Fifteen
Hannah’s father and brother arrived on Monday without any fanfare. They simply rapped on the door and let themselves in when the maid was slow to answer, so that Hannah came upon them in the hall without warning and cried out in surprise.
“Papa!” She launched herself into his arms, which only seemed to embarrass him.
“There’s no need for a fuss,” he said gruffly, brushing her hands from his morning coat. “It’s only been a few weeks.”
“Eight,” Hannah corrected. “And we’ve missed you terribly. Mama and I both.”
“Hmm.” He didn’t seem moved by this declaration, but then, Papa was never one to show his feelings. It didn’t mean he didn’t care.
By this point, Eli had heard the commotion and came down to greet their visitors. Gloria was tucked in the crook of his arm, sleeping soundly.
“Why isn’t your nanny minding her?” Papa asked when he spotted them.
“We don’t have a nanny,” Eli reminded him.
“But where’s your wife gone?”
“She needed to go to the club for an hour or two, but she’ll be back presently.” Seeing Papa scowl at the mention of bishop’s (or possibly the fact that he was holding a baby), Eli changed the subject. “We weren’t expecting you to arrive before four. I take it the roads were good?”
“Excellent.” Jacob took the hint, turning their conversation away from any dangerous subjects. “Give us a proper look at her then.” He craned his neck to peer at Gloria. “She favors Jane, I think. Fortunate thing. I was worried she might take after you.”
Eli used his free hand to shove his brother lightly on the shoulder. “Come in. I’m not sure where the maid’s got to, but we’ll ring for some refreshments.”
Why hadn’t Mama come down yet? If Eli had heard them, surely she must have too.
It was just like her to sulk instead of greeting Papa properly! How was Hannah to ensure her parents reconciled if she couldn’t even get them in the same room?
“Excuse me,” Hannah said. “I’m just going to pop upstairs a moment.”
She took the steps by twos and went straight to the guest room, only to find it empty. Not just empty of her mother’s presence, but emptied of all its contents. Mama’s powders and perfumes had been stripped from the vanity; the wardrobe stood ajar, one door still swaying slightly; and her most recent floral arrangement had disappeared from its place on the night table.
She’s fled the house.
No. That was silly. She wouldn’t pack up and leave when she believed Hannah was about to be married, would she? Why go to all the trouble of planning an engagement supper, then? She must still be here somewhere.
Hannah tried her own room next, where she found her mother and Molly (so that was where she’d got to!) trying to stuff far too many clothes into the wardrobe, crushing Hannah’s new taffeta gown in the process.
“They won’t all fit,” she protested, rushing forward to save her dress before they damaged the beadwork on the bodice. “Why are you moving all your things in here?”
“Because Jacob and your father are taking the guest room and Mr. Bishop’s old room. I’ll have to stay with you until they return home.”
“Why can’ttheyshare?”
“Men need more privacy than ladies,” her mother said simply. Hannah might have suggested that her parents share, but she already knew what the response would be. Better not to press her luck this quickly.
“I think I hear them calling me downstairs, ma’am,” the maid interjected. “By your leave.”
“Yes, thank you, Molly.”
“Where are you going tosleep?” Hannah asked warily, once the servant was gone.
“Where do you think? In the bed.”
“But then where amIgoing to sleep?”
“There’s room enough for two.”
