“We have an idea that might help Dotty,” Eleanor added.
“Yes,” Alice agreed. “Do you remember when you had Gabe, and we were so upset?” Gabe was Grace’s eldest.
“I do,” Grace said, looking intrigued.
“Mrs. Winters talked with us,” Eleanor said. “And we decided it might be because Mama was giving birth when she died. And we were afraid it would happen to you.”
Madeline directed her direct, dark blue gaze at Dotty. “Do you think you might have been more afraid than you admitted, and knowing Lord Fotherby is here again made you afraid?”
Dotty and Grace exchanged a glance.
“It is true that you were extremely calm about the whole incident,” Grace said thoughtfully.
Dotty knew that type of thing occurred. Why had she not thought of it herself? She looked at the three girls. “You might have a point. Thank you.”
“That was all we wanted to say.” Alice and, after picking up a ginger biscuit each, the other two girls left the room as quickly as they had entered it.
“When are they coming out?” Dotty glanced at Grace.
“Two more years.” She sighed. “We expect everyone to be on hand. Augusta has promised to be back by then.”
Dotty selected a biscuit from her plate. “What did Madeline mean about falling through the door?”
“They have taken to listening at the door in the side corner of this parlor.” Grace pointed toward it. “The latch is not secure, and if the two in the back push to be able to hear better, the door opens—”
“And they fall into the room.” Dotty laughed. It felt good to laugh again. “I do have a question.” Grace inclined her head. “How can I be sure that I am carrying twins?”
“My midwife is coming to Town in a few days. She can examine you.” She pursed her lips as if she had eaten something sour. “I trust her far more than I trust a doctor.”
“I had an excellent midwife when Vivi was born. Unfortunately, I did not think to have her examine me before we came to Town.”
“You really had no reason to.” Grace picked up a lemon tart. “I, on the other hand, had a strong feeling it was just a matter of time before I would have twins.”
“I had better go.” Dotty rose. “I would not be surprised if Henrietta has not already begun to move to Exeter House.”
Grace held out her hands to Dotty and she took them. “And you. Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, much better.” The dratted tears pricked her eyes again. “Thank you.” At least she felt better knowing why she was so tired all the time. Yet she could still not find it in her heart to forgive Fotherby.
“I shall walk you to the hall.” Grace stood and linked arms with Dotty.
Royston sent a running footman to find her coach, and in a few minutes she was on her way home.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
Henrietta wiped her bloody hands on her skirt as she followed the footmen carrying Nate through the door of Fotherby House. The pad she’d applied to Nate’s head was already soaked. As she stepped into the hall, the butler bowed. “I am Miss Stern. I’ve sent for a doctor. In the meantime I will need hot water and bandages.” The butler sent a footman running. “Is her ladyship here? Your name, please.”
“Hulatt, miss. Her ladyship is out. However, I shall apprise her of his lordship’s injury when she returns.”
“Thank you, Hulatt.” Henrietta gazed up the stairs, wondering where Nate’s chamber was.
“If you will follow me?” the Hulatt said.
“Thank you.” She was relieved he was not going to argue with her.
Hulatt left and an older woman came scurrying into Nate’s bedroom, followed by a maid carrying what she needed. Henrietta pointed to the bedside table. “Please place the bowl and bandages there.”
The maid nodded, and the older woman joined Henrietta at his bedside. “I’m Mrs. Garford, the housekeeper.”
