Genova considered the invitation warily. Could the ladies have learned what she and Ash had done? What would be the result? An attempt to force the marriage? If true, better to deal with it swiftly, but there was no need to wake Thalia.
She took up her shawl and followed the maid.
She was ushered into a quite crowded room, since as well as the three ladies, a nursery maid sat by the cradle, and an older woman sat by the window. She was probably the midwife. Genova was welcomed with apparent delight and invited to the sofa where Portia and Lady Arradale sat. A table before them was spread with food, and carried pots of tea, coffee, and chocolate.
Lady Elf, blooming, was lying on a chaise.
Genova was braced to be quizzed about Ash, but chatter was general. Portia teased her on enjoying last night but seemed to have no suspicion of anything but dancing.
At a pause in the conversation, Genova said, “I saw Lord Rothgar and Lord Bryght out in the garden with the dogs and Master Francis.”
“They all needed to work off Christmas fidgets,” said Portia. “Especially Francis!”
“He’s a charming child.”
“Isn’t he? May the next one be as perfect.”
Something in her smile suggested that the next one might be on the way. Lady Elf announced that childrenwere always different, giving her own family as example, and relating some hair-raising tales.
One involved the twins climbing out of a window and down the ivy on the north wall. For some reason, this made Portia blush. That story led to concern over Lady Elf’s twin, who was in Nova Scotia, where matters were stirring unpleasantly due to some problems over taxation and the military.
Talk wandered between politics, society, and family, and Genova learned that Lord Rothgar had been here a number of times. He’d held the baby, even though it had been fussing.
A quiet excitement alerted her to the significance of that. Lady Arradale’s eyes were bright, and the other ladies seemed as thrilled. Had Lord Rothgar finally proved to his own satisfaction that he could deal with a crying baby?
Had that problem been part of the reason for having thisaccouchementhere? If so, it was an extraordinary gesture by his sister and brother-in-law.
The baby began a warbling complaint, and everyone’s attention turned to him as he was brought, fussing, to his mother to feed. The guests stood to leave.
When Lady Arradale and Portia picked up a tray each, Genova remembered the lack of servants. It was extraordinary and could end up being amusing. Could these grand people fend for themselves? Then she wondered if the nursery staff was on holiday, too. She must go and see how Sheena was.
Outside the door, Genova and Portia were alone for a moment. “Are you still going to divorce yourself from Ashart?” Portia asked.
Genova prayed nothing showed on her face. “That is our arrangement.” In fact, she would do it today. They didn’t argue anymore, but surely she could find some pretext.
“But you deal extremely well. Everyone notes it.”
“We merely act well, Portia.”
With that, Genova escaped. She found the nurseries deserted apart from Sheena, Lawrence, and the baby.
Lawrence Carr started nervously. “I have permission to be here, ma’am!”
Someone had found him sturdier clothes, and he’d had either a bath or a good wash. This was a kind house, but he’d be more comfortable elsewhere. What was she to do with them, and why were they here? Were they hiding from the servants’ holiday because they felt out of place?
“Would you be welcome down at the servants’ feast, Lawrence?”
“We were asked, ma’am, but Sheena’s shy. Then there’s the baby. There’s no one else to look after him.”
Charlie was awake but happy. “Has he been fed?”
“He has, ma’am. Not long ago.”
Genova went over. “Give him to me, then, and go off and enjoy yourselves.”
“I don’t know, ma’am….” But he turned and spoke to Sheena, whose eyes lit with uncertain hope.
Genova smiled at her and took the baby. “Off with you. If he’s any trouble, I promise to find you.”
