“It’s not my birthday.” Chris turned away and ran to my leg.
Wycliff went on his knees, wrinkling his onyx-colored trousers. He cast a confused squint to me.
“Baby, you’re not shy. And Lord Wycliff is your friend, our friend.”
“He’s given me too much. I don’t need more, like you, Mama. No need anything.”
Wycliff rubbed at his chin. “I need things, Christopher, and I’m big. I like to give gifts.”
Chris rotated a little toward the baron. “I help by taking this?”
“Most definitely, son.”
He’d saidsonagain. It was intentional to signal that his offer was for Chris and me. We were a pair, and he wanted the pair.
My boy didn’t take the gift, instead he went and clamped onto the baron’s neck.
Wycliff grunted a little, like Chris had hurt him. “Open it.”
My Chris released him and took the gift. Wildly tossing white paper bits and the ruby ribbon, he unwrapped a wood-carved frog, shiny with emerald lacquered paint.
With a gleeful laugh, Chris grabbed the carving, then he tossed his arms about Wycliff’s neck again. “Frog. He can be friends with the other one.”
Wycliff scooped him up and twirled Chris around like a bird. “A fine young lad needs lots of frogs. I have a question for you. You are my friend?”
“Yep.Rib-bet.”
“Do you think you’d mind if I was more of a friend to you and your mother?”
“Chris can’t answer that.” My words were rushed, but Wycliff was rushing me.
“Yes, I can say. Don’t make my mama cry. And listen when she says don’t play in the pond.”
Mrs. Fitterwall and Mama came into the parlor. “Chris, let Lord Wycliff alone.”
“Yes, Master Wilky. It’s time for you to go to bed.”
“Look, Gama, Mrs. Fit. Frog.”
“More frogs,” the housekeeper said, and she took the boy and his frog hopping out of the parlor.
“Ruth, you look lovely. Such a handsome pair. Going to the theater?”
“Yes, Mrs. Croome. It’s a lovely diversion as I settle back in to London. I must continue to lean on Mrs. Wilky.”
“Good, but don’t you think Ruth should wear jewelry? She’s so unassuming. I want her to borrow my pearls.”
“Or she could wear these.” He reached in his coat and tugged out a velvet box. “I was going to save this for later. Or if I said something stupid, I thought this could get me out of trouble.”
Watching Mama release a seldom-seen full smile, I shook my head. “A proper bribe, my lord? That was unnecessary.”
“I’ve missed your birthday, too. Open it.”
The box felt smooth in my palm. I opened it. Diamonds. One hung on a gold chain. Two smaller ones dangled from eardrops. All lay against a smooth black satin lining.
Mama looked speechless, but I felt a little like Chris. “I don’t need this. I will enjoy this evening without a bribe. I’m spending time with you. That’s my reward.”
The dimples showing in his beard went a little pink. “If you want it as a loan, perhaps we could arrange terms. You know me to be in finance.”
