8. Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

The morning mist was just beginning to dissipate as Richard strode back from the paddocks where he had been inspecting the mares with foals at foot towards the house, his boots sinking slightly into the damp earth. He smiled, anticipating another wonderful day spent with his family and their beloved horses.

"Sir Richard!" called out a voice, breaking Richard from his reverie. He turned to see Thomas, the groom, jogging toward him, a concerned expression on his face.

"Whatever is the matter, Thomas?" Richard inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.

"Apologies, sir, but it seems we have unexpected visitors," Thomas panted, catching his breath. "The Commandant from Sandhurst, General Harcourt, has arrived, accompanied by a young lady."

"Good heavens," Richard muttered, recalling the Commandant's not-so-subtle hints about marrying one of his granddaughters. As much as he respected the older man, Richard couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at the thought of being pushed into a marriage he wasn't quite ready for.

"Thank you, Thomas," Richard said with a nod, steeling himself before making his way back toward the house. He knew it was his duty to welcome the guests warmly, even if their arrival was unannounced and rather inconvenient.

As Richard rounded the front of the house, he could see the Commandant disembarking from his carriage and handing out a young lady whom Richard recognised. The elder gentleman, clad in a fine military uniform that still fit him snugly despite his advancing years, greeted Richard with a hearty handshake.

"Ah, Richard, my boy! I hope you don't mind our little surprise visit," the Commandant boomed, his voice carrying.

"Of course not, General Harcourt. You are always welcome at Belle Haven," Richard replied with practised politeness, though he couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension in the pit of his stomach.

"Excellent! I thought it might be nice for my granddaughter to see the countryside, and your lovely estate seemed like the perfect place for a visit," General Harcourt said, clapping Richard on the shoulder.

"Indeed," Richard murmured, his eyes flicking toward the young woman standing beside the Commandant. He knew it was high time he considered settling down, but the suddenness of their arrival left him feeling cornered, like one of his prized horses being led into an unfamiliar stall.

"Good morning, Sir Richard," Miss Harcourt greeted him, her voice sweet as honey and soft as a summer breeze. She dipped into a curtsey, her sky-blue gown swishing gently around her ankles. Her golden curls were arranged in an intricate updo, tendrils framing her porcelain face, accentuating her sapphire eyes and rosebud lips. It was undeniable that Elspeth Harcourt was stunning, and Richard had indeed been seriously considering courting her.

"Miss Harcourt," Richard replied, bowing slightly, "it is a pleasure to have you here at Belle Haven."

"Thank you, sir," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement. "I have heard so much about your beautiful estate and the magnificent horses you breed. I am delighted to finally see it all for myself."

He could feel the weight of his father's expectations pressing down on him, and he knew that marrying someone like Miss Harcourt would ensure the success and reputation of Belle Haven for generations to come. Richard found himself struggling to maintain his composure, caught between the desire to fulfil his duty and the nagging feeling that something about this arrangement felt wrong.

"Sir Richard, may I ask you a question?" Miss Harcourt inquired, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Of course, Miss Harcourt. What is on your mind?"

"Your estate is quite large, and I imagine it must be difficult to manage on your own. Do you ever feel lonely?" she asked, her gaze searching his face for an answer.

He almost laughed. Lonely? With his three girls for company, and now Theresa, and Molly, and all his horses?

"Ah, here they come now," he said, his eyes lighting up as he watched three small figures come cantering across the meadow on their spirited ponies. Behind them, Theresa rode Ballerina at a more sedate pace, her brown hair escaping from under her simple straw hat and fluttering in the breeze.

"And who do we have here?" the general boomed.

"My daughters, General Harcourt, and their governess," Richard said.

"I was not aware you had children, Sir Richard!" Miss Harcourt looked at her grandfather, shock clear on her face.

"Indeed," Richard replied, a note of pride in his voice as he watched the girls approach. "They are my heart and soul."

"Charming," murmured Miss Harcourt, her lips pursing ever so slightly as she studied the girls, who were now reining in their ponies and dismounting with youthful exuberance.

"Miss Harcourt, may I present my daughters: Clara, Anna and Eliza," Richard said, beckoning the girls forward. They curtsied politely, their cheeks flushed from their ride, and greeted the Harcourts with shy smiles.

"Charmed, I'm sure," Miss Harcourt replied, offering the girls a restrained smile that did not quite reach her eyes as she took in their faces, Anna's golden skin and tilted eyes, Eliza's dark brown skin and wild black curls. "I must say, I never would have guessed that you had such an… unconventional family arrangement, Sir Richard." There was condemnation in her tone.

Richard felt a sudden, protective surge of emotion as he regarded his daughters, their faces bright and eager as they looked upon their potential future stepmother. He knew society would not approve of his decision to take in the girls, but their happiness was more important to him than any judgmental whispers.

"Life has a way of surprising us all, Miss Harcourt," he said gently. "I never expected to find myself a father, but now that I have these wonderful girls in my life, I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"Indeed," Miss Harcourt murmured, her gaze lingering on Theresa as she dismounted from Ballerina and joined the group, her mousy features and plump figure a stark contrast to the poised, elegant beauty standing next to Richard.

"Ah, and this is Theresa Wilkes, the girls' governess and dear friend," Richard added, smiling warmly at the young woman who had become an integral part of their family. "Theresa, these are the Harcourts, visiting from Sandhurst."

"An honour to meet you," Theresa said, dipping into a curtsy as she met Miss Harcourt's cool stare with a quiet dignity that belied her humble appearance.

"Likewise," Miss Harcourt replied, her voice cordial, though the subtle disdain in her eyes did not go unnoticed by Richard. He found himself clenching his jaw, suddenly unsure about the prospect of courting such a beautiful but prejudiced woman. After all, Belle Haven was more than just an estate to him – it was a sanctuary for his unconventional family, and he would do whatever it took to protect it and those he loved.

"Girls, we need to return the horses to the stables and go and wash up before lunch. If you will excuse us," Theresa said with a polite curtsy.

Miss Harcourt sniffed and turned her face away, not even acknowledging Theresa or the girls' existence. The general scowled disapprovingly, and Richard watched as his daughters, all sensitive to the mood of the adults around them, stepped back, shadows slipping over their faces.

"Thank you, Miss Wilkes," he said, keeping his voice steady with an effort.

Theresa didn't meet his eyes before she turned and followed the girls to the stables, Ballerina following docilely at her heels.

"Far too fine a horse for a servant to ride," the general humphed, and Richard took a deep breath.

"Would you both care to take a turn about the garden with me?" he asked.

Miss Harcourt looked at her grandfather, and the general nodded.

"Very well. We'll hear what you have to say," General Harcourt said.

Richard sought to clarify matters as they walked. "Allow me to explain," he said with a strained smile. "I'm not actually their father. The girls aren't my daughters by birth, but I have taken them into my care, and I consider them family."

Miss Harcourt's eyes widened, her lips pursing in disapproval. "Sir Richard, surely you must see that taking in such children is most irregular. They belong in an orphanage, not living amongst respectable society."

"Excuse me?" Richard replied, his tone sharp and his blue eyes darkening with indignation. "Their happiness and well-being are of the utmost importance to me. Belle Haven is their home, and I will not abandon them."

At that moment, General Harcourt intervened, placing a firm hand on Richard's shoulder. "Son, may I have a word with you?"

"Of course, General," Richard replied, reluctantly leaving Miss Harcourt's side. As they walked away from the gathering, the general's stern countenance loomed over him, casting a shadow that seemed to darken the vibrant garden.

"Sir Richard, I understand your compassion for these girls, but you must realise the consequences of your actions," the commandant began, his voice low and gruff. "No respectable woman will marry a man who insists on raising a brood of illegitimate children as his own! You're jeopardising your chances of making a suitable match."

"General, I appreciate your concern, but these girls need me," Richard countered, his jaw set. "I refuse to turn my back on them simply to improve my marriage prospects."

"Remember, you have a duty to your family name and estate," the general warned, his words heavy with unspoken disappointment.

"I am very conscious of my duty, I thank you," Richard said, beginning to feel annoyed.

"Think carefully about what you stand to lose by continuing down this path. Have you considered sending the girls away?" suggested the general, his tone dismissive and cold. "Perhaps to the orphanage on Duke Street, or paying another family to raise them? I mean, nobody really wants a passel of girl children. You just have to marry them off eventually anyway." He glanced back at his own granddaughter with a resigned expression on his face.

"General, with all due respect, these girls are a part of my life now," Richard replied firmly, meeting the older man's gaze without flinching. "I cannot simply abandon them because they might be inconvenient for my marriage prospects."

Neither General Harcourt nor Richard were aware that behind the wall where they were standing, a small girl was crouched, listening to their every word. Clara had left her pony with Anna and run back from the stables to eavesdrop, convinced that the presence of the beautiful young lady who looked at them with such distaste could mean nothing good for her and her sisters.

Hearing the general's advice for Richard to send them to Duke Street, Clara gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Terrified she would be overheard, she crept away quickly before hearing her father's retort in response, and ran all the way back to the stables. Her hair was a wild halo around her tear-streaked face, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she stumbled toward Theresa.

"Miss Wilkes," Clara choked out between sobs, "I heard Papa... he's not really our father. He said so!"

Theresa's heart clenched at the sight of Clara's distress. Dropping the comb she had been using on Ballerina's mane, she crouched down and gently pulled the girl into her arms, allowing her to bury her face in Theresa's plain cotton dress. In the warmth of Theresa's embrace, Clara's tears flowed even more freely.

"Clara, dear, I'm certain there must be some misunderstanding," Theresa murmured, brushing the girl's hair from her damp forehead. "Now tell me, what did you hear?"

"Miss Harcourt and her grandfather... they said we should be sent away," Clara whispered through her sniffles. "They want Papa to marry Miss Harcourt, but he can't if we're here."

The idea that Richard would even entertain such a notion was inconceivable to Theresa, yet the fear it ignited within her forced her to confront the possibility. She looked into Clara's wide, frightened eyes and saw the same uncertainty she felt reflected there. What if Richard chose his own happiness over their makeshift family?

"Clara, listen to me," Theresa said firmly, taking the girl's hands in her own. "Your father loves you and your sisters more than anything. He would never send you away just to please someone else."

"But what if Miss Harcourt makes him choose?" Clara whimpered, her lower lip trembling.

"Then he will make the right choice," Theresa assured her, hugging Clara close once more. "We are his family, and we will always be here for each other. Now come; let us go in and get something to eat, and after the Harcourts have left, I will speak to your father. I promise."

She did not have to wait long. The Harcourts' carriage was already being called around to the front of the house, and within minutes, was rolling away from Belle Haven. For good, Theresa hoped.

Steeling herself against the tight knot of anger and fear in her chest, Theresa marched back towards the stables, the clip-clop of her boots resounding on the cobblestone path. She knew Richard would be there, seeking solace among the gentle whickers and earthy smells of the horses he so adored.

As she entered the dimly lit stable, the scent of hay and horse filled her nostrils, grounding her in the task at hand. There, in the far corner, stood Richard, his tall frame bent over as he lovingly groomed a glossy chestnut mare. His dark hair fell over his forehead, partially obscuring the intensity of his clear blue eyes. When he looked up and saw Theresa, a hesitant smile touched his lips.

"Theresa," he began, but she cut him off, unable to contain the storm of emotions roiling within her.

"Richard, how could you?" she demanded, hands on her hips as she glared at him. "Clara overheard your conversation with General Harcourt. She's terrified that you're going to send her and her sisters away, all so you can marry Miss Harcourt!"

His face paled, the softness in his eyes replaced by a steely determination. "Theresa, I—"

"Did it ever occur to you," she continued, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, "that those girls are more than just some burden? That they've come to see you as their real father, and Belle Haven as their home?"

"Of course it did!" Richard protested, setting down the grooming brush and stepping closer to her. "You must believe me when I say that I never intended to hurt any of you."

"Then why, Richard?" Theresa pleaded, her voice cracking. "Why entertain the notion of sending them away?"

He exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair as he wrestled with his thoughts. Finally, he looked Theresa directly in her brown eyes, his own blue orbs shining with sincerity.

"Theresa, you have it all wrong," he said firmly. "The girls are my daughters, and that is that. I would never send them away, not for Miss Harcourt or anyone else."

"Then what were you discussing with General Harcourt?" she asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

"His expectations, his opinions... but they do not dictate my choices," Richard answered, his gaze unwavering. "The love I have for those girls means more to me than any societal obligation. Belle Haven is their home, and I am their father, in every way that matters. I asked the Harcourts to leave Belle Haven, and not return."

"Truly?" she asked, her heart lifting with hope.

"Indeed," he confirmed, his smile broadening. "I have no intention of bending to their will or their expectations. The girls are my daughters and that is that."

Theresa hesitated before speaking again. "Richard," she began, her voice gentle and cautious, "I know you don't care about marrying into the Ton, but Miss Harcourt is truly beautiful, and I'm sure there are other ladies who would gladly become your wife. You're quite wealthy now, after all."

She absentmindedly twisted a stray lock of her mousy brown hair around her finger as she continued, "Perhaps a widow might be more accepting of the girls, willing to raise them as her own?"

Richard leaned against the sturdy frame of the stable door, his blue eyes thoughtful as he regarded Theresa. The afternoon sun painted his strong features with a golden light, making him appear even more handsome than usual.

"Theresa," he said slowly, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "I've already found the woman I'm quite sure the girls would want as their mother, if I gave them a vote." He paused, allowing the words to hang in the air for a moment before adding, "She's been right under my nose for some time."

Theresa blinked as she tried to decipher Richard's cryptic statement. She racked her brain, attempting to recall any recent encounters with eligible widows or other ladies who might have won Richard's favour.

"Who?" she asked, genuinely perplexed. "I can't think of anyone who—"

"Theresa," he interrupted, taking a step closer to her. "You've been looking after them since they arrived, caring for them just like a mother would. You've become a part of our little family."

Her heart stuttered in her chest, feeling both flattered and confused by his words. Before she could respond, Richard leaned in, gently pressing his lips against hers in a tender, chaste kiss.