Chapter Twenty-Five
They spent two days at Ridlington Chase, although Hecate had expected to spend only one night with her family. Finn reassured her that all would be well and that the extra day was a chance to meet the little boy that Hugh had become and to cuddle Helen…they grew so fast that she knew her nephew and niece would change drastically before she had chance to see them once more.
And so she set aside her concerns and played Aunt Hecate, the lady who sat and laughed with them, petted the dog—whose name turned out to be Wellington—and generally enjoyed herself.
Rosaline was thrilled to have company, because although she was quite blunt about her devotion to her family, she admitted it was nice to have someone different to talk to for a bit.
Hecate told her about Richard and Cressida and the imminent arrival of the twins.
“And you’re sure all will be well?” Rosaline’s forehead was creased with worry. “I mean two babies at once? God knows one is hard enough…”
Hecate smiled. “Cressy is a strong and capable young woman, not only in mind but also in body. She will give birth without any troubles, Rosaline. I would have known had it been otherwise.”
“Well…yes, if you say so.”
“I do,” emphasized Hecate. “But I love that you worry about all of us. Doesn’t Edmund keep you busy enough?”
That made Rosaline laugh. “Everything keeps me busy, without a doubt. But you know family is family.
Hecate sighed. “Yes, and isn’t it wonderful? What Edmund said about us finding the right way a bit later than expected…that was so true. We might all have become horridly nasty people, Rosaline, given the way our father lived and treated us.” She looked at the other woman. “I think you may have put our footsteps on the right path.”
“Me? Oh no, I don’t think so.”
“Don’t dismiss your impact on us. There we were, free at last from the burden of the old Baron. That was the time when we discovered we could actually live our lives without that shadow hanging over us. It could have been a disaster. But what happened? You marched in, took over control of everything and showed us what the wordfamilyreally meant. And Edmund…well, we could all see what was happening. How he was changing with you as his wife.”
Rosaline leaned over and hugged her. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me, Hecate. I wouldn’t have looked at it that way, myself, but thank you. Thank you so much.” She sniffled, wiping away a tear or two. “Oh dear. This will never do.”
Edmund walked in, rolled his eyes at the two of them and paused. “Should I leave? Let you two weep for a bit?”
“Silly brother.” Hecate laughed at him. “I’m trying to persuade Rosaline that she is the most amazing sister-in-law I could ever wish for, and she got emotional.”
Edmund’s brows moved together in a frown. “She’s been like that a lot recently…” his voice tapered away as he stared fixedly at his wife.
“Um…” Rosaline blushed.
“Aha.” Edmund’s exclamation made Hecate jump. “And just when were you planning on telling me, Madam?” He was the picture of outraged fatherhood.
Rosaline’s chin went up. “When I was ready.” She returned his glare. “And that wasn’t supposed to be yet, because I’m not absolutely sure…”
Hecate reached over and rested her hand on Rosaline’s stomach. She closed her eyes and opened the door in her mind. And yes…there it was. Movement, energy—not Rosaline’s, but of Rosaline—the faintest sound of a change beginning.
She moved away, aware that she had both pairs of eyes glued to her face.
All she had to do was nod.
“Oh God,” Edmund stumbled in his haste to reach his wife. “Oh God, Rosaline…really?”
“Yes,” she swallowed. “I would say it’s just been confirmed…” She looked at Hecate. “Is it…”
“Very early,” answered Hecate. “But as of now, all is well.”
“Could we wait a little to mention this, Edmund?” Rosaline clung to his hand as he knelt by her chair. “I’d rather hold off on the announcement for now. Let’s just keep it between us? For another month or so? Christmas would be a wonderful time to tell the family.”
Edmund kissed her cheek. “As you wish, love. It won’t be easy, but I’ll do my best.”
“As will I,” said Hecate, as she rose from her chair. “I must go and find Finn. Since we’re off to London tomorrow, I expect he’s sorting out the details of our trip.”
Her smile broadened as she left the room, thrilled to her toenails that another niece or nephew was on the way. Good Lord, the Ridlingtons were a prolific family. Hugh, Helen, Margaret, and probably Richard’s twins any day now. Five new additions, five links to the future. And now a sixth.
