It was smaller but equally as grand. Her father had not allowed his children to live in such luxury; humility was to be observed above all things.
Across the bed lay a dress, which Mrs. Liall had said one of the maids offered to lend her. Quickly taking off the nightshirt, she pulled it on. Her hair was in a long braid, but that would have to do. Pulling on her shoes, she stepped into the hallway once more. She would go in search of news about the countess and return the trays to the kitchen.
Where was he? The man who had held her hand while they searched for Adam, reassuring her with his presence. The man she now knew held her heart. How would she ever thank him for what he and the others have done for her and her brother this night?
They were such good people. Strong and kind. How could she not love Forrest Howarth when he had shown her in so many ways the wonderful man he was.
The house was surprisingly quiet as she made her way to the kitchens, considering how many people were in it. Had some of them gone out to evening functions? Did they do that most nights? Would they do that with a countess giving birth in their home?
She didn’t know much about the lives nobility led, only what she’d gleaned working here.
She found Hogan and Fairfax seated at the kitchen table.
“Do not rise,” she said. “I just brought the trays back and hoped there was news about the countess?”
“Indeed, there is. A bonny boy has been born,” Fairfax said.
“And they are both well?”
“They are according to Dr. Grace, who took tea in a parlor before he left. The countess was also most insistent on going to the Raine townhouse, so that was undertaken with the help of Mr. Deville and Miss Carlow and two maids.”
“That is wonderful news for both her and Lord Raine. And I must thank you, Hogan, for helping to look for Adam, and you also, Fairfax, for everything you have done this evening. Considering what was already going on, the extra burden was not welcome.”
“I’m just glad he was found, Ruby,” Hogan said.
“And you and your brother could never be a burden,” Fairfax added.
She bid them goodnight, feeling a great deal happier now she knew all was well with the countess, and made her way to her room.
“Ruby, are you all right?”
Mr. Howarth was walking toward her down the hallway. Hair damp, he wore only his shirt and breeches. His feet were bare. She couldn’t stop looking at them.
“Ruby?”
She dragged her eyes to his face, her fingers clenching around the doorknob.
“Yes. I am well, thank you. And thank you again for everything you have done.”
He closed the distance between them until he was close enough that she could feel the heat coming off his body. Close enough to smell the soap he had washed with.
“You are welcome. Is Adam well?”
They were whispering now.
“He is, thank you. There has been much in his life to overcome; this will just be another thing.” She exhaled. “And that sounded maudlin, forgive me. I want happiness for him but fear every time it is in reach, something takes it away.”
“And you, Ruby. Do you want happiness?”
“Of course. Who does not wish for that?”
“And yet you put your brother before yourself constantly.”
“He deserves to be put first, but I will also see to my happiness, Mr. Howarth.”
“Liar. You would ensure he ate if there was not enough food. Just as you would work your fingers to the bone to ensure he was cared for. It is the way when you love someone. I am no different with Ella.”
“Yes, you are right. I heard the wonderful news.” She wanted to step back, but as the door to her room was behind her, there was nowhere to go. He was a disturbing man, and the urge to kiss him had settled inside her head. To feel that heat and strength. To lose herself in him.
