“Yes, we are.”
Maggie came to stand next to them. “I don’t think Father would approve.”
Ellie laughed. “Oh, I don’t know. I think we could convince him that it would be fun.”
Both children stared at her as if she’d grown antlers out of her head. She just smiled at them. “Are you ready to run?”
Peter’s face split into a big grin before he turned his head and ran down the corridor.
“Hey, that’s not fair.” Maggie ran after him.
Ellie held up her skirts so she wouldn’t trip and set out after them. About halfway down the corridor, she came up behind Peter. “I’m going to pass you.”
He didn’t even look at her. “No, you’re not!” He increased his pace, almost catching up to his sister.
Ellie wasn’t about to let the boy lose, so she slowed down a bit until he reached the end after Maggie. When Ellie reached them, they were both smiling.
“Can we do it again? Please?” Peter waved his arms in front of her as if she couldn’t see him.
“Well, I will need to rest. So why don’t you two run down and back to me?”
“Yes!” Peter jumped up before heading back down the corridor, his sister catching up.
Ellie leaned against the wall, pleased to note that even as an adult, she felt happier after a little run. She was also pleased that she hadn’t tripped or bumped into anything, one reason she’d chosen the east wing. It was rarely used and so had no statues or obstacles that could get in her way. She had to admit that she’d been a bit short in patience herself. She couldn’t wait for her classmates to arrive in just ten days. If it hadn’t been for the nightly attentions of Darius, she was sure she’d be willing to run even in the rain.
She felt her cheeks heat, thankful the children hadn’t reached the other end yet. Darius was teaching her so many ways to enjoy their time together in her bedroom. He insisted on leaving after making love, as he didn’t wish to impose upon her, since she was new to the experience. He said if he stayed with her, he wouldn’t be able to resist her, which was so sweet.
He wasn’t home, having gone with his steward to review an issue with a tenant, so it wasn’t as if he’d sought her out due to being cooped up in the house for days. In fact, the last threedays, he’d been out and about quite a bit, insisting she stay inside for fear she’d fall ill. He obviously didn’t realize she had a very sturdy constitution. If the sun came out tomorrow, she would make sure they all went for a walk, even Darius, no matter how cold it might be.
Maggie came running toward her and yelled, “I win!” She jumped up and down a moment then looked at Ellie.
Before Ellie knew what she was about, Maggie had thrown her arms around her hips and hugged her. “Thank you for being our mother.”
Ellie wrapped her arms around the girl, swallowing a lump in her throat the size of Mars. “Thank you for being my daughter.”
At the sound of Peter’s footsteps, Ellie looked up. The little boy ran full tilt into both of them, wrapping his arms around Maggie and a bit of Ellie. She grabbed on to him, even as her behind hit the wall. She should say something, but her heart was bursting with joy, completely closing her throat.
Peter stepped back, and she let him go. “I heard someone coming. We better behave.”
She stifled a chuckle as Maggie let go to peer down the corridor. “I hope it’s not Father.”
Ellie looked into the somewhat darkened space. “No, it’s not your father.” She watched the stride and the way the person moved. “I do believe it’s Beacham.”
Peter waved his hand. “Then we can run again.”
Before she could suggest they not, he was off.
“I’ll get him.” Maggie ran after him.
Ellie shook her head as she strode forward to discover why Beacham searched for them, if he had. Peter sped past the man, Maggie after him, before Ellie reached the butler. “I hope we aren’t disturbing anyone.”
“No, my lady. I only sought you out because you have a caller.”
She blinked. “Me?”
Beacham nodded confidently. “Indeed. The Baroness Watkins specifically asked for Lady Ferncroft.”
She’d been so focused on her husband, children, and Christmastide, she’d forgotten her neighbors may call. “Then I’d best go to the parlor immediately. Please have tea brought for my guest. Thank you, Beacham. Oh, and would you be so kind as to ensure the children are returned to the nursery?”
