“That’s fantastic, Esther. Another little one to join the family,” Christopher chimed in, having overheard the news.
Phillip took out a small bottle of lemonade from the basket which he had packed for his wife, and poured her a glass.
“You can toast with us with this, love,” he offered.
“Oh, thank you for making me feel included.” Esther laughed, and the four of them clinked their glasses together.
“Theodosia is over the moon about having a new sibling. She’s already planning on teaching them everything she knows,” Phillip admitted to the group, seeming like a proud father.
Esther chuckled, rubbing her belly affectionately. “We’ll see how she handles having another baby around. It’ll be an adventure, that’s for sure.”
Frances squeezed Esther’s hand again. “Oh, this is such great news. Have you told Mother yet?”
“Not yet. Though I do not know what her reaction will be like. Isn’t it funny how the tides have turned? First, she was the one urging me to have children, and now I seem to not stop.”
The sisters had a laugh over that.
“If anything, I believe Harriet is going to be quite grateful to you. It will help take Mother’s attention off her, at least for another nine months.”
“Do not underestimate Mother’s ability to do several things at once.” Esther grinned. “I am sure that she will continue to bother Harriet just the same.”
They got lost in the conversation. Esther’s joy was infectious, and Frances was really beginning to enjoy herself.
But it was short-lived. Christopher’s expression slowly shifted from one of happiness to concern. He glanced around the park, his brow furrowing slightly.
“I don’t hear the children,” he murmured, his voice tinged with unease.
CHAPTER18
The mood changed immediately.
Phillip immediately picked up on Christopher’s worry. “You’re right,” he said, scanning the area. “Where did they go?”
Frances’ heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stood up, her eyes darting around the park. The spot where Theodosia had been playing with the twins was now conspicuously empty.
“Ernest? Edwin?” she called out, trying to keep her rising panic from her voice.
Christopher’s gaze swept the park, and he motioned for Phillip to follow him. “Stay here with the ladies,” he instructed softly. “We’ll find them.”
“I am sure it is nothing,” Esther squeezed her sister’s hand, who was beginning to look more worried by the moment.
“We’ll split up and cover more ground,” Phillip suggested, his voice steady but urgent.
Frances watched the men disappear into the distance, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. “Oh God, Esther. Where do you think the children could have gone?”
“I am sure it is not a cause of concern. Theodosia is very responsible, and I do not believe for a moment that she would have let them out of her sight for long,” Esther reassured her.
But it was not working much. Frances grew more and more worried with each passing second.
“I should go help,” she said, trying to get up.
“Leave it to them, Frances. I am sure that nothing wrong has happened, and they will return with the children soon.”
Frances tried to keep calm, her eyes scanning the park for any sign of the children. After all, Esther was calm. It involved her child, too.
Perhaps Frances needed to learn from her.
The distant chatter of other families and the occasional barks of a dog filled the air, but there was no sign of the twins or Theodosia.
