“Good morning to you, Miss Knight.”
“Good morning, Fairfax. I was looking for my brother.”And the large handsome man who made love to me last night.
“Master Adam is at present taking his morning meal in the parlor.”
“Thank you. I will go and see him then.”
“Very good. I will bring more tea.”
“You don’t have to wait on me, Fairfax.”
“I have absolutely no problem waiting on you, Miss Knight.” He gave her a lovely smile and then walked away at a stately pace.
“Well then.”
“Ruby!”
“Hello, Ella.” She bent to catch the little girl as she barreled into her.
“You need to come quick. There is a bird’s nest. Fairfax found it yesterday.”
“Now or after breakfast?”
“Now!”
“Very well. We shall take a quick look, but then I must find Adam.”
“He came to see me in the nursery.”
Clearly, she had overslept.
“And read me a story, and then Papa took him away to talk.”
What had they talked about? Had Forrest spoken to Adam about their future? She would have liked to be there for that. She almost felt like hugging herself, the happiness inside her was so strong.
“Right, lead on then. I slept in your aunt’s bed last night and now am quite ready for my morning meal.”
“Papa said you stayed because your landlord is mean and did not want you living there anymore.”
Clearly Forrest was good at thinking on his feet. She’d have to remember that.
They walked out into a lovely day. Blue sky, birds chirping, and everything seemed fresh and new. Or was that just her? She felt like in the space of a day her life had turned on its head, and now instead of the fear inside her that she would not be able to care for Adam, there was only happiness for the future.
“It’s in that tree there.” Ella pointed to a huge tree at the bottom of the garden. There were rows of flowers and bushes and a large patch of grass with plenty of room for a child to run.
Would she and Forrest have more children?Yes,she thought. Yes, they would.
They reached the tree. A tall fence cut the earl’s property off from the park beyond. There was a gate she and Ella had walked through often.
Ella pointed to the tree, and Ruby went to inspect. It happened so fast, she didn’t see him coming. A hand grabbed her around the waist. Ella screamed.
“Run, Ella!” Ruby yelled.
“Get the girl!”
“Ouch! The little bitch bit me! She’s getting away!”
“Leave her, we need to go!”
