Page 134 of Duke of Sapphire

“Good,” Ian said, satisfied, and returned to his eggs.

Eleanor caught Charlotte’s eye across the table and smiled. “He has been unbearable since Tuesday.”

“He has been thrilled since Tuesday,” Nathan corrected. “Unbearable implies we mind.”

“I mind a little,” Eleanor said. “He woke me at five askin' if reindeer preferred carrots or apples.”

“Carrots,” Ian said, without looking up. “Everyone kens that.”

“I did not know that,” Henry said.

“Ye’re a duke,” Ian said. “Ye’re nae meant to ken things like that. Ye ken about ships an’ money.”

“An unimpeachable summary of my character,” Henry said.

Nathan laughed into his tea. “He’s rather correct.”

“He is entirely wrong. I know a great many things beyond ships and money.”

“Name one,” Ian said, chin propped on his fist.

Henry considered this with the seriousness the question deserved. “I know that you prefer jam to butter on your toast by a considerable margin.”

Ian looked briefly impressed. “That’s true.”

“I also know,” Henry went on, “that you broke the head off at least one wooden soldier attempting to make it survive a fall from the stable roof, which you were absolutely forbidden from climbing.”

Silence.

“That was a long time ago,” Ian said, with dignity.

“It was March,” Charlotte said.

“A long time ago,” Ian repeated, and returned to his eggs with great focus.

Eleanor was still laughing when she turned to Charlotte. “How are ye feelin'? Truly.”

“Tired in the mornings. Ravenous by noon.” Charlotte glanced at the platter of shortbread and reached for a piece without any apparent shame. “Otherwise, remarkably well.”

“The tiredness passes,” Eleanor said. “Around the fifth month, if I recall. Then ye simply feel enormous instead, which some days is an improvement.”

“That is not comforting.”

“It wasnae meant to be comfortin'. It was meant to be honest.” Eleanor’s eyes were warm. “Ye will do wonderfully. I have watched ye with Ian. Ye already ken the important parts.”

Charlotte’s throat did something unexpected. She covered it by reaching for her tea.

Nathan, meanwhile, had turned his attention fully on Henry, one eyebrow raised. “D’ye recall,” he said, “the last letter I sent ye, asking ye to visit? Before all this?”

“I recall several letters.”

“The one where I told ye to come north an’ find yerself a wife, because London wasnae producing’ any results.” Nathan’s grin widened. “I was joking.”

“I am aware.”

“I didnae actually expect ye to arrive with one.”

“Neither did I,” Henry said.