“Thank you.”
“It is part of your growth, Forrest. You told us about the teaching you do, and now this. You are opening up.”
“I am trying.” It wasn’t comfortable, but he did feel better.
They returned to the others in silence. Forrest did not often allow himself to think about that time in India with Helen, but sometimes when his guard was down, it slipped in.
“I think it is time to leave,” Gabe said when they’d reached the others.
“I shall collect Ella and Miss Knight.”
“I like her. Miss Knight is nice.”
“Ella likes her,” he said, wary of what was coming next. He knew his family had some idea of how he felt about Ruby. Not that he even knew that, but still. Clearly, he had given something away.
“And you also, cousin?”
“Of course, and that is the end of that discussion, thank you, Gabe.”
“As you wish.”
“Papa!”
His daughter was in the arms of Miss Knight. She was crying.
He ran to her. “What has happened?”
“Her stomach is sore. I’m sorry, I don’t—”
“Allow me.” Mr. Harry Sinclair appeared beside Forrest. He reached for Ella and took her into his arms. “It’s all right now, sweeting. No need to fuss, you will feel better shortly.”
“I don’t know that man,” Ruby said, reaching for Ella the same time as Forrest did.
“He is very good with children,” Lord Sinclair said. “Just give him a chance to soothe Ella. I assure you he has a skill at it.”
Forrest knew Harry Sinclair was a good man; he just didn’t like not being the one to soothe his child when clearly she needed him.
“Sh-She has stopped crying,” Ruby whispered. She was pressed to his side now, while together they watched Ella.
Harry was walking about before them while he rubbed Ella’s stomach. They could hear him talking gently to her.
“He is in high demand in our families, as you can imagine,” Lord Sinclair said.
“Is he good with all children then?” Forrest asked, feeling the coil of anxiety in his belly ease. He hated it when Ella was sick, because he felt so helpless.
“He is, yes.”
Harry Sinclair walked about with Ella for a while longer, and soon she was even giggling at what he said.
“Oh, what a relief,” Ruby said. He felt the tension in her ease.
Forrest realized the exact second she regained control of herself and stepped away from him.
“There now, she is a great deal better, Howarth. If I may suggest that she not eat too much rich food. I fear she does not cope well with it.” He handed Ella to Forrest.
“Thank you, Sinclair. If ever you need anything and I can be of service...” Forrest held out his hand, and the men shook.
“’Tis nothing. I love children and have a way with them. Good day to you.” He bowed. Then leaned in to kiss Ella, who hugged him hard.
