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The respectful crowd fell back to create an opening to the carriage.
“Thank you,” his wife said when the conveyance lurched forward.
He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “My people also suffered from Fredericka’s madness. One look at you and the slight swell of your belly assured them the future will be brighter. They are relieved to finally meet you.”
She smoothed a hand over her stomach. “You think they noticed?”
“I guarantee it is already the talk of the village.”
The household servants lined up in the courtyard behind Dieter’s father, who held Johann’s hand. They applauded when Johann ran forward to embrace Dieter.
He swallowed the lump in his throat as he hugged his son, intending to pick him up, but the boy resisted. “Nein, Papa, I want to introduce Mama to my tutor.”
Tears welled in Blythe’s eyes as Johann put his arms around her hips and rested his head against her. It seemed his grandfather had imparted the news and the boy was content. A weight lifted off Dieter’s heart.
His step-mother stroked his hair, then allowed him to lead her by the hand to a lanky youth who bowed respectfully.
As Dieter watched his wife converse with his son’s tutor, the bright smile on Johann’s rosy face renewed hopes for the future. He shook his father’s hand. “I think it will be all right.”
His father slapped him on the back. “Ja. A fine woman. Well done.”
