Manners emerged. “It was a difficult birth.” He washed the blood from his hands and forearms in the bowl Graves had provided for him, then wearily reached for the towel. “But a good result.”
Dominic gestured to the bottle. “A shot of whiskey, Manners?”
“Thank you, my lord.” He gave a grateful smile. “I won’t say no this time.”
When Dominic handed him a tumbler, the doctor raised it to Olivia. “You make an excellent nurse, Miss Jenner. If you ever wish for a change, contact me.” He winked at Dominic, downed the drink, and said, “I’ll be off. Another patient to see. This time I’m not worried about whiskey on my breath, my lord. My patient is Smithson’s sow, which is ailing.”
Dominic laughed.
After Dominic offered to provide any assistance Graves should need and Olivia promised to call again tomorrow, they settled in the curricle.
He took up the reins. “I found this profoundly moving. Mother and baby appear in good health.”
“Yes, thank the Lord.”
“Pity their son doesn’t favor either of them.”
She turned to him. “You don’t think so?”
“Horribly wrinkled little fellow, but I’m sure quite endearing for all that.”
She laughed. “Many babies look like that when first born. Perhaps even you, my lord.”
He shook his head. “I believe I was quite handsome.”
“Your mother would have told you so.”
He glanced at her with a smile. “You are entirely too heartless.”
She chuckled, more with relief than humor.
He wondered if she wanted babies. It was mostly every women’s wish, was it not? If her father had prospered and lived, she would be married with children by now. He felt a wave of compassion for her, but knowing how proud and independent she was, he fought to hide it. “And you, Miss Jenner. I am sure you were a beautiful baby.”
“I don’t know, but I shan’t argue with you.”
He laughed. “You don’t wish to take the doctor up on his offer?”
She raised her eyebrows, a smile lurking in her eyes. “No. Unless you want to be rid of me.”
“Definitely not.” He smiled as he hurried the horses along through the lanes, the smell of warm grass in the air. “I’m relieved.”
“Why?”
The question brought him up short. He glanced sideways at her amused profile, tempted to tell her the real reason that he wanted, must have her in his life. But that would open Pandora’s box and heaven only knew how it would end. And while he was sorely tempted to throw caution to the winds, he resisted. “Because you are an excellent housekeeper.”
“Thank you,” she said briskly.
He grinned. “Was it not praise enough? Should I embellish?”
She giggled. “No, please don’t.”
They traveled on while he considered how much he enjoyed her laughter.
“I’ll take some more provisions tomorrow if that’s all right,” she said. “And a twist of tea. It’s so expensive. Mrs. Graves drinks a watery brew.”
“Add a couple of bottles of claret from the cellar. Graves will appreciate it.”
“You are a kindhearted man, if I may be permitted to say so.”
