“I quite agree.”
The rattle of cups and careful footsteps announced someone’s approach.
The housemaid, Mary, came in, a tray of tea things in her hands. Georgiana’s eyes grew large as she surveyed the young woman’s rounded abdomen, no longer concealed by snug dress and apron. “Goodness!” she blurted. “You look ready to—”
Sarah quickly laid a hand atop hers. “Georgie...” she admonished under her breath.
“That is, you look, em ... really well. The picture of robust health.”
“Thank ye, miss.” Mary grinned. “And you’re right. I feel ready to burst.”
“You needn’t have brought us tea,” Claire said. “You ought to be taking things easy now.”
“I don’t mind. Mr. Sagar mentioned you had guests, and I like to be useful.”
Mary bent with effort, set the tray on the low table, and straightened again, pressing a hand to the small of her back.
Sarah had already overcome her shock at learning the housemaid who had traveled with Claire from Edinburgh was expecting a child and not yet married. Her intended was a surgeon’s mate on a ship undertaking a voyage for the East India Company. They had planned to marry as soon as he returned, but he had sailed off before either he or Mary knew there was a child on the way. William had used his connections to have the young man sent back on the next available ship and kindly kept the young woman in their employ, despite her condition. The Sagars kept her on as well, although for Mary’s comfort and that of their guests, she remained primarily in the background these days, tidying the apartment over the stables, lending a hand in the kitchen, and helping with Mira.
“How are you feeling?” Sarah gently asked her.
“A bit uncomfortable, I can’t deny. Back aches somethin’ awful. Still, it’s nothin’ to how sick I was early on. It feels like this wee one may appear any time. As eager as I am, can’t help wishing my Liam would arrive first.”
“It is a long journey,” Claire cautioned her. “Remember, Mr. Hammond said it is unlikely Mr. MacBain will reach England before the child is born. If all goes well, hopefully soon after.”
“I know. And as long as they both arrive safely, that’s what’s most important. Well.” Mary bobbed a shallow curtsy. “I shall return later for the tray.”
Once the maid left, Sarah asked, “Is there anything Mary needs for the baby?”
“She has gathered a few things. We found some of Mira’s baby clothes in one of the trunks, which Mary will be welcome to use. And she has made a few nightdresses and cloths. I have been teaching her to sew and knit. She has not got the knack of knitting, but her sewing is coming along rather well.”
“Then I shall make a point of knitting something for her.”
“How generous. I have been knitting a baby blanket for her, but perhaps a cap or booties?”
“Good idea. I can manage those.”
“That makes one of us,” Georgie said, not at all skilled or interested in needlework of any kind.
They chatted over tea for several minutes, but then Mira rose and tugged on Georgiana’s hand. “Will you come and see my dollhouse? It is up in the nursery. There is no room for it here.”
“Mira, let Georgiana finish her tea.”
“That’s all right.” Georgie gulped down the remainder and stood. “I’d love to see it. Lead on.”
When they had gone, the eldest sisters shared amused grins.
“Those two make quite a pair,” Sarah observed.
“I agree.”
During the years Claire had been separated from the family, Sarah had missed her older sister a great deal. Growing up, Claire had been her confidante—someone she could be honest with, safely be herself. And now that it was just the two of them, Sarah leaned forward, grateful for this private opportunity to share her news.
She told Claire about the letter from Mr. Henshall. His explanation of what had happened and his disappointment over having missed them.
“Sarah, that is excellent news! It is, of course, unfortunate about the misplaced letter and the timing, but now you know his absence was unintentional, that his interest in you has not wavered.”
“Do I? He said nothing about staying in contact or seeing each other again. Nor did he explain away the ‘charming neighbor’ his sister-in-law mentioned.”
