Free Courting Constance (Fountain of Love) by Kirsten Osbourne Page B

together last night, though.  I’m glad you’ve joined me here.”
    “I am too.”  She turned to Charles.  “I have Sundays and Wednesday afternoons.”
    He thought for a moment.  “Could I steal you after church on Sunday?  Just for a few hours?”
    Lily frowned.  “Where do you plan to take her, Charles?”
    “Just for a drive.  I want to talk to her without screaming babies interrupting.”
    Constance stifled a laugh at Lily’s glare.  “Those screaming babies happen to be your nieces.”
    “And they’re beautiful girls.”  He stood up.  “Today’s Friday, so I’ll be by for you on Sunday.  I’ll bring a picnic, so don’t eat.”
    Constance nodded.  “I’ll be ready for you.”
    After he was gone, Kit left to go to his study, and Constance was left alone with Lily.  Constance was surprised by just how many hours the babies slept during the day when they were up all night every night.  “Thank you for giving me time with him.”
    Lily nodded.  “Just be careful.  I love my brother, but I don’t want to see you hurt.”
    Constance was surprised.  “Why would I be hurt?”
    “He’s working through his feelings about marrying you.  I can see it.  Father pounded into his head that he couldn’t’ marry anyone who was not the daughter of a titled gentleman.  Father was…interesting, and hard on all of us in different ways.”
    “I see.  I think he’s softening.”
    Lily nodded.  “I could see that.  He’s starting to court you.”
    “I like it.”
    “Of course you do!”  Lily stood and stretched.  “I’m tired.  I’m going to get another quick nap while the babies are sleeping.  I know it’s silly, because it seems like I’ve slept all day, but I’m still so tired.”
    “You just had two babies!  Of course, you’re tired.  Frankly, I am too.  I’ll open the door between my room and the nursery, and I’ll nap as well.  I don’t think we’re going to get much but sleeping done until the girls are a little older.”  Constance stood and the two women walked toward the stairs together. 
    “I want to thank you again for dropping everything and coming to work for me.  I needed you.”
    “It’s my pleasure.  I always knew that I wanted to either be a nurse or a governess.  I’ll get to do both here, and I love that idea.”
    “If you had your preference, which would you choose?”
    “Oh, governess most definitely.  I love walking and exploring.  I could combine my favorite thing with my work.  It would be glorious.”  Constance went into her bedroom and stood in the doorway.  “I’ll listen for the babies and get you if I need to.  Go to sleep.”
    Lily nodded, her eyes drooping.  Constance was pleased to note that she did look better than she had the previous evening.  Having help agreed with her.
     
    *****
     
    By Sunday afternoon, Constance was nervous about her drive with Charles.  He’d sent small gifts to her every day that week.  One day, it was chocolates.  The next he’d sent flowers.  She loved that he sent small things, but reminded her he was thinking about her every day.
    She dressed in the dress she’d just had made before leaving her job in the village and carefully fixed her hair.  When she was ready, she waited in the downstairs parlor with her hands folded on her lap to keep her from twisting her skirt. 
    Lily came in and found her there, sitting beside her.  “You look nervous.”
    Constance nodded.  “I am.  I’m not sure what he wants to talk to me about.  Is he going to tell me that he just can’t see marrying me, or is he going to say that he’s decided we should marry?  I just have no idea, so I’m sitting here trying to calm my thoughts.”
    Lily smiled squeezing her hand.  “He’ll do the right thing.  He’s a good man, Constance.  I don’t say that lightly.”  She frowned thinking back.  “When my father first died, I wanted to go to the Continent myself and find Kit and drag him