“Hello, little lady. Let’s hope your father’s hair is all you’ve inherited.” He put his face close to the child’s and wrinkled up his nose. The baby smiled, releasing a stream of drool down her cheek. “That’s very like her father as well,” he joked. Then he smiled warmly at Charlotte. “Nice of you to look after her. Mrs. Taylor busy overseeing preparations, I suppose?”
“Well, yes, and well, you see ...”
“Does Mrs. Taylor care for the baby herself or do they have a nurse for her?”
“They have a nurse. In fact, I—”
“Kendall!” Dr. Taylor called out from the back stoop. “You found us! Do come and meet Mrs. Taylor.”
“On my way, old boy.”
Daniel waved and stepped back inside.
Kendall turned back to Charlotte. “You’re coming in as well, I hope.”
“No ...”
“Joining us for dinner later, then?”
“No, I’m going to watch over Anne here. You go on ahead.”
“Better let the nurse do that. It’s what she’s paid for, isn’t it?” He began to walk toward the cottage, smiling at her over his shoulder.
“I am the nurse, Dr. Kendall.”
“What?” He paused, turning back to face her.
“I am Anne’s nurse. It is why I am here.”
“I don’t ...”
“Your friend Dr. Taylor was a great help to me when my own child ... was lost to me. And since Mrs. Taylor ... needed someone, well, here I am.”
“I see.”
“I am sorry for the deception the other day.”
“No need to apologize.” He nodded thoughtfully, then cleared his throat. “Well. I best be getting in.”
Yes, yes, hurry away.“Please do.”
Daniel led Kendall into the parlor, where Lizette waited.
“My dear, allow me to present my old friend Richard Kendall. Kendall, this is my wife. Madame Lizette Taylor.”
Kendall’s eyes widened at the sight of Lizette, resplendent in her ivory gown, her hair piled high on her head, her black eyes shining. It was a reaction Daniel was used to, even enjoyed. He still sometimes found it difficult to believe he had such a lovely wife.
“Enchantée,” Lizette said, smiling coyly before dipping her head.
“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Taylor.” Kendall bowed. “You are even more beautiful than your husband described.”
“You are very kind, Dr. Kendall. Now, please come and sit down. Dinner will soon be served.”
Both men instinctively offered their arms. She laughed, her smile brilliant, and she crooked her arm first through Kendall’s, then Daniel’s. The three walked slowly together to the dining room, arm in arm.
After dinner, the two men sipped their port in Daniel’s study.
“Why did you not tell me?” Kendall asked.
