and allowing nature to work its healing magic upon their weary souls.

During this time, Helen gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom she named Louise after her own mother. The joyful event brought even more love and light into Belle Haven, as the found family continued to grow stronger with each passing day.

The sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colours across the church pews. Baby Louise's christening was underway, and Theresa couldn't help but beam with pride as she watched Helen cradle her newborn daughter in her arms. The vicar, Mr. Fallon, stood before them, his voice gentle and warm as he performed the sacred rite.

"May God bless you and keep you, little one," he intoned, sprinkling holy water upon baby Louise's forehead.

Theresa's attention shifted from the baptismal ceremony to the way Mr. Fallon's eyes lingered on Helen. His gaze held an unmistakable tenderness that Theresa had not seen before. Her heart quickened at the realization that the local vicar might be rather keen on her dear friend.

"Have you noticed how Mr. Fallon looks at Helen?" Theresa whispered to Richard, who stood beside her.

Richard glanced over, his brow furrowing in thought. "Now that you mention it, there does seem to be something more than mere politeness in his gaze." Turning an indulgent smile on Theresa, he asked "Are you taking up matchmaking now, my love?"

"Perhaps." Theresa smiled back at him. "Helen deserves happiness, after everything she has been through, and we know Mr. Fallon to be a good man. He has never once looked askance at our daughters, after all, unlike so many others."

After the ceremony, the small gathering returned to Belle Haven, where refreshments were served in the drawing room, Helen for once the guest of honour rather than acting housekeeper. Theresa took the opportunity to approach Helen, who was showing off her precious baby girl to some of the other guests.

"She is so beautiful," Theresa asked, admiring the rosy-cheeked infant in the white christening gown Theresa and Richard had given Helen as a gift.

"Indeed, I am so grateful for everything," Helen replied, her eyes shining with happiness.

"Speaking of which," Theresa began hesitantly, "I noticed Mr. Fallon seemed particularly attentive during the christening. Do you think he might have feelings for you?"

Helen's cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly looked away. "Oh, I don't know about that. He's always been very kind, but I can't imagine he would be interested in someone like me."

"Someone like you?" Theresa echoed, her voice firm. "You are a wonderful woman, Helen. You deserve happiness just as much as anyone else."

"But what about my past? What about Louise? He's a vicar; surely, he cannot overlook such things," Helen worried, her eyes clouded with doubt.

"Mr. Fallon has never been one to judge others harshly, and he has seen first-hand the love and care we have for each other at Belle Haven," Theresa insisted. "He is well aware of our unusual situation, yet he remains supportive and understanding. I truly believe he won't judge you either."

"Even so, it's not fair for me to hide the truth from him," Helen said, her resolve wavering.

"Then don't," Theresa urged. "Tell him everything and let him make up his own mind. Trust that if he cares for you, he will accept you as you are."

Helen hesitated for a moment before looking down at baby Louise sleeping peacefully in her arms. With a deep breath, she raised her head and met Theresa's gaze with determination.

"Alright. I'll tell him," she agreed, her voice steady. "For my sake, and for Louise's."

"Good," Theresa said, squeezing her friend's hand reassuringly. "Remember, we are here for you, no matter what."

A few days after the christening, Theresa was arranging flowers when she heard a gentle knock on the parlour door. Her heart swelled with hope as she turned to see Helen standing there, her face aglow with happiness.

"Theresa, I have wonderful news!" Helen exclaimed as she entered the room, her eyes glistening with joyful tears. "I told Mr. Fallon everything and he wants to marry me!"

"Truly?" Theresa asked, the relief evident in her voice as she embraced her friend. "Oh, Helen, I am so happy for you both!"

"Thank you," Helen murmured, her cheeks flushed with emotion. "Your support has meant the world to me."

As they stood there, basking in the warmth of their friendship, Theresa couldn't help but consider the changes that would soon come to Belle Haven. With Helen's impending marriage and Mrs. Babcock's advancing age, the responsibilities upon her shoulders would be heavy indeed.

"Wait here," Theresa said suddenly, pulling away from Helen. She hurried to her writing desk and pulled out a sheet of parchment and a quill pen. "I believe it is time to write to Mrs. Hatton again."

"Whatever for?" Helen asked curiously, watching as Theresa dipped the quill into the inkwell and began to write.

"Though I shall miss you dearly, my dear friend, your happiness comes first," Theresa explained as she penned a short note. "Since Mrs. Babcock cannot now manage all the duties of housekeeper on her own, and I am really too busy as mistress of the house to be a proper governess to the girls these days, I am asking Mrs. Hatton to send us new candidates for both positions."

"I think that's a very good idea," Helen agreed. "You already do too much, and Molly spends more time in the stable than in the house. Mrs. Hatton will know just who to send, I'm sure."

With a smile, Theresa finished the letter and blotted the ink dry. Folding the parchment, she sealed it with a touch of wax and handed it to Helen. "Would you be so kind as to ask one of the footmen to deliver this to the post for me?"

"Of course," Helen replied, taking the letter from Theresa's outstretched hand.

As she watched her friend leave the parlour, Theresa couldn't help but feel both excitement and apprehension at the prospect of what lay ahead. With love blossoming in unexpected places and new challenges on the horizon, the future was uncertain – but one thing was clear: whatever happened, they would face it together, bound by the bonds of friendship and affection that had grown within the walls of Belle Haven.