Page 57

She hesitated. "As best we can."

"That is not an answer."

Her husband stepped forward. "She has not been sleeping much, Your Grace. The babe cries through the night."

James looked at the infant, then back at the mother. "Have you enough food?"

"Yes."

"Enough milk?"

The husband hesitated.

James's jaw tightened. "That means no."

"I have been having some difficulty with that," the woman admitted.

James turned toward his steward. "I will double the provisions for the next month. Add flour and meat and I will see about a wet nurse."

"Your Grace, we cannot …"

"You can, because I have just ordered it."

The woman's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you, Your Grace."

James looked again at the exhausted mother and then at the newborn. His thoughts unexpectedly turned toward Felix. The wet nurse at the cottage was perfectly capable, but Olivia disliked her remarks about the baby's birthmark and had made her feelings unmistakably clear. James had already intended to replace the woman, but perhaps there was another solution. If Mrs. Bell needed a wet nurse, perhaps the woman currently caring for Felix could come here instead. He could hire someone new for the baby.

It is practical. Sensible. These are things I can handle. I need no emotional distractions.

Then, inexplicably, he wondered …

But would Olivia approve of this plan?

James's brow furrowed. Why did that matter?

He had managed Glenmore for years without consulting anyone. He had made decisions concerning tenants, livestock, crops, finances, servants, and repairs without ever wondering whether another person's opinion would satisfy him. Yet now he was considering Olivia's reaction before making a perfectly reasonable decision.

Her nod of approval.

The thought irritated him so thoroughly that his mouth tightened.

"Your Grace?" Mrs. Bell asked cautiously.

James looked at her. "I will send someone to see to the baby."

Her eyes widened. "You would?"

"Yes." His voice softened. "You have enough children to care for without worrying about whether the youngest will be fed properly."

The woman blinked rapidly. "I do not know what to say."

"Then say nothing."

James turned toward the door, then paused. "And Mrs. Bell?"

"Yes, Your Grace?"

"Do not refuse help because you are proud."