Corinne’s gaze had moved from the window. All three stared, waiting on Lorelei to answer while thousands of birds in her stomach seem to have decided to fly south suddenly. She didn’t know what to say. The words “of course” should be easy enough to say, but they stuck in her throat, and perspiration formed at her nape. Lorelei glanced quickly about, panic creeping over her skin in chilled bumps.Where was Bethie?
A soft knock sounded, and Mrs. Wells leaned her head in. She held the child in one large, sturdy arm. “I was passing by, my lady, and I couldn’t help overhearing. It’s all right, isn’t it?”
Of course.But the words never made it past her lips. Both Irene and Cecilia jumped up, rushing to the wet nurse, Irene demanding to hold the child. Lorelei felt as if the walls were crashing in. Before she could object, Irene had settled beside Corinne, and Mrs. Wells was placing the newborn in her tiny arms.
“No.” The only word that managed to burst through. Black teased Lorelei’s vision… if Irene dropped him.
“Don’t worry so, Lady Kimpton,” Irene calmly informed her. “I took care of my sister when she was a baby, and I was only four at the time.”
Worried? She was terrified.
“What is his name, Miss Corinne?” Cecilia’s sweet voice pierced Lorelei’s chaotic thoughts.
Corinne never looked away from the raging storm battering the windows. “Call him whatever you wish, it makes no difference to me.” Her melancholy was heartbreaking. She was growing steadily worse by day.
Lorelei studied Corinne for a long moment, desperate to find a way to reach her. She was as beautiful as Brandon had portrayed her. “Bethie says you are recuperating nicely,” she said gently.
That captured her attention, and she turned to Lorelei, her eyes glaring hatred. “Iwishto speak to my sister, but you made her stay at that cottage because s-she’s a—” She glanced at the younger girls. “Because she’s a tart.”
Lorelei stilled, confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Oh, how lovely.” Cecilia jumped up. “Our mama is a tart too.”
Corinne gaped.
Irene’s eyes widened.
A giggle escaped Miss Elvins.
Peg snorted.
Lorelei glanced at Cecilia, shocked, then shook her head and looked back at Corinne. “Nonsense. She means her mother is… is…” Lorelei grappled to maintain a handle on the situation before things spiraled out of control. As if that hadn’t already happened.
“She means her mother is not sickly sweet, like too much sugar.” Thorne spoke from the door. Amusement wreathed his gaze, although his tone was grave.
Cecilia huffed. “A-course that’s what I meant.”
Lorelei quickly gathered her bearings. “My lord, perhaps you would not mind escorting the young women to luncheon? I need a moment with Miss Hollerfield.” She shifted her attention to the wet nurse. “Pray take the infant to the nursery, Mrs. Wells.”
Mrs. Wells acceded, murmuring softly to her charge as they left the room.
Thorne bowed at the waist. Cecilia snatched up his hand with an eagerness that pained Lorelei. He would make a wonderful father. “It would be my pleasure. Ladies?” He held out his arm, which Irene took shyly. They departed with Cecilia’s excited chatter fading down the hall.
Lorelei sent a pointed gaze to Peg and Miss Elvins. They stood and rushed after the others. She turned to Corinne. Her bottom lip protruded like a petulant child’s. A child who’d birthed Lorelei’s brother’s baby. Lorelei went to the settee and positioned herself beside Corinne. Took her hand. “Miss Hollerfield, Corinne. I believe there has been a grave misunderstanding.” Lorelei blinked back tears, determined to help lay Rowena’s death to rest. Corinne had a duty to her child, and only the truth would help her find her way.
Corinne shook her head. It began slowly, and she made an effort to scoot away, but she was too wrought with grief. “No,” she whispered. “Rowena?”
“I’m sorry, dear. She fell and hit her head.” Lorelei dropped her head.It wasn’t the complete truth. But did the girl need to hear that her mother had been murdered?“She didn’t survive. Her injury was fatal.”
“She’s dead?”
Lorelei looked into her pale features. “I couldn’t possibly leave you there. I would not have left your mother there either. I truly wish to help.” Heartbreak gripped Lorelei’s chest, and tears filled her eyes. “I’m so sorry.” Lorelei pulled Corinne into her embrace and held her as the girl’s body was racked with silent sobs.
It seemed an interminable time before Corinne’s cries subsided. When she finally pulled away, she whispered, “What is to become of me? Of my baby?”
“My husband and I shall look after you. We have plenty of room, and the resources to assist you in every way possible.” To Lorelei’s relief, Corinne did not seem inclined to argue with her on this point.
She sniffed and glanced about. “You called her my mother.”
