Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,106

placed a few lanterns here and there throughout, but they did little to combat the shadows. And when she drew close enough to hear her son’s whispered words, Mina paused. Though no eavesdropper, neither could she bear to interrupt her son as he poured out his heart.

Their earnest declarations brought with them memories of her younger years when Simon had spoken such sweet things to her in the heated joy of a tender moment. Though she adored the memory, Mina did not long for those days, for her marriage had grown from those heady times into something far stronger and deeper. Younger Mina had thought herself so full of love, having discovered the ultimate felicity without knowing so much more awaited her.

And now her dear Oliver was finding love. The seedlings were planted in his heart, and with time they would grow to be as deeply rooted as his parents’—with a young lady whose own desires shone through as clearly as his own.

Miss Banfield’s tendernesses stripped away the shock of this evening, forcing Mina to see past the exterior that brought forth unpleasant reminders of the young lady’s mother. Mina was a grown lady long past the years of rash behavior. Or so she’d thought. Yet here was proof that some pains still lingered. The past few weeks, Mina had behaved more like a cowering debutante than the rational lady she thought herself to be.

Mina turned to slip away, but she paused, realizing that they both deserved more. She reached out to bat at one of the shrubs, sending a warning to the couple that they may not be alone. Oliver released Miss Banfield, and the pair stepped apart as Mina moved into view.

“I do apologize, but I needed to speak with Miss Banfield for a moment before we left,” said Oliver, straightening his cravat.

Mina was grateful that the moonlight would not show how fiercely her cheeks burned. Like so many things of late, she had thought herself beyond the age of blushing at every little thing, but the warmth of her face said otherwise.

“You ought to stay,” said Mina.

Oliver glanced between his mother and Miss Banfield (whose hands were twisting before her as though she suspected their interlude had not been as private as the couple had believed).

“But Lily—” he said.

“Is in good hands at present. Your father and I will escort her home, but there is no need for you to curtail your enjoyment.”

Oliver’s brows rose. “You think I could stay after what has happened?”

Mina turned her gaze to Miss Banfield, though the young lady did not meet it. “I think you ought to stay and keep Miss Banfield company.”

The young lady’s eyes snapped to Mina’s at that, and though she wished that were enough, Mina knew more words were required—no matter how embarrassing or uncomfortable.

“I owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Banfield. There is no simple solution for Lily’s heartache, but your kindness to her will…” Her words faltered as they brought with them memories of this evening’s pains, which mixed with those Mina had suffered long ago in circumstances similar to Lily’s. “…your kind words and treatment will help her overcome it.”

“I am honored to count her among my friends,” said Miss Banfield as Oliver drew closer and placed a hand at her back.

Mina pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath; the young lady’s graciousness served as further proof of Mina’s mistakes. And even if she wished to ignore her conscience prodding her to continue, Miss Banfield’s words strengthened her guilt until Mina could not turn away from it.

“But more than gratitude, I owe you an apology.” Mina clasped her hands, her fingers twisting together in a tight grip. “I have behaved abominably towards you.”

Oliver’s eyes widened, the moonlight glinting off them. He turned his gaze to Miss Banfield and his smile grew, and Mina’s heart twisted anew at how she’d hurt her son during this whole debacle as well.

“Mrs. Kingsley, you have nothing—” began Miss Banfield, but Mina waved it away.

“Don’t be foolish. You may wish to assure me otherwise, but I have been cold and critical towards you. Though I have ample reason to distrust your mother, you’ve never given me reason to think ill of you. Yet still, I have held you responsible for your parents’ sins. That is unjust of me. I hadn’t thought myself so hard and unyielding.”

Mina shook her head, touching a hand to her temple. “But I am done with allowing the past to