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“John Ridley? ”
“Yes, child, your mama was betrothed to the baron’s older brother. He cut a dashing figure, but he was wildly irresponsible, racing that thoroughbred the way he did. He died just weeks before they were to take their vows. I will never forgive that scoundrel for leaving her ladyship all alone.”
“I did not know you had been with our family that long.” Annabel fell silent. “I suppose that is how she came to be married to Father.”
Mrs. Harris’s fingers in her hair hesitated once more, but the old lady remained silent. As she poured warm water over Annabel’s hair a few moments later, she spoke up. “I came to work in your mother’s household just after my husband passed. Your mama was a steadfast girl. I never encountered a more courageous, loyal person. When she heard of my loss, she started bringing me gifts. Apples she had picked in the orchards. Flowers from the field—” The older woman’s voice broke. She quickly recovered her composure to continue. “I loved your mama so much. You remind me of her.”
“Thank you,” Annabel croaked out past the lump in her throat.
“I was there for both times she was with child. First with Brendan and then you. She was so happy when you were born. ‘Annabel will have the best of everything. She will be smart and live a long and happy life married to someone wonderful, Mrs. Harris!’ she used to tell me. She very much wanted to ensure you married for love.”
Annabel brushed a tear with the back of her hand. “That is not to be, I am afraid. I mean … the duke is wonderful, but he is not happy with me. I failed him. And then I scared him off.”
“I do not presume to know His Grace well enough to remark on all that, but regardless, you have more than one person to think of now. And more than one way to experience love.”
Annabel looked up into the housekeeper’s round face to find her twinkling, hazel eyes. “I just said the duke—I don’t think he is going to be around Avonmead anymore. At least … I hope he will allow me to remain here at Avonmead and not send me to one of his other estates.”
“Aye, but no matter where you are, there will soon be two of you. And you will need to provide lots of love when that happens, so there will be no time for moping from here on out.”
Annabel’s face scrunched as she tried to make sense of the older woman’s cryptic remarks. “There are already two of us, and one of us is not here. The duke is in London, and I am unsure that he will return.”
“If the duke did return, that would make three.”
Annabel wondered if the older woman was having an apoplexy of some sort. The housekeeper returned her gaze steadily. Annabel stared back at her without comprehension until she finally spoke. “Girl, how long have you lived at Avonmead?”
“About four or so weeks.”
“Uh huh,” the other woman agreed. “And how long would you say it has been since you had your monthly courses?”
Annabel shook her head. “Not since before I came to Avo—NO !”
“Yes.”
“No!”
“Girl, you have been fatigued this week, no?” Annabel nodded.
“And your bosom seems a little fuller than I recall.” Annabel nodded again.
“And Mary says she has to ensure your chamberpot is sorted every couple of hours since you took to your chambers. Bladder pressing on you, is it?”
“Oh.”
“And, to the best of my recollection, you were never really fond of oranges, but before you took to your bed, I seem to recall you visiting the orangery daily for at least a couple of weeks and seeing orange rinds coming back to the kitchen on your trays.”
Annabel’s head whirled with the implications. “I am with child?”
“Yes, now get up. I want to dress you so the doctor can come up and examine you.”
“The doctor?”
“I took the liberty of sending for him. You can dock my wages for being a saucy, overbearing servant if you like. But you will see the doctor in a few moments. It is rude to keep him waiting.”
Annabel’s eyes filled with tears as she rose to her feet. Her heart filled with gratitude as she draped her wet arms around the older woman, drenching the housekeeper’s gray serge with bathwater. “Thank you, Mrs. Harris.”
As she took the towel offered by her lifelong friend, Annabel realized she had much to live for—the same wonderful friend who had always been with her, and now a babe of her own. Perhaps she might even reconcile with Philip. However, the future could be good with or without him. Although she couldn’t help hoping that it would be with him, somehow, if he could find it in his heart to forgive her.
* * *
