“I was thinking Kate might, as her namesake. And... you and Mr. Overtree, perhaps?”
Her eyebrows rose. “Very good. Have you been churched yet?”
“I was. Mrs. Thrupton insisted upon it.”
“Excellent. We should send out cards announcing the birth.” She looked at Sophie. “Have you any visiting cards upon which we may write Mary Katherine’s name and date of birth? Or perhaps we should use the baptism date, so there is no... confusion.”
“No. I’m afraid I haven’t any cards.”
“What a pity. I doubt there is time to have them printed. Ah well. I will at least send my cards to some dear friends and neighbors, to let them know we will be receiving afternoon callers. I shall ask Mrs. John to have biscuits and tea ready. Many of our neighbors will wish to see Stephen’s”—she hesitated—“the newest Overtree.”
“It’s all right, Mrs. Overtree,” Sophie said gently. “Mary Katherine is and shall be Stephen’s daughter. Henceforth and forever.”
“Good. Well. That’s good then. Easier. For everyone.” She shifted on her chair, then glanced down and brightened. “There you are!”
To Sophie’s surprise, a grey cat arched against Mrs. Overtree’s skirt, and the woman bent down to stroke it. Sophie recognized the white patch that spotted the cat’s nose like cream—the smallest of Gulliver’s kittens, now an adolescent.
“Mr. Harrison helped us find homes for the others,” Kate explained with a fond smile. “But Mamma couldn’t give this one up.”
“Now, Kate, you know Mrs. John needed a good mouser. And besides, it would have been uncharitable to turn out the poor creature.”
Sophie bit back a grin as the cat’s rumbling purr grew louder. “And how is Gulliver?” she asked.
“Already up to her old tricks,” Kate replied. “Sneaking down the old passage from Winnie’s room and out the scullery door. No doubt visiting her beau in the churchyard.”
The grey cat curled up next to her chair, and Mrs. Overtree straightened, taking charge of the conversation once more. “May I ask how Wesley reacted? We know he went to see you, but he would say nothing of it while he was here. He didn’t put up a fight?”
Sophie paused to consider how best to answer. She said evenly, “He met Mary Katherine, agreed she looks like Kate, and handed her to Stephen.” All true, though the explanation left so much unsaid. Perhaps it was for the best.
The parlour doors opened, and Mrs. Overtree turned. “That was quick.”
But it was not the men come to join them—it was Angela Blake. The footman announced her, then departed, closing the door behind himself.
“I hope you will forgive the intrusion,” Angela began. “But I knew you would have eaten already and I couldn’t wait to meet the newest Overtree.”
“We are very happy to see you, Angela,” Kate said. “You know you are always welcome.”
Mrs. Overtree rang the bell and sent the footman to ask Winnie to bring down the child.
While they waited, Angela handed Sophie a wrapped package.
“I’ve brought a little something for her.”
“Thank you, that was very kind.” Sophie accepted the gift and unwrapped the tissue. Inside was a small baby blanket embroidered with white hollie point lace. “It’s beautiful. My goodness. Did you do this needlework yourself?”
“I did, yes. A long time ago. But it hasn’t been used—never fear.”
“I wouldn’t mind if it were. It’s lovely. Thank you.” Had Angela embroidered all that delicate white work for her own child? Only to give the child away to a foundling home before the blanket might ever be put to use? A hollow ache filled Sophie’s chest at the thought of losing Mary Katherine like that. She silently prayed that Angela’s child, wherever he or she was, had been placed in a caring home and was growing up content and healthy.
Winnie brought in Mary Katherine. The old nurse looked spry and smugly met Mrs. Overtree’s cool glance.
“Miss Blake would like to see her,” Sophie explained.
Winnie nodded and laid the child in Angela’s arms.
“She’s beautiful...” Angela breathed, tears welling in her green eyes. “She looks so much like—”
“Sophie says she looks like Kate, and we all agree,” Mrs. Overtree interrupted in a burst, her composure so ruffled that she’d called her daughter by the disapproved-of pet name.
