Adel nodded. “I feel a need for fresh air and exercise before I start my day. I normally took very long walks back home in Somerset. Today is glorious, and we must take advantage.”
Both girls smiled back cautiously.
“We have history lessons in a few minutes. We must return to the schoolroom,” Rosa said, yearning on her face.
“Well…I am sure Mr. Davenport would not mind if I took over this lesson.”
Their faces brightened and right away she knew she made the right decision.
“Come along.”
Her heart squeezed when they scampered to hold one of her hands each. As she near the door, their staid butler Mr. Jenkins held it open.
“Please inform Mrs. Fields we would like a picnic basket prepared quickly and delivered to us on the lawn,” Adel said to him.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
They exited and soon they were walking across the lawn, inhaling the cold crisp air into their lungs.
“We are never outside this early.”
“Surely not.” It was already past two in the afternoon. Adel would have taken her walk much earlier if she’d not overslept and then conferred with the dowager duchess.
“After breaking our fast, we will go to the school room,” Rosa said. “We come outside after all our lessons, but we do not take long walks.”
“Well we shall certainly fix that, won’t we?”
Sarah’s eyes rounded, and she nodded eagerly. It felt natural as they strolled along the vast expanse of the estate to simply chatter and laugh, as if she had been in their lives for weeks instead of a couple of days.
They came upon a pond with several stone benches and they sat.
“Our mamma is in heaven,” Sarah suddenly whispered.
Adel smiled gently. “So is mine.”
They gasped.
“Do you think they are friends?”
“Most certainly.”
Sarah’s faced scrunched. “Grandma said heaven is not real, but Mamma is certainly at peace,” she parroted.
Two footmen arrived with blankets and a basket. They laid them nearby and set out the food, before melting away. Adel and the girls wasted no time tumbling onto the blankets.
“I do not think we can stay with you for luncheon…Mr. Davenport expects us back before three.”
Adel winked. “I am sure Mr. Davenport will understand if I take today to learn my new daughters.”
Sarah and Rosa fairly glowed, and it finally sank in how starved they had been for attention. How was this possible with the dowager duchess still living at Rosette Park?
After biting into an apple, Adel spoke, “Not everyone believes there is a heaven, but I am certain of it.”
“Have you been there?” Rosa asked, munching on grapes.
“No, but just because I have not, does not mean it is nonexistent. I choose to believe my mamma is there…happy, laughing as we speak and making friends with your mamma.”
Relief filled Sarah’s expression and she nodded.