The more he considered the prospect, the more thrilling it became. He had eventually managed to discuss parenting and child-rearing with Adelaide, and it seemed that, at least for now, they were of a mind as far as that went. He was content to leave the details of tending the children on a day-to-day basis, as well as the nursing of the infants, to her entirely, given how directly such things could involve her if she chose. They wanted the children to be educated, to understand and respect their neighbors and tenants, to cherish their home and heritage, and to value each other, however many there happened to be. There would be no brutality in the home, but there would be order. There would be no distance, but there would be expectations.

There would be kindness and fun, but there would be responsibilities.

It was strange to be in such accord with each other when they had yet to manage it on any other subject, but he supposed it was better to agree on this than any other subject. He was certain that, as time went on, they would discuss it further still, and in greater detail.

He had not inquired after her physical state any further, as she had made it very plain that she did not wish to discuss such things. Nor had she seemed to slow in her attempts to make over Trevadden, to acquaint herself with the tenants, or slow in her eagerness to have Julia Roskelley teach them the pianoforte. Their first official lesson was not until next week, but it had not stopped her from testingherself on the pianoforte in the little-used music room.

Harrison had quickly learned to vacate Trevadden for other locations when she was in such a mind.

He prayed the lessons with Julia would bring improvement before confidence.

“Do you think they’ll truly do the peppering for Mr. Bodville and Jenna?” Adelaide asked as they pulled up to the church. “It sounds dreadful.”

Harrison snorted at the idea; the old Cornish tradition of beating the bride and groom in their bed with gorse was one he had never really grasped. “That might all depend on the amount of drink consumed after the service before they depart. Being good, honest, staunchly Cornish people, I imagine there will be plenty.”

Adelaide shook her head as she inched toward the carriage door. “Will we have to participate in the peppering?”

“No,” he said firmly, laughing as he stepped out. He offered her a hand and helped her down. “We’ll leave that to other guests. I will request a dance of you this evening, however. At any time you like. Fair warning, these types of celebrations can go very late and might not end until dawn. If you grow too fatigued, we can depart whenever you like.”