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The only thing that really worried Harriett was the possibility of a confrontation between the two before she could spirit Arabella and Eudora away. Kimbolton was in Cambridgeshire, far removed from London and even farther from Kent where Elizabeth lived. She hoped the distance would be enough to prevent their ever meeting.
Her stomach tightened at the thought of how Elizabeth might react to her taking Arabella into her household. There was every likelihood it would be perceived as a betrayal. Would she, too, be cut off? Regardless, Harriett determined to see the plan through to completion—for her niece’s sake.
She did not share her fears with Roland, for she still did not know how much Papa had revealed. Did Roland know about Oxenden or did he simply think Arabella had fallen prey to some random calamity as did Mrs. Jenkins? Until she knew, she dare not say anything that might raise questions.
The adoption of Eudora and possibly another child with her was planned for the day after Cat’s wedding. They would all leave for Cambridgeshire the following day. It was vitally important that Arabella be seen at the wedding. Harriett prayed her little sister lost the majority of her motherly figure by then. Eudora had been born almost a month and a half early, which should help.
Until they brought the child home, Harriett planned to continue serving at the Hospital as she’d always done—where she could keep close watch over the babe. Things would be different there now that she was Lady Manchester. She would be serving alongside her husband, for one. My husband. She looked down at the gold band on her finger. It still felt foreign.
“I shall replace it with a jewel to rival those worn by the queen,” whispered Roland at her ear.
“I am content and need no such finery.”
“Nevertheless.” He punctuated his insistence with a kiss.
~ * ~
Two Weeks Later
“Birthmark on top of left foot,” mumbled Nurse Hayes as she wrote. “What name should we give this one, Your Grace?” she asked, looking at her expectantly.
Harriett rewrapped the baby and laid her back down in the crib. “What about Eudora? It means ‘the good gift.’”
“Eudora. Lovely.” Nurse Hayes wrote the name down and slipped the paper into her file. A card with the name was also tied to one corner of the babe’s crib. “She’s awfully small. Could only have been born a few days ago, the poor wee mite.”
“She’ll plump up after a few days here,” Harriett answered, confident. “Tell Matron Dimsey to find another wet nurse. This one will need one all to herself for a bit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Hayes bustled off to carry out her orders.
Harriett ran a gentle finger over the soft, fawn-colored down now growing in above the baby’s ears. Thank heaven it wasn’t dark like Oxenden’s or Arabella’s. She tucked in a corner of the blanket and smiled as the babe grasped her thumb in her tiny fist. “You’ll be safe here, little Eudora.”
She came every day to see the babe. At first, she only visited the nursery once or twice, as was her custom, but after a few days she began to come more often. Then she began bringing Roland with her. As though Fate had conspired to help them in their plans, another newborn girl was abandoned at the Hospital the following week. Roland was present for her arrival and intake and was thus tasked with naming her. She was dubbed Isabelle.
By the time Arabella arrived for the wedding, everyone at the Hospital knew the newlyweds had developed a soft spot for the little pair, now affectionately referred to as “the Manchester darlings.”
Harriett watched as two footmen came forth bearing a sedan chair to carry Arabella up the front steps. It was completely unnecessary, of course, but she thought it best to maintain her sister’s appearance of fragility. Elizabeth had already visited twice, and she didn’t want anything to jeopardize the impression that Arabella had been gravely ill.
Seeing her sister now, she thought there was little need for such subterfuge. Arabella was thin and wan and had dark circles under her eyes. The sight of her struck quiet terror into Harriett’s heart. Had she truly been stricken with some malady?
“Tell me of Eudora,” demanded Arabella the instant they were behind closed doors. “Is she eating? Is she well?”
“She is quite well,” Harriett reassured her. “She is growing daily and is in perfect health. But what has happened to you? You look utterly exhausted.”
“I have not slept properly since Mrs. Jenkins took her,” said her sister, tears sliding down her face. “Oh, Harriett, I miss her so much—I’ve hardly been able to bear it! It’s as though part of my heart has been torn from me. I didn’t think I’d feel this way...I never expected...” She dissolved into quiet sobs.
Harriett could only hold her and murmur soothing reassurances. Hearing Arabella say such a thing was quite a surprise, considering how spoiled and self-absorbed she’d been all her short life.
“I want to see her,” said her sister through her sniffles.
“And you will in just a few more days—”
“No! I want to see her. Tomorrow. I’ll disguise myself as a servant, I’ll—”
“You’ll jeopardize all of our careful plans!” Harriett said with quiet heat. “If the servants were to learn of your leaving here in disguise, if someone at the Hospital were to see you and make the connection, there is no amount of money that would silence the rumors.”
Arabella broke down further, and Harriett gentled her tone. “You must trust me, Bella. Unless you want everyone to know she is your child and illegitimate, you absolutely must keep to the plan. I know it is hard, but it is only temporary. The day after Cat marries, I will bring Eudora home. In the meantime, you must learn to school your reactions. You cannot imagine how quickly the servants’ gossip will spread throughout London if you burst into hysterics upon seeing her.”
“I cannot help it,” whispered her sister, mopping her swollen face. “I’ve been so worried about her, and I’ve felt so alone since Mrs. Jenkins took her. I know it was the only way, but it’s been so hard.”
