The children clapped, and Anne again joined in.
Dr. Finch rose and excused himself, coming over to join the ladies.
Mrs. Burdock thanked him for the ointment for Tommy Jones and for reading to the children.
“My pleasure.”
Then she escorted them out. “Do come again. You are always welcome—the both of you.”
When they had bid the woman farewell, Dr. Finch walked with Anne partway back to Painswick Court.
“It was good of you to read to the children,” she said.
“Happy to do it. Though I’m embarrassed you heard my attempt to sound like a cat.” He sent her a sheepish grin.
“It was delightful.”
“I’ve had a fair amount of practice reading to youngsters lately. Or at least one. Little Robbie already loves books.”
“Then you’re raising him right.”
The doctor’s grin fell. “I am doing the best I can, but the Tufleys and I are poor substitutes for his mother. I pray Rosa will come to her senses and come home soon.”
Anne nodded her agreement. “In the meantime, Robbie is fortunate to have you.”
“That is kind of you to say. I hope you’re right.”
Later that day, Anne passed the parlour with a luncheon tray for Lady Celia.
Jasper rose and greeted her with a smile. “Miss Loveday, why do you not join us for dinner this evening? Mrs. Pratt is preparing quite a feast in honor of Kat’s birthday.”
This was the first Anne had heard of it. Lady Celia had said nothing about her daughter’s birthday.
“There is to be cake,” Mr. Dalby added from where he sat in an armchair, glass of golden liquid loose in his hand, though it was still early in the afternoon.
“Thank you. But a nurse does not dine with the family.”
“Come, you are not really a nurse,” Jasper said. “Professionally speaking, I mean. And besides that, you are an old friend.”
“It is kind of you to invite me, but Miss Fitzjohn wouldn’t want an outsider there. Not on her birthday.”
And suddenly there she was, in the doorway. Embarrassment heated Anne’s neck.
Katherine said, “On the contrary, Miss Loveday. I would enjoy some female conversation. I grow weary of only my two cousins at every meal.”
“Why thank you, Kat,” Jasper dryly replied.
“Again, it is kind of you, but I will leave you to your family dinner.”
“Nonsense,” Mr. Dalby said, taking up the cause. “You must eat after all.”
“Yes, but I usually have my meals belowstairs or take a tray to my room.”
“Certainly you can make an exception for one night—and for my birthday,” Katherine implored. “Mamma is too weak to manage the stairs, so you shall have to take her place. We are a sad party of three otherwise.”
Anne wondered if Miss Fitzjohn wished she could invite a certain man to her birthday celebration. She was surprised she had not, with her mother not present to object.
Mr. Dalby waggled his brows. First at Anne, then Katherine. “Perhaps we ought to invite the dashing doctor.”
