Marc’s hand ran down my arm and cradled my elbow. “I know you will. I’ll see you in a few days.” His eyes lowered to my lips as I smiled, but they shot up when Max appeared in the corridor, carrying Liam’s afternoon tea. “Goodbye, Cassidy,” he added quickly, letting my arm slip away.
My eyelashes fluttered as I bathed in his undeniable affection. “Bye, Marc.”
Over the next few days, I moved Liam’s favorite paintings from the walls of Harlow Manor into his bedroom. If he couldn’t go outside, he wanted to surround himself with the next best thing: his late wife’s beautiful artwork. Each painting presented their garden in a different light, different angle, and different season, all featuring the grand elm tree.
Betty loved spring, so naturally Liam wanted this piece at his bedside. The flowers were in full bloom, creating a striking painting full of color and happiness. I could sense how much Liam loved her, simply by the way he stared into her paintings. His eyes glazed over as he lost himself amongst the delicate brush strokes.
“Your wife was an exceptional artist.” I twirled the ring on my finger as I examined the stunning work. “It’s no wonder you want to surround yourself with her creations.”
“It’s not just the painting.” A hint of a smile touched his lips. “I see Betty in every detail.”
“I understand that.” Except, Dominic’s creation was a ten-year-old boy.
Liam placed his hand over mine. “Nora told me your husband passed some years ago.”
My breath hitched. Thankfully, I hadn’t told her about Finn. “Yes.”
“Was it sudden?”
My shoulders lowered. “No.”
Curiosity filled his paling eyes. “You’re a brave woman to do what you do.”
“After all the tragedy I’ve had to endure in my lifetime, I’ve had to change my stance on death. I don’t see it as the end anymore, only a transition.”
“Well, as long as I’m with my Betty, I wouldn’t care if I was sent to the fiery depths of hell.”
“Liam…” I shook my head with a laugh. “Betty’s not in hell.”
“Oh, I know. She’s here. Waiting. But don’t mention it to my son. He thinks I’m losing my mind.”
“You’re not.”
“I know it’s silly, but sometimes when I’m alone, the scent of her favorite flower fills my room, and I swear she’s here with me.”
I smiled. “Freesias?”
“How did you know?”
“I’ve smelled it, too,” I said, finally understanding its origin. “It was so beautiful I asked Max what oils he was burning, and he looked at me like I was a crazy person.”
He chuckled. “Then we can be crazy together.”
“The best people are.”
Halfway through the week, Max warned of an incoming visit from Caroline and William. After speaking with Liam’s doctor, they decided to pause their trip and return to Harlow Manor.
Caroline’s mouth fell open when she walked into Liam’s room. “What on earth is all this?” she asked, frowning at the easels spread throughout the room.
I closed the book I’d been reading to Liam and rested it on my lap. “Liam asked me to bring up some of his late wife’s paintings.”
Liam grinned. “Now I have the best view in the house.”
A small sound emitted from Caroline’s throat, but she didn’t utter another word about it. “May I speak with my father-in-law in private?”
“Of course.” I placed the book on his nightstand as I stood. “I’ll come back later to finish the chapter.”
“No.” Caroline moved closer. “The doctor says he needs more rest.”