#augusta grey

[aristocraticvision]

Chapter 189: Reflections

“I’m so glad you could make it today, Marie,” Augusta said. “It’s a perfect day for being outside.”

“Yes, it is,” Marie replied. “Unfortunately, there probably aren’t many days like this left before winter sets in, but I’m certainly enjoying while I can.”

“I know Elizabeth is due soon,” Augusta said as a servant finished clearing the table and left them to speak privately. “Are you ready for a baby in the palace?”

“More than ready,” Marie said. “I’m so excited for another grandchild. Having Stephanie has made me remember how much I love having children around.”

Augusta sighed.

“I guess that’s one more thing I will miss,” she said.

“Oh, now Augusta,” Marie scoffed. “Nothing is stopping you from making peace with your son. In fact, Stephen said the other day that Devon and Grant are applying with several adoption agencies, so now would be a good time to reconcile.”

“I’m afraid that’s out of the question, dear,” Augusta said. “I made my position quite clear to Devon when he announced his unwise decision to marry that Fellowes boy. I can’t go back on it now.”

“Of course you can!” Marie said. “The world has changed, Augusta. It didn’t fall apart when they announced their engagement, as you had expected. In fact, they gathered a lot of public support when some of the older nobles objected to the union. What we once considered to be unacceptable is now everyday. Maybe it’s time to accept that.”

“Perhaps,” Augusta said. “But after everything I said, would Devon even consider forgiving me?”

“You’re his mother,” Marie replied. “Of course he would forgive you. It might take some work on your part, but isn’t that preferable to living the rest of your life alone?”

Augusta hesitated.

“It also means I would have to accept the young viscount, as well, doesn't it?” she said. "I don't know if I can do that, Marie."

“Of course you can,” Marie said. “If it helps, I’ve actually grown quite fond of them both. As much as I don’t understand their choices, I can’t deny that they compliment each other quite well. And young Grant is absolutely devoted to your son.”

“Hmmm,” Augusta said. “That, at least, is good to hear.”

“So you’ll think about it?” Marie asked?

“I will,” Augusta replied. “But for now, why don’t we just have dessert and enjoy the sunny weather?”

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[aristocraticvision]

Chapter 160: Surprising Mother (Pt. 1)

Devon’s car passed through the main gate of Buckton Hall and into the inner courtyard. He hadn’t let his mother – or her staff – know of his impending visit, so no one was waiting for him as he pulled up to the main entrance.

As he exited the vehicle, he couldn’t help but smile at the feelings that swept over him as he looked about the courtyard. While called Buckton Hall, the structure was actually a castle by design. Built in 1658, it was built to reflect the classic fairy tales treasured by the second Earl of Buckton. But it was home – and Devon knew every stone intimately.

Ringing the bell, Devon was quickly greeted by Reginald Nanse, his mother’s majordomo.

“Your lordship,” Reginald said. “I wasn’t aware you were visiting today. Otherwise I would have had the staff standing by to greet you.”

“It’s fine, Nanse,” Devon said. “I wanted this to be a quick, informal visit. I have some business to discuss with my mother. I do hope she is here.”

“Oh yes,” Nanse replied. “Although you know, as I do, that she loathes surprises.”

“Then she’s going to hate today all around, I’m afraid,” Devon said with a weak smile. “Where is she?”

“I believe she is in the ballroom, my lord,” Nanse said, gesturing for Devon to come in. “She likes to paint there due to the ample light. Her eyes aren’t what they once were, I’m afraid. Shall I announce you?”

“No, I’d prefer to surprise her,” Devon replied.

Nanse grimaced. “Then good luck to you, sir,” he said.

Devon started down the hallway and murmured to himself.

“Thanks, I’ll need it.”

Devon entered the grand ballroom and was immediately struck by its scale and grandeur, as he always was. When he was a boy, he was rarely allowed into the room at all, except for formal affairs. But those events were more frequent in those days. When his father had been alive, he had loved to entertain family and friends on almost a weekly basis. Now, the room was hardly used at all.

I’ll have to change that, he thought.

In the center of the room, near the windowed alcove, he saw his mother, intent on her canvas. She had always enjoyed painting, but never really focused on it until her husband’s passing. Looking at her progress, Devon had to admit she had grown quite good at it.

As he moved forward, he cleared his thought and spoke.

“Ahem … mother?” he said.

The countess stiffened and turned to face her son.

“I wasn’t expecting you,” she said, frowning. “Why didn’t you call?”

“Well, I was hoping to be a pleasant surprise,” Devon replied. “But I suppose I should have known better.”

“Indeed, you should have,” Augusta Grey said, snidely. “Why are you here, Devon?” Augusta said, pushing for an answer.

Devon closed the distance and approached his mother respectfully before speaking.

“Well, I have news I wanted to share with you,” he said. “I am engaged to be married.”

Augusta’s eyebrows shot up, revealing her surprise.

“Engaged, eh?” she said. “Without permission, even.”

“Oh, I have Stephen’s permission and his blessing,” Devon said.

“But not mine,” his mother replied.

“Last time I checked, mother, I was the Earl of Buckland,” Devon said, sharply. “As such, I do not need your permission to marry.”

“No matter,” Augusta replied. “Who is the lucky young woman, may I ask?”

Devon paused, his stomach churning. He took a deep breath.

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