Frances smiled. “Thank you. His Grace and I are grateful for your good wishes.”
“How charmingly said.” Lady Ashford accepted the cup of tea Frances offered her. “And how well you have settled already. Sinclair House suits you.”
“I am glad you think so.”
“Oh, very much. Some women look swallowed by a great house. You do not. You have presence enough for it.”
It was a compliment. Frances knew how to receive one.
“You are generous.”
“Merely observant.” Lady Ashford took a small sip of tea. “And His Grace must be relieved.”
Frances’ fingers stilled upon her saucer. “Relieved?”
“To have matters set right so neatly,” Lady Ashford pointed out, still smiling. “Society can be unkind, as you must know better than most. A wedding quiets so many unpleasant whispers.”
Frances set her cup down with care. “One hopes society may find kinder occupations.”
Lady Ashford laughed softly. “One may always hope, Your Grace.”
There it was again, that faint pressure beneath the words, like the tip of a knife beneath silk. Frances watched her more closely.
Lady Ashford’s gaze drifted toward the door, then back again. “And the child? I hope the little one is well.”
The question was spoken lightly. Frances felt something tighten inside her.
“The baby is quite well, thank you.”
“How fortunate. Infants can be delicate creatures, especially when their beginnings are not altogether…settled.”
Frances kept her expression pleasant. “All infants deserve care, whatever their beginnings.”
“Indeed. A noble sentiment.” Lady Ashford leaned back slightly. “And is she here, then? In the house?”
Frances’ unease sharpened. “She is being cared for.”
“By you?”
The directness of it struck like a hand laid too suddenly upon her arm.
Frances looked at her. “By the entire household.”
“Of course.” Lady Ashford smiled again, but the warmth had thinned. “Forgive me. I ask only because… well, you see, people tend to be curious.”
“People often tend to be curious about matters that do not concern them.” Frances spoke calmly, but the edge was just beneath the surface.
“How true.” The viscountess lowered her eyes to her tea. “Still, curiosity grows when a child is involved. A nameless child, ahiddenchild. Also, a child around whom a marriage so suddenly forms.”
The room seemed to cool.
Frances sat very still. “You speak plainly, my lady.”
Lady Ashford smiled even more broadly. “Oh, my dear, I speak as a friend.”
“Do you?”
Lady Ashford looked up. “I should like to be one.”
