A Question for Harry by Angeline Fortin Page B

a time . A time when there was enough joy in life to fill his heart.
    But he, who had been carefree for the better part of his life –had been wallowing in misery for so long now. Nothing appealed to him more than finding that warmth of heart once again, than seeking happiness for himself.
    Finding it in the one place he had staunchly negated that it could be found.
    With Fiona MacKintosh.
    It wouldn’t be an easy conquest by any means . Along with her claim that she was in love with another man, Fiona had hardened herself against him, though with admittedly justifiable enmity for the wrong he had inadvertently done.
    Still, she said that she had been truly in love with him then .
    Well, Aylesbury thought determinedly, if she had fallen once, it stood to reason that she could fall again.
     
     

Chapter Nine

     
    From the diary of Lady Fiona MacKintosh – Feb 1893
     
    Today I was out riding on Carlton Hill when I happened upon Harry leaving Francis’ house. He was so terribly handsome in his riding jacket! And also complimentary of my new habit. The cut of the jacket Eve allowed me to have is far more elegant than anything Abby might have let me have because she considers me a child still.
    The way Harry stared at me, I don’t believe he thought I looked like one at all!
     
    Hyde Park
    London, England
    Two days later
     
    “You’ve been quite rude to Lord Aylesbury since our arrival in London . I’m surprised at you.”
    Fiona arched a brow casting her sister-in-law a sidelong glance but Eve did not return her look nor did her gaze even waver as she serenely strolled along at Fiona’s side . The first part of her comment was pure Eve and what Fiona had come to expect from the woman who had taken it upon herself to polish Fiona’s manners these past several years.
    The soft note of reprisal in the words that followed were quite unlike her , though. Eve was normally given to a quiet observation with no condemnation or a trifling commentary that became a valuable lesson. Of course, Fiona wasn’t normally one to outwardly cut a member of the British peerage, either.
    “I must confess, I’m surprised it took you so long to mention it,” Fiona responded in equally hushed tones.
    “This is the first chance I’ve had to speak with you alone.”
    A grin tugged the corner of Fiona’s mouth . They were scarcely alone as they walked side by side on the narrow path that paralleled Rotten Row along the northern shore of the Serpentine with Fiona pushing an ornate Silver Cross wooden body pram with Lela and Alice within while Eve’s eyes remained glued to Preston who toddled a few yards ahead on Ilona’s hand while his older brother, Laurie, tagged along on their way to picnic in a shady spot near the Tyburn Brook where the children could throw breadcrumbs to the ducks. The children’s nanny followed close behind.
    Besides them, the park was riddled with other mothers and nannies doing the same since it was another fine spring morning . The air held a bit of chill from the overnight rain but the sun shone brightly through the trees casting random shadows on the graveled walk that wove through the park.
    “It wasn’t well done of you at all.”
    Fiona didn’t respond but merely bit her lip and cooed down at her nieces in the pram, waving her fingers at them until Lela was giggling merrily. On her little knees, she gripped the side of the carriage and bounced back and forth babbling incoherently, rocking the pram and infant within. Wee Alice only sucked her fist, unconcerned by the ruckus around her as only a fourth child could be.
    Fiona grinned down at them both . She would happily take one of each and maybe a half-dozen more just like them. Having been raised among as but one in a large, boisterous family, it had never occurred to her to have anything less for herself. Despite their recent overbearing behavior, she adored being surrounded by the people she loved and all the chaos that came with them.
    A quiet life