The maid tipped her head and departed from the room.
Alden’s eyes roamed over the drawing room, taking in the thick maroon drapes framing the two long windows, the mantel over the hearth adorned with small trinkets, and the clock ticking softly in the background. The room exuded a cozy, welcoming charm.
Mrs. MacBain extended him a cup of tea, her gaze curious. “How are you enjoying our quaint village?”
“It is quite nice, at least the parts that I have seen,” Alden replied, accepting the cup with a polite nod. “I do wish to offer my condolences for your loss.”
A weak smile crossed Mrs. MacBain’s lips. “Thank you,” she said softly.
“May I ask how long ago your husband died?” Alden inquired.
Mrs. MacBain adjusted the sleeves of her black gown, a somber expression on her face. “Two months and three days,” she answered.
Alden’s brow shot up in surprise. “Two months?”
“Yes, but I intend to remarry, and quickly,” Mrs. MacBain insisted. “I do not like being a widow.” She flashed him a coy smile.
He cleared his throat. “Are you not worried about the gossip that will no doubt accompany marrying so quickly after your husband died?”
“It would be preferable to remaining a widow,” Mrs. MacBain said firmly.
The sound of a baby crying echoed from a distant room, and Mrs. MacBain turned her head towards the noise, a look of annoyance flashing in her eyes. “I do wish the nursemaidwould keep Rowan from crying. That noise grates on my ears.”
Miss Sidney gave her an understanding look. “I do believe babies cry all the time.”
“Yes, but this particular baby cries incessantly!” Mrs. MacBain exclaimed. “It truly vexes me.”
“It is no bother,” Alden attempted to reassure her.
Mrs. MacBain’s face softened. “You are very kind, sir,” she said. “Dare I hope that you like children?”
Alden nodded. “I do.”
Miss Sidney turned to face him and shared, “Mrs. MacBain has six children, including a newborn.”
“Six children?” Alden repeated.
Mrs. MacBain grinned proudly. “Yes, and they are all girls. Little redheaded girls that will be educated right alongside my sons, assuming I am blessed with more children.”
“That is admirable,” Alden said. “I believe an educated young woman wields quite a lot of influence.”
“My husband would have ardently disagreed with you,” Mrs. MacBain remarked, a hint of bitterness in her tone. “He was of the mindset that females were useless. Fortunately, his mistress had two boys so that took some of the pressure off me.”
Alden felt deucedly uncomfortable and muttered, “I’m sorry.”
Mrs. MacBain shook her head. “You misunderstood me. I did not mind my husband taking a mistress. It kept his hands off me, even for a moment.”
Taking a sip of his tea, Alden wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Mrs. MacBain was pretty enough, but he did not think he wanted to take on the responsibility of six girls. Not that he was opposed to having children, but in due time.
Miss Sidney spoke up, addressing Mrs. MacBain. “How is your mother?” she asked.
“She is well,” Mrs. MacBain said. “She moved in with me after my husband died and she loves doting on her grandchildren.”
Shifting her gaze towards Alden, Miss Sidney explained, “Gwendolyn’s mother was on her death bed just a few years ago, but then she made a remarkable recovery. It baffled the doctors.”
“It is true,” Mrs. MacBain said. “I do think my mother almost lost her will to live after my father died.”
“They must have loved each other very much,” Alden remarked.
