Caroline nodded. “That would be lovely.”
* * *
Later that night,Caroline slipped into bed next to William. Cuddling up to him, she put a slim arm around his waist to stare pensively at the opposite wall.
“Do not be distressed, sunshine. The duchess has many connections to assist her in the matter, and the duke is very influential. If anyone can sort out this muddle, it will be him.”
She smiled tremulously. William pushed his concern for Caroline to the side, leaning down to kiss her temple. “Her Grace is surrounded by many allies. You can only control what you do here in Chatternwell. You should find someone to take over the work of Mrs. Greer. Someone who works hard and deserves our support.”
Caroline nodded, leaning her head back to gaze at him in the darkened room. “You are a good man, William Jackson.”
“And you taught me to count my blessings, Caroline Jackson. You are my greatest blessing of all.”
“Until our babe comes along.”
He chuckled, embracing her close. “Until our babe is here. Then I will have all the riches in the world.”
“Are you and Barclay to do business together?”
“I think so. He was impressed with the design. With the type of connections he has, we are sure to find the right men to work with.”
“I am glad. Perhaps with his help, you can spend more time on creating designs.”
“As long as I live here with you for the rest of my days, anything I do for income is a blessing.”
She smiled, her cheek pressed against him as she slowly drifted off in his arms. “I love you, blacksmith.”
“And I you, sunshine.” William held her close, thankful to the universe for the sunshine in his life which would multiply further with the arrival of their first babe. Caroline’s current distress for the duchess made him ache, but the fact that he was able to comfort and support her in her time of need was a blessing to be cherished. They were a family now, just as he had dreamed of all those months ago.
* * *
