“As you wish.” He gritted his teeth as he walked with his mother toward the nursery. It had been a few days since he’dseen the twins himself, and he geared for the heartache that would slam through his chest when he looked upon them.
Until he discovered their true parentage, which might never be possible, he held his emotions inside. The twins were only two years old, and it would be easy to love them with all of his heart. But he refused to give them his love until he knew the truth. Their mother had broken his heart, and he feared any more damage might do him in for good.
He tried to focus on his mother’s chatter about her other grandson—Trey and his wife, Judith’s first child. A boy that looked exactly like Trey—poor lad. Trevor hoped his nephew would inherit Judith’s sweet nature instead of Trey’s stubbornness. Trevor loved his brother, and thanked the Lord his brother had changed for Judith, but Trevor still felt his nephew would do better in life if he took after his mother.
They reached the nursery and his mother opened the door and walked in. Trevor forced himself to move behind her. Mrs. Jacobs sat in a chair reading a book. Amanda lay, tummy side down beside her on the floor, concentrating on her small wooden farm animals. Adam sat next to his sister playing with blocks. When the little girl’s head bounced up to meet her grandmother’s, Amanda’s cherubic face bloomed with color. She jumped to her feet and squealed, throwing her arms out. Adam smiled wide and ran into Trevor’s mother’s embrace.
“Oh, look at how much you two have grown.” His mother picked them both up in her arms and kissed their chubby cheeks. “Grandmamma has missed you terribly.”
Mrs. Jacobs set her book down, stood and bowed. “Your Grace. What a pleasure it is to see you again.”
His mother set the twins down and took each of their hands. “So, what have my wonderful grandchildren learned today?”
As Mrs. Jacobs told his mother about the twins’ accomplishments, Amanda snuck a peek at Trevor around hergrandmamma’s skirt. Big, wondrous eyes, so much like Gwen’s. In fact, Amanda looked a lot like her mother. Both children did. If only they’d have a hint of Worthington show through, Trevor would give his twins the world on a silver platter. As it was, Amanda peered at him as if she would cry at any minute. Another piece of his heart broke again—just like what always happened when he came into the nursery.
He tried to give her a pleasant smile as he nodded. She quickly buried her face in his mother’s dress. As much as he wanted Amanda and Adam to be his blood, he didn’t dare hope.
Betrayal mixed with overwhelming guilt began to suffocate him, and he knew he needed to escape. “If you will excuse me,” he interrupted the two women. “I have business matters to attend.”
“Of course, my dear.” His mother smiled warmly as she stroked each child’s head. “My grandchildren and I will spend some time together.”
He gave a small bow before turning and leaving the room. Pain speared his heart, bringing back the same ache he’d experienced when he first discovered Gwen with another man. Trevor had longed for a child to call his own, and his wife snatched that from him by sharing herself with others. Was it any wonder he stayed away from the nursery? The suffering was too great to bear.
Hurrying to his study, he cursed his weakness and vowed to harden his heart once more.
Chapter Five
Louisa sat onthe window seat with bent knees against her chest as she peered outside. The sun’s descent painted the palest-pink hues and a burnt orange on the horizon. Coolness from the window relaxed her a bit while the hearth held a roaring fire. Although she still couldn’t remember her life, she sensed her body wasn’t used to such warmth.
She glanced at her toes peeking out from underneath her nightdress. Why were her limbs so thin? She’d been eating like a starved person, and thanks to Mrs. Smythe, the food kept coming. Louisa also had the impression she had never eaten such scrumptious meals, either.
As the housekeeper busily tidied up the room, Louisa stared in bewildered silence. This wasn’t right. She couldn’t allow the servant to wait on her. Louisa jumped to her feet and straightened the blankets on the bed.
Mrs. Smythe spun around and gaped. “Miss Louisa, what are you doing?”
“I’m helping you.”
“But why?”
“I don’t think I’m used to being waited on.” Louisa stilled for a moment. Deep inside she had the horrible feeling that she’d had no one to look after her. The realization left her hollow and cold.
Mrs. Smythe shooed her with her hands. “You are still very weak. Please sit back by the window while I finish up here.”
Louisa nodded and did as requested. Boredom fell over her quickly, and she realized something else about herself. She couldn’t stay idle.
From the corner of her eyes, a lovely jewelry box sat on the small table closest to her. Carved with swirly gold lines and red hearts, the wooden box was decorated with chips of colored glass. Curiosity pulled her nearer. Those chips weren’t just colored glass, but…rubies.
She glanced at the housekeeper who wasn’t looking, and then quick as lightning, Louisa snatched the object and hid it under her leg, knowing this would bring a tiny sum to her pocket.
Wait… What was she doing? There was no reason she needed to steal this. Unease spread through her as if she’d just been bathing with the pigs. What on earth had made her want to take such something, especially from the people who were nursing her back to health? Cautiously, she withdrew the jewelry box and placed it back on the table.
The housekeeper picked up the tray of empty dishes and turned to Louisa. “I’m happy to see you have a healthy appetite. His lordship will be relieved to hear that as well. Do you need me to get you anything before I leave?”
Slowly, Louisa blew out a relieved breath that the older woman hadn’t seen her take the expensive item. “You have been so thoughtful, Mrs. Smythe. I feel I should be doing that instead of you.”
“Oh, nonsense. You need to gain your strength.”
“Indeed, I do. Even with all the food I have eaten, I feel weak as a kitten.”
