Chapter 14

As the tranquil afternoon wore on, Andrew, having excused himself earlier to partake in his favorite pastime of boating on the estate's lake, returned from his watery escapades. His face was flushed with the crisp air and the exertion of rowing, his hair tousled by the wind—a stark contrast to the serene gathering he was about to stumble upon.

As he approached the house, drying his hands on a cloth, he was surprised to see the door to Tabitha's room closing gently. The figure emerging was unmistakable, even from a distance. His heart leaped with joy at the sight of his sister stepping out into the hallway.

"Harriet!" Andrew called out as he quickened his pace down the corridor, his voice echoing slightly in the grand hallway.

Harriet turned at the sound of her brother's voice, a broad smile breaking across her face as she saw him. "Andrew! How wonderful to see you again!" she exclaimed, stepping forward to meet him, her arms open for an embrace.

Andrew wiped his hands on his trousers, a habit from their childhood when he'd come home from some adventure or other. "Tell me, did Harry come with you? Is he here as well?"

Harriet's expression shifted to a mild disappointment. "No, he got caught up with work, but he'll be coming soon. Uncle James and his daughters are on their way too. They should be here by tomorrow at the latest."

"Uncle James too?" Andrew raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern flickering across his features.

The involvement of their uncle often meant that family politics were not far behind, a prospect Andrew found less than thrilling.

"Yes, it seems mother thought it a good idea to turn this into a bit of a family gathering," Harriet replied, her tone light, trying to brush off the potential complications their uncle's presence might bring.

Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that'll make for an interesting weekend. With Mother planning one thing and everyone else arriving with their own expectations…"

Harriet linked her arm with his, leading him towards the drawing room, where the rest of the family were gathered. "Come on, let's not dwell on what might go wrong. For now, we're all here, and that's something to celebrate, isn't it?"

As they entered the room, the chatter and laughter paused momentarily, turning into warm welcomes and surprised exclamations at Andrew's somewhat disheveled appearance. Marianne, catching his eye, smiled softly, her gaze flicking to Harriet, sharing in the joy of her arrival.

"Look at you, fresh from the lake and straight into the lion's den," Marianne joked as she approached.

Andrew's spirits were lifted by her presence and the warmth of his family around him. "Seems I can't stay away from the water or surprise family gatherings. But it's good to have you here, Harriet."

Tabitha, observing the interactions with a keen eye, called out from her armchair, "Now that we're all here, perhaps some refreshments are in order? Lady Hillsfolk, would you be so kind?"

Lady Hillsfolk, ever the gracious hostess, clapped her hands together, signaling to the servants. "Of course. Let's have some tea and perhaps open one of those bottles of claret from the cellar. It seems we have much to discuss and even more to celebrate."

As the family mingled, discussing various trivial matters and catching up on recent events, Andrew felt a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the unexpected nature of the gathering and the uncertainties that lay ahead, he was home, surrounded by the people he loved, and for now, that was more than enough.

* * *

The afternoon sun draped the gardens in a gentle, golden warmth as Marianne walked along the manicured paths, the scent of roses and fresh earth mingling in the air. Her thoughts were a mix of relief and quiet joy, having navigated the complexities of the family's unexpected reunion. As she rounded a trimmed hedge, she spotted Andrew and Lady Harriet deep in conversation beside the ornamental pond, their heads close together, laughing softly.

"Andrew! Harriet!" Marianne called out as she approached, her voice light and cheerful.

Both heads turned in her direction, and Andrew's face broke into a broad smile. "Marianne! Come, join us. Harriet was just regaling me with tales of her latest horticultural adventures."

Marianne reached them, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "Actually, I came to find you both for a reason. I remembered something important." She paused for effect, glancing between her fiancé and his sister. "Tomorrow is Grandmother's sixtieth birthday."

The reminder sparked a visible excitement in Harriet, who clapped her hands together. "Of course! Your grandmother's birthday! How could you forget?"

Andrew looked momentarily abashed, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "With everything going on, it had slipped her mind. Marianne, what are you suggesting?"

Marianne's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Well, since we're not celebrating our marriage just yet, why don't we make a grand day of celebrating Grandmother's birthday? It could be a wonderful happy occasion to bring everyone together."

"That's a splendid idea," Harriet agreed, nodding vigorously. "Your grandmother would absolutely love that. She adores being surrounded by family on special occasions. It's unfortunate that her health now doesn't allow her to move much as she used to."

Just then, Peggy appeared, bounding towards the group with her usual youthful exuberance. "What are you all plotting over here?" she asked, a curious twinkle in her eyes.

"We're planning a birthday celebration for Grandmother," Marianne explained, reaching out to squeeze Peggy's hand. "And we're going to need all the help we can get."

Peggy's face lit up with delight. "Oh, I'd love to help! Can we do decorations? And maybe a surprise?"

"Absolutely." Andrew chuckled. "You'll be in charge of decorations, Peggy. How does that sound?"

"Perfect!" Peggy beamed, already bubbling with ideas.

With enthusiasm in their voices, the group started talking about plans. They exchanged ideas for the event, discussing flowers, food, and music. Marianne summarized the general strategy and then recommended that they include Lady Hillsfolk.

"Let us go find Mother and inform her of our intentions. She'll definitely want to supervise the plans," Marianne remarked.

After everyone gave their approval, they turned to walk back to the house, beaming with excitement at the prospect of making the family matriarch happy. When they walked in, they saw Lady Hillsfolk in the library, engrossed in a good book.

"Mother," Marianne said in a warm voice, "we've been considering throwing Grandmother a special party in honor of her sixtieth birthday, which is tomorrow."

Lady Hillsfolk looked up, her interest piqued right away. "What a fantastic concept, my dear! Tabitha is deserving of a day to remember. What plans do you all currently have?"

Andrew took a step forward and gave a summary of the original concepts they had discussed in the garden. "If the weather holds, we are considering having a garden party, accompanied by a meal that includes some of her favorite classic cuisine and maybe some of her favorite music—perhaps a string quartet."

"And I'm in charge of decorations!" With pride, Peggy continued, "We could use lots of flowers."

As she listened, Lady Hillsfolk's countenance alternated between being serious and distinctly excited. "It sounds like fun. I'll make plans for the musicians and the caterers. I can work on the decorations with you, Peggy. We're going to make it a memorable day."

The warmth of a common goal and devotion filled the library as the family came together behind the idea. In addition to honoring Tabitha's life, the sixteenth birthday celebration was expected to build and reinforce the family ties from their love and combined efforts.

* * *

The estate's kitchen hummed with an exciting and intimidating intensity in the early morning light. With her every step, Lady Hillsfolk kept a watchful eye on the busy area. She walked between the burners and the countertops, her presence strong yet comforting to the workers who were working hard to get everything ready for the big celebration that was planned for that day.

Lady Hillsfolk leaned in to provide some advice to a young apprentice who was carefully cutting herbs. "Oh, please, cut those a little bit finer." Her tone was stern yet compassionate. "We want them to release their flavors without overpowering the dish."

The young girl nodded, her hands quickening their pace under Lady Hillsfolk's watchful gaze. "Yes, My Lady. Like this?" she asked, holding up a pinch for inspection.

"Perfect." Lady Hillsfolk smiled, her approval boosting the girl's confidence.

Turning her attention to the main course, Lady Hillsfolk approached the large, simmering pot where the Coq au Vin was slowly cooking. The savory aroma filled the air, tempting and rich. She took the wooden spoon from the pot's side, gave it a stir, and tasted the sauce thoughtfully.

"Thomas, remember what I said about the wine?" she called over to the cook, who was busily arranging the pastry toppings.

Thomas nodded, wiping his hands on his apron before fetching the bottle of red wine designated for the dish. "Of course, Lady Hillsfolk."

Lady Hillsfolk took a moment to survey the kitchen. Her team worked seamlessly under her guidance, each task executed with care and precision. The pastries were now in the oven, their sweet aroma starting to mingle with the savory scents of the main course.

As the preparations neared completion, Lady Hillsfolk gathered her staff for a final word. "Everyone, I just want to thank you all for your hard work this morning. Old Lady Hillsfolk's birthday meal is shaping up to be one she'll never forget. Let's keep up this fantastic effort right through to service."

The team nodded, their faces showing a mix of pride and determination. They were a well-oiled machine, ready to deliver an exquisite meal worthy of the family matriarch's special day.

With everything under control in the kitchen, Lady Hillsfolk removed her apron, her thoughts turning to the other festivities planned for the day. She trusted her staff to handle the final touches as she prepared to join her family and guests, ready to celebrate not just the meal they had created together but the joyous occasion that brought them all together.

* * *

The room had been transformed into an impromptu dressing area, with Marianne's dresses and accessories scattered across every available surface. The air was filled with the scents of perfume and freshly laundered fabric, adding a sense of occasion to the morning's preparations.

Marianne, holding an elegant lavender gown, moved closer to the large mirror, draping the fabric against herself. The soft material fell gracefully, but the color seemed too subdued for her current mood.

"I want to feel festive today, not like I'm attending a visit to Her Majesty," she mused aloud, her reflection frowning back at her.

Harriet, who had been rifling through a rack of dresses, paused and held up a vibrant coral dress with delicate embroidery. "How about this, then? It's cheerful, sophisticated, and it looks like it was made for a garden party."

Marianne took the dress, holding it up to the light. The fabric shimmered subtly, the embroidered flowers seeming to dance in the soft morning light. "Oh, this could be perfect," she agreed, her eyes lighting up. "Thank you, Harriet. I think this is exactly the sort of cheer I was looking for."

Meanwhile, the lady's maids helped Peggy slip into her bright yellow sundress. She twirled in front of another mirror, her dress flaring out around her. "Look at this! I feel like a sunbeam!" she exclaimed, laughing as she stopped spinning, a little dizzy.

Harriet chuckled. "You look absolutely radiant, Peggy. That dress is definitely you—bold and bright."

Encouraged by her cousin's approval, Peggy skipped over to a small table laden with an assortment of hats. She picked up a wide-brimmed straw hat adorned with a matching yellow ribbon. "And to complete the ensemble…" she declared, placing the hat jauntily on her head. "What do you think? Too much?"

"Absolutely not," Marianne replied, now slipping into the coral dress with Harriet's help. "It's perfect, Peggy. Grandmother loves it when we dress brightly. It reminds her of the garden parties she used to throw in her younger days."

As Marianne fastened up her dress and adjusted the fit, she glanced around the room, taking in the chaos of preparations with a contented sigh. "We should take a moment to help each other with our hair and makeup. It's not every day we get to dress up like this for such a happy occasion."

Harriet agreed, picking up a box of hairpins and a few floral accessories. "Let's do each other's hair. I think some soft curls and a few of these flowers woven in would look lovely, especially outdoors."

The three women gathered around a small vanity, helping each other with their hair and makeup, sharing tips and complimenting each other's looks. As they worked, their conversation drifted from memories of past family gatherings to their hopes for the day's party.

"It's going to be a beautiful celebration," Marianne said as she applied a final touch of rouge to Peggy's cheeks. "Everything is coming together perfectly, thanks to everyone's efforts."

Harriet, securing a few loose strands of Marianne's hair with floral pins, nodded in agreement. "It's days like these that remind me how lucky we are to have such a close-knit family. Old Lady Hillsfolk will be so touched by all of this."

As they put the finishing touches on their outfits, the women stood together, looking at their reflections in the mirror. They were a striking trio, each dressed vibrantly, each contributing to the tapestry of the day's joy and celebration.

With their preparations complete, they left the makeshift dressing room and headed towards the garden, where the rest of the family was starting to gather, ready to celebrate Tabitha in style. The sounds of laughter and music beckoned to them, a prelude to the joy and festivities that awaited.

* * *

Under the delicate shade of the early afternoon, Andrew escorted Tabitha through the sprawling gardens of the estate, which were buzzing with the soft hum of bees and the vibrant colors of midsummer blooms. Tabitha leaned lightly on his arm, her steps measured but still spry for her venerable years.

As they strolled down the neatly trimmed paths lined with roses and lavender, Tabitha inhaled deeply, her eyes twinkling with pleasure. "Oh, Andrew, how wonderful the garden looks this year. Marianne tells me you've taken quite an interest in the horticulture here."

Pleased by her assessment, Andrew grinned. "Actually, I've found it to be really soothing. Something about working the soil and seeing things develop is appealing. It aids in putting things into context."

Tabitha glanced at the verdant surroundings as she gave a contemplative nod. "It does, really. Gardens, like families, are examples of perseverance and love, aren't they?

"It's a really lovely comparison," Andrew said. "And speaking of family, I feel like this is my newfound one. I feel like I belong today, which is something I haven't felt in a while."

Tabitha smiled warmly with a mix of acceptance and fondness. "Andrew, I'm really happy to hear that. You've been a fantastic addition to our small group. Marianne is lucky to have someone at her side who possesses your warmth and courage."

They stopped near a tiny fountain, the sound of the water trickling adding to the calm ambience. Tabitha appeared to collect herself before continuing.

"Andrew, I've observed you with my family and the interactions you have with Marianne and the other people. You provide her with the stability and serenity she needs. Finding someone who perfectly balances us out is a rare occurrence."

Andrew listened, touched by her words. "Thank you, My Lady. That means a great deal, coming from you. I… I care deeply for Marianne, and for all of you. It's my hope to always be a source of support and happiness in her life."

Tabitha patted his hand gently. "I know, my dear. And such sentiments are exactly why I feel so at ease speaking to you like this. Marianne is dear to me. Seeing her happy and loved is all I could ever wish for."

As they resumed walking, the conversation shifted towards the upcoming birthday celebrations. "I hear the plans for today are quite extensive." Tabitha chuckled, her voice carrying a note of excitement.

"Yes, we've all been conspiring to make it a memorable day for you," Andrew revealed with a conspiratorial grin. "There's quite a bit in store."

Tabitha's laughter echoed softly around them. "I should have known. You are all too good to me. But there is no other way I would have it."

After the walk around a bend, they were able to see the back of the estate, where the crew was preparing supper tables beneath the enormous oaks. Both of them stopped to think when they saw their lively and happy preparations.

"This is a celebration of us—our family—as much as it is a celebration of me," Tabitha said, seeing the flurry of activity. "I can see how much each of us has changed and how close we have all grown. And a significant portion of that is due to you, Andrew."

Andrew nodded, feeling a deep sense of duty and thankfulness. "My Lady, I will always be here for this family. Of that, you have my word."

The affection and respect that Andrew and Tabitha shared were evident as they made their way back to the house to get ready for the remainder of the celebrations. Their actions together strengthened the links of an adoptive family that had come to embrace him completely.