Consequences 10
It was Barbara's choice to marry in the small Anglican church in Nanrunnel, and one of Lady Asherton's friends told Tommy how pleased the townspeople were. "I think I'm speaking for many of us. We felt left out of your first marriage, deprived of the pleasure of wishing you well. And if your mother thinks we're shocked or disapproving because of your son, she's wrong. We like a love story as much as anyone in London might, and we wish you all much joy." Tommy grasped her hands with a heartfelt "thank you!"
Living in Barbara's little house worked out well too, as Tommy found that it was quite a reasonable commute. (Thank you, Tess!) He bought them a sturdy car, convincing Barbara that it was best for Terry, and so he drove her old one to the station in the morning, and Denton picked him up in London for a quick drive to the Met. He couldn't quite believe how well things were going, how happy he was. He thought she was too, especially when he called her Mrs. Lynley. "Yes, Tommy, that's who I dreamed of being. Not Lady Asherton, never that." In response to his cocked eyebrow, she grinned.
"When I have to, I'll do my best." He drew her close and whispered "I have no doubts."
"Really, Sir? None at all?"
"None, Ma'am," he smiled. "I have to admit that I was worried about how Terry would feel about my being here full time, but he seems quite happy."
"He loves you. I laugh every morning when we wake up to find that he has crawled into bed, between us. It doesn't seem to be to keep us apart, but to be with both of us. He doesn't have any of my doubts about you." She kissed him lightly. "You're a really good father, Tommy."
He looked at her, frowning. "You still have doubts about me, my love? Will I ever win back your trust?"
She grinned. "You're getting there."
Other times, Barbara seemed remote, preoccupied, sad. He finally questioned her, pulling her down on his lap. "It's when I think of Helen, that I have all this happiness because she was killed. I'm not exactly guilty, because I didn't make it happen, but if she had lived, I wouldn't be your wife. Terry wouldn't have you in his life."
"Yes, you would, and he would,' Tommy said, looking directly at her. "I would have made it happen, I assure you. You helped me get over the guilt about her death. Now let me help you." She put her head on his shoulder. "See, that's where my doubts come in. I don't think we can ever resolve them, so just leave it, okay?"
They went on solving the things they could. Lady Asherton was coming to understand that Barbara was more formidable than she had thought. When it came to the boy, she was adamant, and "Granny" realized that her role in his life was limited and that she'd best back off on her theories about raising a child of the nobility. Her sons also seemed to join forces with Barbara in letting Terry be a little boy. No frills and certainly no title.
So the things that remained insoluble stayed that way, but they both felt that their happiness with one another and their family made their lives joyful. And one day, Barbara told her husband, "You know that sister you promised Terry? I'm pretty sure she's on her way." And that was a promise for a golden future.