CHAPTER 13

Verity smiled as she stepped back to take a look at her canvas. The orchids were finally starting to take shape in front of her, just as she remembered that day in Kew Gardens, which was exactly what she needed. This was her way of capturing her emotions, and maybe even taking control of them somehow. By expressing them through her work, she felt a little better about them.

If it were not for a shadow creeping in the corner of the room, then she might not have stopped staring at the flowers for some time.

"Mother? Is everything alright?"

Her mother smiled at her. "Of course, I just wanted to remind you that we need to ready ourselves for the picnic this afternoon."

"Oh, of course!" Verity had almost forgotten that they had been invited to Hyde Park by Faye and James. "Yes, I will get ready right away."

"I am afraid it will just be the pair of us," her mother told her with a soft smile playing on her lips. "Henry is overseeing business matters, so cannot come with us."

Relief flowed through Verity's veins. Much as she loved her brother, she truly looked forward to a day without his overbearing attitude crushing her spirit. Every time he was around her, all he wanted to talk to him about was Ambrose which was Verity's least favorite topic of conversation.

"Oh alright. Well then, we will have to travel alone." Verity could not keep the smile off her face as she readied herself quickly and headed out for the carriage. Since the weather was absolutely beautiful, and the company was going to be wonderful, she was sure that this picnic would be perfect.

Once inside the carriage, and as it was rumbling down the cobbled streets to Hyde Park, Verity suddenly felt a strange shift in the atmosphere. She turned to face her mother, who clearly had something to say.

"Verity," she started, with a thickness to her tone. "I would like to express my deep regret for the situation that you are currently in with Henry. I know that he is putting a lot of pressure on you, and I feel truly terrible about it. I have been trying my hardest to make him see reason, but he will not listen to me."

A thick lump of emotion balled in Verity's throat. She had been hoping to escape all of this today, but if her mother insisted on talking about it, then she had no choice in the matter.

"I do sincerely wish that your father was still around," her mother continued. "If he were still here then everything would be different. We would not find ourselves in this situation now."

Sadness flooded through her veins as she reached out to grab her mother's hand. As the grief clung to her with the memory of her father, she wasn't sure what to do.

"I understand," she eventually responded thickly. "I miss Father greatly too. Life has not been the same without him. But you are doing a wonderful job, Mother."

"I hope so."

"I do appreciate you, Mother," Verity continued. "I know that you love me and are trying your hardest to support me with Henry. It means a lot to me. But I believe that Henry is unwavering. I don't know if there is anything that I can say to make him understand my point of view."

Her mother smiled weakly and rose to her feet. "Come on. Let us go to Hyde Park. Perhaps an afternoon in the sunshine will help us. Maybe we will even come home with a solution."

Verity wasn't convinced by that at all.

She did not think that there was anything her and her mother could do when Henry was the one who held all the control. But she had to admit that she was looking forward to getting to Hyde Park. Any time spent with her cousin was wonderful.

"Yes," she agreed with a more genuine smile than Elizabeth had managed. "Let us go."

As they walked, Verity could not shake off her memories of the last time she was at Hyde Park. She had been forced here with Ambrose and it was a terribly stark reminder that they had nothing to talk about. He did not even really engage with her in talks about the beauty of the gardens. It was as if he did not see the beauty at all.

If they could not talk, then what would their marriage become?

She would not be his wife. Not in any real sense of the word. She would simply be a woman by his side when he needed that, and a woman to help raise his children. The children who hated her would probably give her far more conversation than Ambrose ever would.

That was a truly depressing thought that sent a shudder down her spine.

But it was also heartbreaking to know that was the best future that she could hope for.

"What do you think, Verity?" her mother finally asked, breaking the silence. "It looks like it's going to be a wonderful afternoon."

Verity finally managed to smile just a little. "Yes, the weather looks like it will be lovely."

There were a lot of visitors to Hyde Park that day, but thankfully it did not take them long to see Faye and James already seated in their picnic spot. Their servants had already laid out a blanket and spread for them, and Verity had to admit that it all looked utterly delicious.

If anything could lift her spirits, it was this. Delightful food, drink, and company too.

Verity's spirits lifted as she saw her cousin Faye waving enthusiastically, and James smiling warmly beside her.

At least they were here to help make her smile.

"Verity! Aunt Elizabeth!" Faye called out, her voice bright and cheerful. "We have been waiting for you. Come, sit and enjoy."

"This looks lovely," Elizabeth said as they took a seat. "What a spread."

"Well, it's a lovely day!" Faye agreed. "We thought it best to take advantage of it."

"Oh yes, we cannot waste the sunshine," James chuckled.

Verity found herself smiling.

Faye and James always had a way of making everything seem brighter, and today was no exception.

"So, Verity," James began, pouring her a glass of lemonade, "have you completed your latest painting?"

Verity smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, I finished it this morning. It's of the orchids we saw at Kew Gardens. I tried to capture their beauty as best I could."

"I am sure it's wonderful," Faye said sincerely. "You have such a talent for bringing nature to life on canvas. I would love to see it some time."

"Any time," Verity agreed. "You are always welcome."

She did not always like to show her art off, but she would always let Faye see it. Her cousin was always nothing but supportive.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, much to Verity's relief. This was exactly the kind of afternoon that she needed, to take her mind off everything. As the afternoon progressed, Verity felt herself relaxing more with each passing minute. Even the thought of Henry's overbearing nature seemed to fade in to the background, and she did not even think of at all, purposefully banishing all thoughts of him to the back of her mind.

Verity was about to take a bite of a delicious looking scone when she noticed Faye sitting up a little straighter, clearing her throat. There was a curious glint in her eyes, one that Verity could not quite place.

"Everyone," Faye began, drawing the attention of Verity and her mother, "I have an announcement to make." She took a deep breath, her excitement barely contained. "James and I have some wonderful news to share. Now that you are here with us."

"You do?" Verity's heart raced.

James grinned and took Faye's hand. "We are expecting our first child!" he declared, his voice brimming with joy.

Verity felt a genuine surge of happiness for her cousin and her husband. Despite her own troubles, the sight of their joy was infectious.

"Oh, Faye, that is wonderful news!" Verity exclaimed, reaching over to hug her cousin. "I am so happy for you both."

Her mother beamed with pride. "A new addition to the family! What a blessing. We must celebrate this joyous occasion."

As they discussed potential names and nursery decorations, Verity's thoughts drifted to her own uncertain future. She knew that Ambrose wanted a male heir, and the day would come when she would have her own pregnancy to announce. But unlike Faye and James, her news would not be met with the same unbridled happiness. The thought of bringing a child into her loveless marriage with Ambrose filled her with dread.

After some time, Verity found herself sitting quietly, sipping her lemonade and watching the others as they talked happily about everything. She could not help but think about how different her life would be if she were free to marry for love, like Faye and James. If she could actually be excited about the prospect of marriage and babies.

James noticed her silence and came to sit beside her. "Are you alright, Verity?" he asked gently.

Verity forced a smile. "Yes, just lost in thought. I am so happy for you and Faye. You shall make wonderful parents."

James studied her for a moment, concern in his eyes. "You know, Verity, you deserve happiness too. Don't give up on that."

Verity nodded, but the heaviness in her chest remained. She appreciated James' concern, but the reality of her situation with Ambrose felt like an insurmountable barrier to overcome.

Faye came over and gently touched Verity's arm. "Are you sure you are alright, Verity? You seem a bit distant this afternoon."

Verity took a deep breath and smiled, trying to push aside her worries. She felt like she could be a little more honest with her cousin.

"Yes, Faye. I am genuinely happy for you and James. It's just that... seeing you both so joyful made me reflect on my own situation."

Faye's eyes softened with understanding. "I know things are difficult with Ambrose. But you must remember that you have a family who loves you and supports you. We are here for you, no matter what."

Verity felt a lump forming in her throat, but this time it wasn't one of sadness or regret. It was one of gratitude.

"Thank you, Faye. You really are amazing…"

Suddenly, a familiar figure caught Verity's eye, one that halted her sentence before it fully spilled out. Her heart leaped as she recognized the man, out for a ride on his magnificent stallion.

Philip.

He sat tall in the saddle, his expression thoughtful yet determined.

Verity's breath caught in her throat as their eyes met across the park, a rush of emotions flooding through her at the unexpected sight. As he drew near, their eyes locked, sending a host of butterflies fluttering in Verity's stomach.

She felt a rush of excitement and nervousness, remembering their previous encounters and the undeniable connection they shared. Verity could not help but admire Philip's commanding presence and the easy grace with which he sat upon his horse. Did he have to look so handsome? It made her stomach twist up in knots.

Philip brought his horse to a stop near the picnic party and dismounted. His gaze never left Verity's, and she found herself rooted to the spot, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Good afternoon, Lord Easton," Faye greeted him cheerfully, her tone inviting.

Philip's gaze shifted briefly to Faye and James before returning to Verity.

"Good afternoon, Lord and Lady Barrington, and Lady and Miss Sinclair," he replied, his voice low and resonant. "What a pleasant surprise to find you here."

Verity's heart raced at the sound of his voice, her cheeks flushing slightly under his intense gaze.

"Yes, it's indeed a pleasant surprise," she managed to say, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Very pleasant indeed."

She did not know that Faye and James knew Philip.

She certainly wasn't expecting to spend time with him this afternoon.