Colin shook his head, looking even more grim. “Already tried. I sent a couple of messages and his butler replied, saying he was not there.”
“Hmm. I’m sure he is fine, my love. Maybe he just needs a little time by himself to... process things.”
“There’s nothing to process, sweetheart. I feel for him. In his place, I would go insane.”
There was nothing to say to that, so she just reached out to hold his hand where it rested on the table, squeezing in an offer of comfort. Colin turned his hand, twining their fingers and bringing her hand to his mouth to kiss it. It was a tender kiss. But it was full of love and it seemed to brand her hand, claiming her as his.
She heard a familiar voice down the hall a moment before the countess entered the dining room.
On her own two feet.
She had left for America with Wang shortly after their precipitous departure for Bath, saying only that she wanted to try a new treatment he had suggested. Over the next few months, they had corresponded frequently, but she had never reported that she was walking on her own again.
She was leaning on a cane and Mr. Wang was on her other side, his hand under her elbow should she need the support, but she was standing. More than that. She looked stronger. Younger. She wore her dark mahogany hair in a looser, more youthful style and she was radiant. It was rather a miracle.
“Esther!” Abigail exclaimed, scrambling to her feet with as much agility as a heavily pregnant woman could. Colin had stood up too and was now moving behind her to open her chair solicitously. “What a wonderful surprise to see you, and, dare I say, in such good... health. When did you arrive from America? And why didn’t you tell us you were coming? Had we known, we would have met you at the pier.”
Esther laughed and extended a hand towards Abigail, which she took, and the two women embraced. “And that is precisely why I said nothing, Abigail darling. In your condition, you shouldn’t be traipsing around the docks.”
At that precise moment, Elizabeth barreled into the dining room, almost colliding with her mother.
“I thought I heard... mum! You really are here! And you are standing!” The girl’s eyes shone with surprise and excitement, and she almost knocked over her mother with a rather enthusiastic hug. But the countess seemed not to notice or care. She hugged back her daughter with tears in her eyes. Colin had stood to the side with Wang, and now both men looked on with indulgent amusement.
“Oh, my darling child, how much I have missed you! How are you?” The countess was smoothing Elizabeth’s hair, as if she couldn’t get enough of her daughter.
“I’m well, mum. Colin and Abigail rather spoil me, if you must know. But I have missed you, too. Are you here to stay? Please say yes. I can’t bear to be parted from you again.”
“Yes. I am back for good. And I... Well, I have something to share with all of you.”
Three pairs of eyes looked at her expectantly. The countess looked at Wang, who came to stand by her side, taking her hand in an obvious show of support. Abigail saw Colin notice the move and raise his brows.
“I... that is. Mr. Wang and I have married.” Esther said with a tremulous smile. Obviously wanting her family’s approval, but unsure how they would receive the news.
Colin was the first to react. Coming forward, he extended his hand to his friend and mentor with a smile. “Congratulations.”
Wang clasped his hand in a firm handshake but said nothing, merely inclining his head with a quiet smile. Colin then turned to the countess and kissed her hand. “Madam. I wish you much happiness.”
“Thank you.” Esther’s eyes were worried when they turned to her and her daughter. “Do we have your blessing, too?”
“Of course you do!” Abigail said, giving the older woman a hug. “You merely surprised us, but we are thrilled for you. Aren’t we Elizabeth?”
The girl was looking at her mom with a disconcerted expression. “I-I suppose. Yes, of course. I’m happy for you, mother.” And she gave her a hug too, but Abigail could detect her ambivalence. It could not be easy for the girl to see her mother after so many months and find out in the same moment that she had remarried. Elizabeth made an excuse and exited the dining room, and Esther’s gaze followed her, a worried frown marring her forehead.
Abigail took her hand and squeezed it comfortingly. “Give her some time to get used to the idea. I’m sure she will–”
A sudden pain ripped through Abigail’s stomach, and she gasped, tightening her hand convulsively around Esther’s fingers. Colin was by her side in an instant, grabbing her other hand, wrapping a comforting arm around her back.
“Darling, what is the matter? Is it time, you think?” Worry saturated his tone.
She tried to smile reassuringly but another contraction - for she was pretty sure now that is what it was - ripped through her, making her bend and clutch her belly. Warm liquid gushed down her legs to splash down onto the floor. “Oh,” she said, embarrassed to have this rather private incident happen in front of everyone.
Colin lifted her in his arms amid her protests.
“I’m fine. Really. And yes, I think the baby is coming. Better call Dr. Finlay now.”
He turned to bark the order, but the footman had heard and was already running towards the door. They all had the order to call for the physician at the first sign from her.
“Let me help you to your room.” Colin said solicitously.
