Camilla shook her head. Perhaps her eyes played tricks on her today. Putting it aside, she kicked the horse into a gallop and continued on her way. When they approached the house, Hyrum ran out of the stable to take the reins.
“Did you have a nice ride, Mrs. Worthington?”
“Yes, thank you, Hyrum. James and I had a pleasant morning.”
“Somebody came to see you while ye were gone.”
She helped James off the horse. “Who was it?”
“Don’t know, Mrs. Worthington. Just a lady.”
“Did she leave her card?”
“No. Said she would return at a later time.”
She shrugged. “I suppose it was not very important, then.”
“Aye, I suppose.”
She dismounted and took hold of James’s hand. They started out walking, but the closer they came to the house, the more their steps quickened, until they were running. Laughing, they nearly slammed into the door.
James hurried inside the house first, but before Camilla could enter, a cold chill ran down her spine, causing her to pause. She shivered and hugged her waist. Glancing over her shoulder, she studied the yard and the stable. It bothered her that she would have these feelings lately, like someone watched her.
Rubbing her arms, she stepped into the house, putting the feeling behind her. Certainly, it was utter nonsense. She let out a small laugh, remembering her father had become skittish just before…
She froze.Father’s disease.He had been acting strange, thinking somebody watched him, also. Her heart sank. It wasn’t possible. She couldn’t have the same disease. Yet Kat had it, so why not her?
Camilla shook her head. She must not think in such a way. If, by chance, she had the same illness as her father and sister, she would have known before now.
“Mother, hurry. Lizzy is waiting.” James tugged on her dress.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled. “Coming, my dear.”
With unsteady hands, she smoothed out her bodice and skirt before following James upstairs into the nursery. Lizzy and Jane were playing together, and when the little girl spotted Camilla, she ran to her and threw her arms around Camilla’s legs.
She laughed and picked the girl up, hugging her tight. “You have certainly made my day, Lizzy.”
James jumped up and down in excitement. “Lizzy, Milla says we may call her Mother.”
The little girl’s smile stretched across her face, making it glow. “We may?”
“Yes, my dear.” Camilla stroked the girl’s hair. “You may call me Mother.”
Lizzy laughed and buried her face in Camilla’s neck. James joined in and hugged her legs. Across from them, Jane stood and clasped her hands to her chest as tears swam in her eyes. Camilla’s own eyes filled with moisture from the happy occasion.
Yet fear carved a hole deep in her conscience. Was there a chance she would someday become like her father and Kat? If so, her dream of a loving family would soon end.
*
Camilla decided tosurprise her husband at work, so she had Horace pack a picnic basket. The weather this afternoon wouldbe wonderful for sharing a meal under a tree, sitting on a blanket.
She took the buggy into town and stopped in front of Malcolm’s office. As she dismounted, she glanced up and down the street, hoping she didn’t run into Captain Wilkes again. She was sick of portraying her sister just to protect Malcolm. And although she would do anything to keep her husband safe, she wanted to avoid the captain as much as possible.
She left the picnic basket in the vehicle and walked into the office. The chiming of the bell announced her. Mr. Kennedy jumped to his feet and rushed to greet her.
“What a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Worthington.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
She allowed his attention but kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn’t get out of line. “Good afternoon, Mr. Kennedy. I have come to see my husband. Is he about?”
