Page 53 of What a Widow Wants

“Mama!” Ella’s voice held the joy that always stopped Fanny’s heart. To be so loved by her daughter, when she certainly didn’t deserve it, made her most humble indeed. The child raced into the room, face wreathed in smiles, only to skid to a stop at the sight of Lavinia.

“Good afternoon, darling.” Fanny motioned the girl to her and hugged her tight. “Don’t be afraid,” she whispered. “It will be all right.”

Ella nodded, then put on a smile of her own and curtsied to Lavinia. “Good afternoon, Aunt. I didn’t know you would be here today.”

“I didn’t know myself, my dear, but isn’t this a pleasant surprise?” The older woman smiled warmly at the child. “I haven’t seen you in quite some weeks. I shall be glad for us to take tea together again. I hope your manners have not suffered because of my absence.”

“I have seen no problem with her manners since we began our parties, Lavinia. You taught her well.” The words galled Fanny to no end; however, they might go some way to smoothing the way for a tolerable teatime today. “Have a seat by me, my love, and I’ll pour your tea.”

“Children do need strict instruction if they are to get on well in Society. So often they do not receive it.” Lavinia raised her cup again, her gaze still on Ella.

As discreetly as possible, Fanny put two lumps of sugar into the cup, poured the tea slowly, and gave the cup to her daughter.

“Thank you, Mama.” The child’s eyes widened, but Fanny gave a slight shake of her head, and Ella avidly sipped the tea without milk. “This is very good.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Perhaps the milkless tea would slip past Lavinia’s notice if she distracted her. “Have you been able to assist with your charity at the Magdalene Hospital recently, Lavinia? I know you have been extremely busy here at home.”

“I have not, Frances, and that has been a sadness to me.” Lavinia turned to Fanny, lines of fatigue deeper than usual in her face. “I know the Magdalene Hospital is one of the most important charities in London. These poor women, sunk into such depravity, most through no fault of their own, have proven they can be rehabilitated, if only we will take the time to help them relearn the Christian values of good, honest work and teach them the skills to accomplish it.”

“It is a noble cause. Perhaps I can assist you with it.” Not that she particularly wished to work with her sister-in-law, but the charity itself seemed well worthy.

“I would be happy to have you along the next time I go to the board meeting. Sadly, I’ve not been able to go for several weeks.”

“The last time I heard you mention you were going was the day . . .” Her heart stuttered. It had been the last day Matthew had come to call.

“The day I met Lord Lathbury, before his defection.” Lavinia’s face pinched. “You still have no idea why he ceased his attentions to you? You had given me to understand you were about to announce an engagement.”

“I liked Lord Laffbury, Mama.” Ella had drained her cup and now piped up. “Why has he not returned?”

“I suppose you could say he and I quarreled. As ladies and gentlemen sometimes do from time to time, Ella. I hope we can make it up at some later time.” Wishful thinking at best. Unless his conscience got the better of him and he wished to see his daughter again.

“Can’t you tell him you are sorry, Mama? He was ever so much fun at tea.” Ella smiled excitedly. “Did you know he looks like me?”

Fanny froze, afraid to breathe. “Why would you say that, my dear?”

“When we were having tea that day I saw us together in the mirror. We look just alike.”

Think, think, she must play this off as best she could. “I suppose you both have dark hair and blue eyes, but so do I, poppet. And I do not look anything like his lordship, do I?”

A frown twisted Ella’s small face. “No, you don’t look like him at all.”

“But you do look like me, don’t you?” Fanny cut her gaze over to Lavinia, who was also looking at her with lowered brows. A storm obviously brewed from that direction.

“Yes, Mama. Everyone has always said I looked like you.” Ella nodded, then her gaze followed Fanny’s to her aunt and her small face suddenly pinched with worry. “Is that a bad thing, Mama?”

“No, of course not, darling. Children are supposed to look like their . . . mothers.” The word “parents” had almost slipped out, which would have been disastrous. “Or sometimes fathers, although your father had blond hair like his father and brothers. But that happens in families. Sometimes.” The more she talked the more she seemed to be digging herself in deeper.

“Clayborn.” In a strained voice, Lavinia called and the nurse, who’d been waiting in the corridor, entered. “Please take Miss Ella back to the nursery.” The look of outrage she turned on Fanny made her stomach sink. “I think our teatime is ended.”

Instantly, Ella jumped up and rushed to throw her arms around Fanny. “Mama, I’m sorry. I don’t want to go back to the nursery. I want to stay with you.” Hiding her face in Fanny’s bosom, the child began to sob.

“Hush, sweetheart. Don’t cry.” She pulled Ella’s head up and smiled into her face. “Go with Nurse now and I’ll come up in a little while to play. We’ll read a story or maybe we can take a short walk in the garden before it gets too dark.” She wiped the tears from the girl’s cheeks with her napkin. “I promise.”

“Truly? You’re not angry at me?”

“No, darling. Of course I’m not angry with you.”

Ella shot a look at Lavinia, but nodded. Head hanging, she marched over to Clayborn and took her hand.