Olivia (Logan 5)

long, I thought once more that she had passed on.

Finally, she reached out for my hand and gazed at me. "I want you to understand and believe that your

father and I have grown to love each other as much as

any two married people can and do. He blusters about,

complains about my spending, or the way I handle the

servants, you and Belinda, whatever, but after he's

made his speeches and swung his arms about like a

human windmill, he collapses in my arms in this bed

and we hold each other before we sleep and we

comfort each other and we do what we must to

strengthen ourselves for the days to come. You and Belinda have never seen that part of him, but it's there. Believe me, Olivia, it's there and it's important. I do

love him very much."

"I know that, Mother."

"Do you?" She smiled. "You always believed

your father had his hands full with me, didn't you?

You always believed he fumed and raged about this

house like a man trapped. Be honest with me, Olivia.

Don't pity me today because of what's coming

tomorrow."

"Yes," I admitted. "There were many times I

felt that, but he always seemed to deal with his

dissatisfaction and go on."

She nodded, smiling.

"That's the strength that comes from our love,

Olivia. I hope you will have it with Samuel. Of

course, you won't have it immediately. It comes with

time, with respect, with the realization that together

you are one in the end."

"I know, Mother. I don't expect more," I said

lowering my head.