13. Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across Belle Haven. Richard stood by Theresa's side, his strong hand gripping hers for support as they awaited the arrival of the Duke of Allanworth. The air was thick with the scent of blooming roses and freshly turned earth, a bittersweet reminder of life carrying on amidst loss.

"Are you certain this is what you want, Theresa?" Richard asked, looking down at her.

Theresa nodded, her eyes shining with conviction. "Yes, I believe it is best for the twins. They deserve to be loved and cared for, just as we have done for our other daughters."

As if on cue, the sound of hooves echoed in the distance, growing louder as the Duke's carriage approached. Soon the elegant equipage was drawing to a halt at the foot of the steps, a footman jumping down to open the door and let down the step.

The Duke of Allanworth was younger than Richard had imagined, no older than Richard himself. Fair-haired and blue eyed, as his sister had been, his eyes were red-rimmed with grief.

"Your Grace," Richard greeted him with a respectful bow, his voice sombre.

"Sir Richard, Lady Bell," the Duke acknowledged them, reaching to take Richard's hand and shake it. "You have my deepest gratitude for all you did for my sister."

"Please, think nothing of it, Your Grace," Richard replied, his compassion evident in his tone. "We did what any decent person would do."

"Would you like to meet Laura's daughters?" Theresa asked, her voice gentle. The duke hesitated, but then he nodded.

"I would. Very much, I thank you."

"This way, then." Richard felt Theresa's hand slip into his as he turned to go back inside the house, and he smiled reassuringly at her. He knew her fear; that the duke would already have made his mind up about what was to be done with Laura's children and would refuse their offer.

"They look like Laura," the duke said softly as he looked down at the sleeping girls in the cradle, both with wispy blonde hair and porcelain skin. "But so small, and fragile! I have a son… he was not so small as they are. Will they…?" He didn't seem to be able to bring himself to ask the question. Would they survive, as their mother had not?

"The midwife told us that it is not uncommon for twins to be smaller than other babies," Theresa said reassuringly. "They are quite strong, however. We found a wet nurse, from Basingstoke, and she says they are both feeding well. We believe they will thrive."

"It is to be hoped," the Duke murmured, his eyes lingering on the tiny faces of Lady Laura's children. One of the babes awoke at that moment, letting out a cry; at once her sister was awake too.

Instinctively, both Richard and Theresa reached out to pick up the babies, but the duke was before them, scooping both girls into his arms.

"I cannot bear the thought of Laura's children being sent to the orphanage," the duke exclaimed, his voice trembling as he held his nieces close. "What is to be done?"

"Your Grace, there is something we wish to discuss with you," Theresa began, her voice soft but steady. She glanced at Richard, who gave her an encouraging squeeze of the hand before she continued. "We would like to offer our home to the twins. We have already grown quite attached to them, and we believe it would be in their best interest to remain here at Belle Haven."

The duke looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before he sighed, the weight of his decision evident in his posture. "I can think of no better home for these precious children than with you," he declared finally, his voice thick with emotion. "I know my sister would rest easier knowing they are in such capable and loving hands."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Richard replied, grateful and proud for the duke to express such trust in them. The bustling unconventional family at Belle Haven had gained two more members, and Richard couldn't help but feel that fate had once again guided them down this unexpected path.

"Thank you," the duke whispered as he handed the infants back to Theresa. "I will ensure that money for their care is provided, and I will always be there to support them as their uncle, even if the relationship can never be publicly acknowledged."

"We understand, Your Grace," Richard said. "We will give these children the love and family they deserve."

The duke's mouth trembled as he looked at Richard, but he forced a smile. "We will be seeing a lot of each other over the years, Sir Richard. You'd best call me Allanworth."

"Why don't you show His Grace the stables, Richard?" Theresa urged them both gently towards the door. "The girls need feeding. Off with you both."

Allanworth paused, and then made her a very deep and respectful bow. "If there is ever anything you need, Lady Bell, for the girls, or for you or any of your other children, I beg that you will send to me at once. I owe you a debt that can never be repaid, but I shall certainly attempt to try."

Months had passed since the Duke entrusted Laura's precious twins to Richard and Theresa, and life at Belle Haven had settled into a comfortable rhythm. The manor was filled with laughter and love as Richard and Theresa poured their hearts into raising the two little girls, along with their older adopted daughters.

The day of the christening dawned bright and clear, sunlight streaming through the leaded windows of the grand estate, casting golden patterns on the polished floors. As the family gathered in the drawing room, dressed in their finest, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

"Are you certain we have everything prepared?" Theresa asked anxiously, smoothing her skirts with trembling hands.

"Of course, my dear," Richard reassured her, his eyes twinkling with affection. "I've never known our staff to disappoint us."

Theresa nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She glanced over at their adopted daughters, who were fawning over their baby sisters, their faces aglow with pride and delight.

"See, Mama?" Clara beamed as she adjusted the lace cap atop one infant's head. "They look like little angels!"

"Indeed they do," agreed Theresa, her heart full of love for her unconventional family.

"Shall we proceed, then?" Richard asked, extending his arm to his wife as the footman opened the door, revealing the sunlit courtyard beyond.

Together, they stepped out, feeling the warmth of the sun on their faces as they made their way to the village church. Inside, the pews were filled with friends and neighbours, all eager to bear witness to the christening of the newest members of Belle Haven's household.

"Welcome, everyone," the vicar began, his voice echoing off the ancient stone walls. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the christening of these beautiful children, and to welcome them into our community. By what names shall these children be called?" Mr. Fallon inquired, turning his gaze toward Richard and Theresa.

"Laura Jane," Richard announced proudly, cradling one twin tenderly in his arms as he spoke her name. The Duke of Allanworth could not be present, but had asked that one of Laura's children be given her name. Richard had chosen his own mother's name for her twin.

"Charlotte Grace," Theresa said, holding the other infant close to her heart.

"Laura Jane and Charlotte Grace," the vicar repeated, dipping his fingers into the holy water and gently anointing each child's forehead. "I baptise thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

As the ceremony concluded, Richard and Theresa stood before their gathered loved ones, their faces alight with joy and pride. They felt truly blessed to have been entrusted with the care of these precious little girls, and they knew that together, they would provide them with all the love and support they needed to thrive in their new home at Belle Haven.

"Thank you, everyone, for joining us on this special day," Theresa said, addressing the crowd. "We are so grateful to have you all here to help us welcome Laura and Charlotte into our family."

"May God bless them, and all who dwell within these walls," Richard added, his gaze sweeping over the room, taking in the faces of those who had come to celebrate with them.

"Hear, hear!" The guests raised their glasses in toast, and the air filled with laughter and well-wishes as the christening celebration began in earnest.

In the warm, sunlit nursery of Belle Haven, Theresa marvelled at the sight before her. Richard sat in a plush armchair, cradling their newest family members, Laura and Charlotte, with such tenderness that it brought tears to her eyes. The twins lay nestled against him, their happy gurgles and toothless grins bringing light to even the darkest days.

"Look at them, Theresa," Richard said softly, his clear blue eyes shining with love as he glanced up at her. "Have you ever seen anything so perfect?"

Theresa shook her head, a fond smile on her face. "Never, my love. They fit into our bustling family as if they were always meant to be here."

As if on cue, their older daughters burst into the room, giggling and jostling one another playfully. They gathered around their father's chair, all eager to dote on their new infant sisters.

"May I hold Lottie, Papa?" asked Clara, her big eyes pleading.

"Of course," Richard replied, gently placing Charlotte into Clara's waiting arms. "Remember to support her head, just like I showed you."

Clara nodded seriously, doing her best to mimic Richard's gentle touch. "I will, Papa."

"It's going to be so much fun when they are big enough to play with us," Eliza said. She held up her beloved toy horse in front of Laura, and the baby's blue eyes opened wide, one chubby little hand reaching out to try and grasp the toy. "See, Papa, she already likes horses!"

"Theresa," Richard whispered, watching the scene unfold with an expression of pure happiness. "I never thought my heart could hold so much love."

"Nor did I," Theresa agreed, her own eyes misting with emotion. "We are truly blessed."

Theresa adjusted the delicate lace doilies on the side table in the front parlour. The scent of fresh roses filled the air from an arrangement, their petals a vibrant explosion of reds and pinks. She glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Mrs. Hatton, her former matron from the Duke Street Orphanage, was due to arrive any moment, come for a visit to see how Mary and Rebecca, the two young women who had been placed with them as assistant housekeeper and governess, were getting along.

"Theresa, dear, are you certain everything is in order?" Richard asked, entering the room. Uncharacteristically, he too seemed nervous.

"Quite certain, my love," she replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "I just want Mrs. Hatton to see how well we are all doing. I know Mary and Rebecca are happy; I have no concerns of what they will say when she speaks to them."

The sound of carriage wheels crunching on the gravel drive sent a shiver of excitement down Theresa's spine. She hurried to the window, peering out to see Mrs. Hatton alighting from the vehicle, her stern features softened by a hint of curiosity.

"Richard, she's here!" Theresa exclaimed, smoothing her skirts nervously.

"Be easy, my darling. Everything will be fine," he murmured, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

As they opened the door to welcome Mrs. Hatton, the matron's gaze swept over the happy chaos of Belle Haven. Children scampered across the meadow outside, their laughter like music as they played and tumbled around the family's beloved horses.

"Mrs. Hatton, welcome to our home," Richard said warmly, extending his hand.

"Thank you," Mrs. Hatton replied. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the cheerful disarray, but instead of the disapproval Theresa had feared, a genuine smile blossomed on the matron's face. "My word, what a lively household you have!"

"Indeed, we are never short of amusement," Richard chuckled.

As they settled into the drawing room for tea, Mrs. Hatton watched the family's easy interactions, a thoughtful expression on her face. Finally, she spoke, her voice gentle and warm.

"Theresa, I must confess, I was initially unsure about your decision to marry Sir Richard and join this… unconventional household. But seeing the love and happiness that fills these walls, I understand now why you have chosen this path."

"Mrs. Hatton," Theresa whispered, tears pricking her eyes, "I cannot begin to express how much that means to me."

"Where others saw scandal and shame in taking in these children, you and Sir Richard have seen only human beings worthy of dignity and love," Mrs. Hatton continued, her gaze lingering on the happy faces around her. "You have created a home where all are welcome, and all are cherished."

"Thank you," Theresa breathed, feeling Richard squeeze her hand in silent support. "That is all we have ever wanted – a place where love knows no bounds."

And as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting its golden light over the tableau of joy and contentment that filled Belle Haven, Theresa knew that they had succeeded. In the face of adversity and judgement, they had built a haven where love reigned supreme – and there was no greater accomplishment than that.