Angela blinked up at her, lips parted. Then looked back down at the little girl. “Yes, I see it now. You are perfectly right.” Her eyes lingered on the child’s face a moment longer, then she lifted a determinedly bright face to Sophie.
“Have you heard my news?”
Sophie shook her head.
“Mr. Keith and I are engaged to be married.”
Sophie gaped. “Are you indeed? That is wonderful news.”
“Is it? I think so, though not everyone agrees. My father berated me for ‘not landing one of those Overtree boys,’ as though that hadevercrossed my mind.” Fragile humor shone in her eyes.
Sophie gave her a gentle smile for brave effort.
“We thought of eloping, as did you and Stephen. What is good for the captain is good for the second in command, after all. But my father insists on a proper wedding. He sees me only a few days a month but suddenly takes an interest in my affairs.”
Sophie lifted a cautioning hand. “Don’t regard us as the standard bearers, I beg of you.” She chuckled in self-deprecation and was pleased to see the woman manage a tentative grin.
Angela said, “Fatherisglad to know there will be a man about the place to manage things during his absences.” Her grin widened. “And so am I.”
Sophie leaned over and pressed the woman’s hand. “Mr. Keith will be an excellent help to you and an excellent husband. I am very happy for you both.”
When Stephen left the smoky dining room ahead of the other men, there stood Winnie outside the door, eyes clear and bright, Mary Katherine in her arms. It was good to see her on the main level again, in the company of others. She stood in quiet conversation with Sophie, but both women looked up in anticipation as he exited. Had they been waiting for him?
Winnie searched his face. “He told you then?”
Stephen held the dear woman’s gaze. “He told me.”
Her eyes lit in triumph. “Did I not tell you? I said you would not receive your rightful inheritance. You shall have your brother’s and he shall have yours, or at least a portion of it.”
Stephen looked at her in surprise. “Now how did you know that detail? The colonel only just decided it.”
“Did he?” Winnie said innocently. “A lucky guess—that’s all.”
Stephen winked at Sophie and said, “Told you she has second sight.”
Sophie grinned. “Oh, I don’t think it’s second sight so much as squint sight, but no need to quibble.”
“And now the two of you shall be happy,” Winnie proclaimed. “Or should I say the three of you.” She planted a kiss on the small charge in her arms.
Stephen had rarely seen his old nurse look younger or more pleased with herself.
“You predict a happy future for us, do you, Winnie?” he asked with an indulgent grin.
“Hah. You don’t need to be a prophet to know that. You have already had to fight to stay together. The battle is half-won.”
Stephen raised his eyebrows. “Half-won? And here I thought my fighting days were over.”
“This is real life, Master Stephen. Happily ever after takes effort. But you two will triumph. I believe it with all my heart.”
“I am excessively glad to hear it.”
His grandfather came out of the room and drew up short at the sight of them clustered together.
“Ah, Miss Whitney. I see you have your hands full.” He glanced over guiltily to make sure the parlour doors were closed. “I suppose that means our game is off for tonight?”
“Game?” Stephen asked in surprise.
“Yes, Colonel. I am otherwise engaged and couldn’t be happier.”
