Rebecca looked up at one of the many trees that lined Foster Street. “I know what you want to hear, because it’s what I wanted to hear when I lost my husband. You want to hear that time heals and grief disappears.
“I’ll be honest with you—grief doesn’t go away. You will always miss that person, because you loved her and you miss her company. My husband has been gone for twenty years and I still miss him every day. And every night.” She smiled ruefully. “But the pain lessens over time. I’m able to talk about him and look at photos and remember the good times. But it was a process.”
Richard looked stricken. “I had hoped you’d tell me it would get better.”
She placed a comforting hand on his arm. “Some things get better. But for me, the grief is still there.
“I’ve found a second family with your children. I get to borrow books from Gabriel’s library and make my favorite family recipes for him and Julia. Now I get to help with the baby and make sure Julia takes care of herself. It feels good to be needed. I have a role. I have a purpose.”
Richard stuck his hands in his pockets. “Yes, it’s good to be needed.”
“Your children need you. They need you in some way to be both parents for them, and that’s difficult.”
“Yes.” Richard seemed to be processing her assessment.
“Life won’t be the same, but it can still be a good life. Spending time with family and friends is important.”
“I agree.”
The pair continued walking in silence.
At length, Richard spoke. “Thank you, Rebecca.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’m happy to talk to you whenever. I’m only a phone call away.”
“I’d like that. I’m beginning to realize I spend too much time alone.”
“There were days, even weeks, when I didn’t leave my house after my husband died. I just didn’t want to go anywhere.”
Richard bobbed his head.
Rebecca paused, making eye contact once again. “Could I give you a piece of unsolicited advice, widow to widower?”
Richard chuckled. “Go ahead.”
“Whether you decide to remarry again or not, take it slow. Develop a friendship with the woman first. I’ve seen too many people jump into another relationship full speed ahead, only to have it end in disaster when they realize they truly aren’t compatible.”
“That’s good advice. One of my old friends in Selinsgrove was trying to get me to sign up to a dating website. He told me that’s how the young people do it.”
“Young people.” Rebecca huffed. “They live their entire lives online. They’re always connected to a device. We should take dating advice from them? Pfffttt.”
Richard grinned. “Good point.”
“I don’t want to go back to the old ways, either, when they used matchmakers or whatever. I can pick my own damn husband.”
Now Richard was laughing. “I dare anyone to tell you otherwise.”
“Damn straight.” Rebecca laughed with him.
“But friendship is important, as you mentioned. Someone to talk to, to have dinner with. Yes, this is important.” He turned to face her. “Rebecca, may I take you to dinner?”
She paused for just a moment. “Yes. Though I’ll need to make arrangements with your children.”
“I think they can get along without you for one evening.”
“I have my doubts.” She grinned.
The pair exchanged smiles and continued their walk.
Chapter Twenty-One
October 2012
Edinburgh, Scotland
Professor Emerson was impatient with mediocrity.
Julia was well aware of this. But it amused her to see the Professor wrestling with his adherence to excellence in all things while simultaneously transporting a six-week-old baby to Europe.
The University of Edinburgh, in keeping with their official travel policies, booked Professor Emerson a coach seat. The Professor impatiently upgraded his seat to first class and booked an adjacent seat for Julia, as well as a seat across from them for Rebecca.
The university arranged for a taxi to ferry Professor Emerson and his family to their hotel. The Professor dismissed the taxi (almost wrathfully) and hired a private driver and Range Rover to be at his beck and call during the duration of his visit.
The university arranged for a graciously appointed king bedroom at the Waldorf Astoria Caledonian hotel for the Emersons. The Professor promptly placed Rebecca in the king bedroom, and for himself and his family he booked the Alexander Graham Bell suite, which provided a view of Edinburgh Castle.
“They’re going to think you’re a diva,” Julia whispered, as the bellhops delivered their luggage, stroller, and baby implements to their suite.
“Nonsense,” Gabriel said primly. “I’m covering the additional expense. What’s it to them?”
Julia bit her lip, wondering how to explain it. But when she saw the view of the castle through the enormous windows, she decided to let it go. Edinburgh was beautiful. The suite was beautiful. And she was very, very tired.
Gabriel surveyed the work of the bellhops approvingly and tipped them generously. Then he crossed to where Julia was standing by the window. “Go lie down.” He stroked her cheek affectionately.
“I thought we were supposed to stay awake, to fight off jet lag.” Julia yawned in spite of herself. “It’s time to feed Clare.”
“Feed her and then lie down. I’ll take her out in the stroller for a walk.”
“Really? I didn’t think you slept at all on the plane.”
“A walk will do me good, although I may take a nap this afternoon. We’ve been invited to dinner with the university council tonight. The gala and reception are tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Julia yawned again. She lifted Clare from her baby carrier and kissed her before settling them both in an armchair next to the fireplace. The bellhops had started a fire, which was sparking cheerfully. “What about Rebecca?”
“She’s decided to explore the city.” Gabriel’s eyes twinkled. “I think she’s gone in search of a Highlander.”
“Godspeed, Rebecca.” Julia crossed her fingers to wish her luck.
Chapter Twenty-Two
That evening, Julia entered the luxurious Jacobite Room in Edinburgh Castle. Through the windows on the far side, she could see the sparkling lights of the exquisite city, blurred a little by the raindrops that clung to the panes of glass.