“I cannot imagine how we all made it back to Sutcliff Manor with no delays. The rain was coming down in sheets. At least we have all been to Father’s room and he seems in good form,” Lucy said to Amy who had dark circles under her eyes as they all did. It had been a day and night of no sleep and a lot more excitement than usual.
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say good form, Lucy. You’re always the optimist. We are all here and that is what matters most. Who would have thought you would return from London an engaged woman? You must be pleased that Father was able to meet your future husband,” Amy commented as she saw Agnes appear in the doorway.
“Excuse me Ladies but the doctor says the Earls breathing is labored and he wishes to see Lucy. The Countess will go in when you’ve finished.” Agnes bowed he head and backed out of the room.
Lucy rushed upstairs and into her Father’s room. The windows were open with the brisk breeze bringing the scents from the early spring bloom into the room. John Fitzwilliam was among the wealthiest men in England, but it was still the simple things that made him happiest. A rose’s first bloom, a swift running creek or the morning’s first light. What he valued above all was his family and his precious flock of daughters.
Lucy’s father was dozing with a nurse at his bedside. “Father it’s Lucy. I was just talking to Amy in the foyer and the subject was you and what an amazing father you are. Was there something you needed to tell me.”
The Earl of Sutcliff squeezed his daughter’s hand. “As I tell all my girls, you are my favorite, Lucy.” He managed a laugh. “Are you truly happy my love?”
“Yes. I’m ecstatic. Besides your illness, everything is right in the world. I am planning to marry a man who promises to take care of me for the rest of my life. You plan to make George Lancaster my agent was brilliant.”
“Lucy, my health is failing but I am not blind. I haven’t seen the sparkle in your eyes since your return from London. I want your eyes to sparkle for years after I’m gone; can you tell me the reason for the change.”
“The situation involving your illness and leaving London in a hurry has been tedious,” Lucy lied.
“The truth is locked inside Lucy and I have to wonder if it is your impending marriage to Mark Fenwick. He’s a fine man but if he doesn’t make you sparkle then he’s not fine enough. One must marry for love is the soul is to flourish and I know this well.”
“How so?” Lucy asked.
“I married your Mother for love when I was promised to another.”
Lucy put a glass of water to her Father’s dry lips. “Do tell.”
“I chose your Aunt Jane to be my wife because it was the thing to do. My parents insisted and marrying for love was unheard of at the time.”
“You were going to marry Isabel’s Mother?”
“Your Mother walked in and I fell in deep love at first sight. It was a scandal at the time, but we produced five lovely girls. Jacob Balfour from Dover stepped in and married Jane, so everything ended happily. I want the same for you. Are you pleased with George’s choice of Isabel?”
Lucy buried her head in her father’s lap and confessed her love for a man she couldn’t have. He was taken, and she was promised to Mark, which created an impossible situation. They spoke for twenty minutes, until it was clear their time together was coming to an end. Her Mother deserved to be at his side when he took his last breath. In those last moments, Lucy confessed to her father that she was no longer a pure virgin that mistakes were made with Captain Francis Appleton.
“I love you Lucy and there isn’t a mistake you can’t make up for. The Lord has already forgiven you; now you must forgive yourself. Remember this…follow your heart and everything else will fall into place.”
Lucy allowed her mother Alice to spend The Earl’s final moments with him. Walking down the hallway Lucy passed a flustered Isabel. Neither stopped to exchange words because there really wasn’t anything left to say.
***
The family had gathered in the formal dining room to sit vigil for John Fitzwilliam, Earl of Sutcliff. Fanny and her husband, the Duke had arrived with sweets for everyone and as always brought a measure of levity.
"You saw Father last. Do you expect a rally or is the end near?" Fanny asked.
“I think he’s taking his final breath as we speak. He’s with Mother, as it should be,” Lucy said as she dried her tears. She was sitting on the couch next to George. Isabel was also at his side but all his attention was focused on Lucy.
“You’re the strongest woman I know Lucy and much of that is due to your father. He knew you were not one to be pinned down and he allowed you to be your best self,” George said as he took a sweet from the platter being passed.
Isabel commented. “George, you mustn’t eat too many sweets. You will spoil yourself before the big meal.”
“What big meal?” George asked.
“We will sit for a meal after The Earl’s death, which is customary. The staff is probably busy polishing the silver. That reminds me, I have to choose something to wear.”
Lucy was too tired to comment but Fanny was never shy about making her feelings known. "Isabel, I haven't seen you in years. I forgot what a shallow heart you have. To worry about dinner attire when a great man is dying at this very minute is inappropriate at the very least. This is a family affair and I'm not sure if your presence is needed."
“I’m not sure if you’re aware but I am to marry George Lancaster. My presence here is as family.” Isabel sniffed.
“Not married yet, thank God,” Fanny said under her breath.
The Earl died that afternoon. He planned the funeral and burial himself before he died. Of course, there would be a royal presence because of his title and role in society. In addition to the pomp and circumstance, a private service was held on the manor grounds. Lucy had decided to share her feelings with Mark, keeping her Father's advice in mind.