“You coming all that way to Brussels like that to bring me home.”
“Aw. I’d say that about makes us even, sir. Almost.” He winked.
“It was very brave of you, Mr. Keith,” Miss Blake added, eyes warm with approval.
Carlton Keith held her gaze with a dreamy grin and murmured, “Definitely worth the trouble...”
The next day, Stephen insisted on dressing and going downstairs. He ate breakfast with his father and grandfather and then gave in to Kate’s plea for a game of draughts in the parlour. When Miss Blake arrived, he happily relinquished the game to her.
Wesley came in, followed by Mr. Keith, who played a gentle tune on the pianoforte. Stephen was impressed with his ability—disability or not.
Later, his mother entered the room, looking a little brighter than she had upon his arrival. She drew up short in the doorway, looking from face to face.
“My goodness,” she breathed. “What a blessing to have everyone together again.”
“Not quite everyone, Mamma,” Kate spoke up before Stephen could. “We’re missing Sophie.”
Yes, he was certainly missing her.
Thurman brought in the day’s post, including a letter addressed to his parents.
His mother read it first, then looked across the room at Stephen. “It’s from Sophie. She is well, never fear.”
Keith abruptly stopped playing to listen.
“What does she say, Mamma?” Kate asked eagerly.
His mother deferred to him. “It’s written to all of us,” she said. “May I read it aloud?”
Stephen nodded, though a part of him would have preferred to read it in private. But it wasn’t his letter to hoard.
“Dear Mr. & Mrs. Overtree and family,
I am writing to announce the good news of the safe delivery of your grandchild. She is healthy and strong, and reminds me quite a bit of your Kate. I have decided to name her Mary Katherine, after my own beloved mother and your dear daughter. I hope that meets with everyone’s approval.”
Kate let out a little squeal. “How wonderful!”
His mother continued,
“Please share the news with all the family for me. I will write to Captain Overtree myself, but as I am uncertain if he may already be en route back to England, Lord willing, I don’t know if a letter shall reach him. If not, I trust you will pass on the good news for me.
Sincerely,
Sophie”
Relief washed over Stephen. Sophie was well. The child healthy. He was gratified to know she had written to him personally, though he had left Brussels before the letter could arrive. He noticed she made no mention of her plans to return, nor asked Stephen to visit them. But he would. As soon as he was physically able.
The colonel leaned near and whispered, “I’m going upstairs to share the good news with Miss Whitney.”
That surprised Stephen, but he said nothing as his grandfather excused himself and left the room.
His mother reached over and extended the letter to him, but before Stephen could reach it, Wesley stood and snatched it from her. He turned the folded sheet over and looked at the postal markings.
“Lynmouth. Dash it, Angela. You told me she went to Bath, but I should have known better.”
“Wesley...” his father warned. “You promised not to interfere.”
“I made no promise, Papa. I said I would think about it and I have. I’m going.”
