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Georgiana rolled her eyes at him, nodding towards the woman sitting in the upholstered chair in the corner. Chosen to act as Millie’s nurse until further arrangements might be made, Mrs. Calvert was pretending not to listen. Evan grinned, and not in the least concerned about the servant, leaned in to plant a kiss on his wife’s brow.

“She was a very tired little girl when she arrived last night. I imagine she will sleep late.”

Georgiana looked sheepish. “I—I just wanted to be here when she woke—at least for the first time.”

Evan’s heart swelled with love. “I completely understand. Why do we not both wait for her to awaken? We can have a tray of food and drink brought here and wait until she does.”

“You would do that?” Georgiana grinned. “In all the years we have been married, first thing every morning you have exercised your horse, broken your fast with me, and then reviewed your books before Mr. Corvin appears with his concerns—all in that order.”

“And now we have a child, which will, of necessity, change our carefully designed order.” He flashed the crooked grin that always melted her heart, and unbeknownst to him, Georgiana felt as though she were falling in love with him all over again.

“It will not be long until Miss Millie is rising with the chickens and starting her day with her parents. No child of mine will stay in the nursery all day, and I just imagine she will be riding out with me before too long.” He grasped Ana’s hand as he looked over at the sleeping angel. “We shall work out a schedule that takes her needs into account.”

Looking to the elderly woman, he declared, “Mrs. Calvert, I apologise for not having a small bed moved in here earlier. It will be done before the day is out. Now, would you please take this opportunity to break your fast, and while you are in the kitchen, have trays sent up for Mrs. Ingram and me.”

The elderly nurse stood and stretched her back. Having slept all night in the chair, she was a little stiff. “Thank you, Mr. Ingram. After I have eaten, I shall be in my room in case I am needed.” She nodded towards the adjoining room and then slipped out of the nursery.

“I believe Mrs. Calvert would work out splendidly! Why not keep her on as the nurse?” Evan enthused as he took the chair she had vacated. “She is a grandmother several times over.”

“Yes,” Georgiana joined in. “And anything I do not know, I am sure she would. But I am not sure she would have the patience for a small child.”

“She seems patient with you!” Evan teased.

“I have to admit that she does have patience with me. I can be quite a handful when I get excited.”

“I love it when you get excited, Mrs. Ingram.” A small pillow flew past Evan’s head. He successfully dodged it, but was hit by the one that followed. “I was only agreeing, sweetheart.”

“Do not be so agreeable about certain things, Mr. Ingram. In addition, for now, I think you should be warned to have patience with this new mother. I have enough on my mind, and it will do you well to remember to be kind and supportive.”

Evan grinned and stood to grab her hands, pulling her out of the rocking chair and into his arms. “I can be very kind and supportive under certain circumstances.” He kissed her until her breath quickened.

“Mama?”

The small voice penetrated the fog of their desire and both pulled back to consider the towheaded child, now sitting up and watching them. Georgiana pulled from Evan’s grasp to sit on the side of the bed. He followed, standing beside her with his hand on her shoulder.

“Yes, Millie, Mama is here.” Two little arms reached for Georgiana, so she lifted her onto her lap and gave her a hug. Once situated, Millie buried her face in Georgiana’s chest.

“Are you hungry?”

The small head bobbed up and down.

“Would you like to eat with Papa and me?”

Millie looked up into Georgiana’s blue eyes, and then around her, to consider Evan who stood behind. “Can you say Papa?”

Quickly the little head was buried in her chest again, where it shook side-to-side. Georgiana squeezed her tighter and exchanged a knowing look with Evan. There probably had never been a father in the poor child’s life.

“Well, no matter, sweetheart. I am sure you will get used to Papa in time.”

Then Georgiana stood with Millie, taking her over to the large dressing table and setting her upon it. “Let us see what you shall wear today. I am sure we will need to go into Lambton and order you lots of clothes, but for now...”

Digging though the small bag that Arthur brought with him, there were four dresses, some undergarments, and a worn coat and an old pair of shoes. Pulling out the dresses, she noted that they were all serviceable, though they looked quite used, as if the child wore them often. In contrast, the dress in which she had arrived, which was now in the wash, was a very pretty blue muslin, with ruffles around the neck, and the shoes she had had on were almost new. Included, was a small bag filled with items that looked as though they had been fashioned for a doll—tiny clothes, shoes and such, but no doll.

As she pulled out the nicest of the plain dresses, Georgiana murmured, “I suppose this will have to do, but we definitely must go shopping today.” The last was said as she looked directly at Evan.

He grinned. “I would be glad to accompany my girls to the modiste.” He reached over to ruffle Millie’s curls, making her burrow into Georgiana once more, though she peeked at him shyly.

“I shall have the carriage readied as soon as we finish eating. Does that suit my lovely wife and daughter?”