“Yes. God’s hand again. I was searching for a lost button, but the Lord meant me to be in a place to find you and the child,” he said softly.
“It all makes sense now.” She paused before adding, “You called me ‘sweetheart’ today.”
“I did,” he admitted, “and before you ask, I have never called another by the endearment, nor have I ever kissed another as I have kissed you.”
She quietly nodded her acceptance of his assurances. “It is much for me to consider. However, before I do, I would like to spend time with the child and tell him stories of his mother. Even though he shan’t understand my words, he will hear love in my voice and know he may find protection and affection in me.” She claimed the boy from Benjamin’s arms and planted a kiss on the child’s forehead. “Promise me we shall continue this conversation soon,” she instructed Benjamin.
He bowed his head slightly to indicate his agreement. “I will write the necessary letters to see to Miss Cassandra’s remains and send them off this afternoon. I said I would have her removed to Kent, but if youwish her buried in London or…”
“Lord Betts would not permit her in the parish graveyard in Hampshire,” she said.
“London?” he asked again. “I imagine the local parish would permit her.”
“Kent,” she said, though her eyes did not meet his. “Cassandra knew nothing but misery in London. I would like her where country folks know respect for a girl who made a terrible mistake. Perhaps in the parish’s churchyard. I would like to consider her there.”
Benjamin was not confident Miss Whitchurch’s decision meant she would accept his hand when he extended it, but his heart was full of hope when he left her and the child together. That was not completely true: He believed she would marry him, but, more to the truth, he wanted her affection, and he could not yet know whether her heart could be won by him. He thought he should write to her parents, but he would wait until he spoke to the lady again to learn her thoughts on the matter. “Perhaps I will simply draft the letter to her father,” he murmured. “Miss Whitchurch should not be required to be the bearer of ill news.”
When he lookedin upon the pair an hour later, they were sleeping together on the bed—the lady’s hand rested on the child’s middle and his little hand held onto her thumb. Benjamin was near the door when she whispered, “My lord.”
He crossed back to where she lay. “Rest. I must call in at Duncan Place to check on Lord Marksman’s progress. I understand Marksman and Lady Theodora have set a date for their marriage. I should offer my good wishes.”
“You always see to the comfort of others,” she murmured.
He wanted to tell her he would always see to her comfort, but he said, “I shan’t be long. Rest.” He bent to kiss her temple.
A half hour later, Mr. Fields opened the door of Duncan Place just as Benjamin reached it. “Good day, my lord.” He accepted Benjamin’s hat and gloves. “I believe most of the household has gathered in the main sitting room.”
“And Lord Marksman?” Benjamin felt a bit guilty about leaving Marksman in the care of others.
“Been awake longer and longer each time. His lordship and Lady Theodora mean soon to speak their vows,” Fields announced, while smiling widely.
“Excellent,” Benjamin pronounced. He still should speak to Duncan about Theodora’s manipulations. “I should look in on Marksman first, but Lord Duncan would have my head on a platter if I acted so foolishly.”
“Yes, my lord,” Fields said with another grin.
“Ah, Benjamin!” Duncan called when Benjamin stepped into the sitting room. “Glad to see you, boy. Is all well at Macalhey House?”
“It has been a bit hectic. I apologize for not returning as I planned.” He claimed the empty chair.
Orson said, “Graham explained how Lord Betts’s son attempted to enter your home without permission.” Orson grinned. “Graham also said you ‘settled’ the argument.”
Benjamin shrugged in a bit of embarrassment. “All those lessons in the attic where we rattled the ceiling of this house claimed my reason.”
Orson and Beaufort both chuckled. “Those were glorious fun,” Beaufort added.
“Depends on which end of the tumble you were on,” Orson corrected.
Benjamin and Navan Beaufort said, “Aye” together.
“And what is the status of Miss Whitchurch’s concerns? I apologize for not speaking to Hartley regarding the lady’s sister. I failed you in that manner,” Duncan declared.
“Graham kindly took up the task. He and I called upon the Lyon’s Den earlier today to confirm what Mrs. Dove-Lyon and Titan knew of the lady’s sister.” Benjamin paused before adding, “Miss Whitchurch identified her sister’s remains today. Ironically, Miss Cassandra was killed in an alley near The Red Rooster.”
“How?” Duncan asked.
Benjamin glanced to where both Lady Orson and Lady Annalise looked on.
“We are not easily intimidated, are we, Lady Annalise?” Lady Orson stated.
