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CHAPTERTHIRTY
Elizabeth watched with a slight frown as the footmen carried the many gift baskets she had prepared for the children to the wagon outside. She had not seen Rhys since she woke up at ten that morning, and although Webster had told her that he had business around the estate with the steward, she could not help feeling that something was wrong.
“What is happening here?” the Dowager asked as she descended the stairs, and Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “What are these baskets for?”
“They are gifts for the children at the foundling home,” Elizabeth replied patiently. She was no longer perturbed by the Dowager’s unfair treatment of her because Rhys was beginning to accept her just as she was, and his opinion was the only one that mattered to her.
“Oh?” The Dowager’s brows rose. “And you believe that helping the less privileged will win you my favor?”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she would have laughed if they were not in the front hall and surrounded by servants. “It will win me the children’s favor,” she said, and not wanting to remain in the hall with the Dowager, she started toward the door, deciding to take a walk before Rhys returned.
He walked in just then with the steward. His expression was drawn, but he smiled when he saw Elizabeth. He dismissed the steward with a nod before coming to take her hand. “I trust you had a good morning.”
“I certainly did. The children’s gifts have been prepared.” She held his magnetic gaze for a moment before she looked away, the memory of his touch warming her body.
“I am sorry I was unable to prepare the gifts with you. There was a matter that required my attention.”
“I know. Webster told me.” She searched his eyes and found deep worry within. “Did something happen?”
“Nothing you should concern yourself with.” He smiled and kissed her hand.
“Ahem!”
Rhys looked past Elizabeth’s shoulder to where his grandmother stood. “Oh, good afternoon, Grandmother,” he said, his tone light. “I did not quite see you there. I thought you would be in the Dower House by now.”
“It is yet to be prepared,” the Dowager replied tersely.
Rhys looked around the hall and found Webster standing near the door. “Webster, please see that the Dower House is prepared for my grandmother as quickly as possible.”
Webster looked at Rhys with some uncertainty before he bowed. “Of course, My Lord.”
“We are going to visit the children in Mrs. Norton’s foundling home,” Rhys said to the Dowager. “Would you like to join us?” Elizabeth was immediately alarmed by the prospect of the Dowager following them and giving her opinion about everything.
“No, I wish to rest,” the Dowager replied. “Besides, I dislike being bothered by children.”
Grinning, Rhys looked down at Elizabeth and offered her his arm. “Darling, shall we?”
Elizabeth accepted his arm, and they walked out to the waiting carriage. She wanted to ask him if everything was well but decided to do that after their visit. He was adept at keeping his expression unreadable, but something had changed between them, and she could read him better. Perhaps he was allowing her to, and perhaps he had surrendered a part of himself without knowing.
* * *
The foundling home was a manor large enough to contain at least fifteen rooms, and there were several children playing outside when Elizabeth and Rhys arrived. He smiled at her before climbing down and helping her alight. As soon as the children saw them, they came running, some of them falling over one another, but that still did not stop their procession toward them.
“Lord Guildford!” a little girl with bright-red hair called, and Rhys laughed, opening his arms. He scooped her up when she reached them.
“We are monstrous glad you are here, Lord Guildford.” A little boy of about five years grinned up at them. Soon, they were surrounded by all the children playing outside, and the ones inside were coming out to meet them.
“Who is this, Lord Guildford?” an older girl asked, looking at Elizabeth with bright-blue eyes.
Rhys smiled at Elizabeth. “Children,” he announced, “This is my wife, Lady Guildford.”
The children’s eyes widened as if they had just heard something supremely wonderful. “You were not jesting when you said you would be bringing her back with you the last time you were here,” said another girl.
“No, I was not, Heather,” Rhys said. “Now, I will be very pleased if all of you quieted and greeted Lady Guildford.”
The children immediately bowed and curtsied, uttering, “Good day, Lady Guildford,” in a chorus that warmed Elizabeth’s heart.
“Good day, children,” Elizabeth returned. “I am pleased to meet you all.”
