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“Well, maybe your papa will share some of his with me.”
Samuel’s grin bore remarkable resemblance to their daughter’s. “What will you give me?”
“Nothing I wouldn’t give you anyhow.”
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Nanny Sara said, a bit out of breath as she reached them. May balanced on her hip, she held out a letter. “Miss Regina grabbed up that box and came running before I could catch her.”
Samuel accepted the letter while Ellie smiled up at their nanny.
“Don’t worry over it for a moment. I already missed them.”
“But I know you need time for your work, Mum.”
Ellie held up her arms for May.
“Truly. We don’t mind. It’s a lovely day for us all to be in the meadow.”
“Mama.” Reggie shook the box at her.
“Nanny Sara will have to open it,” Ellie said, her arms full of a gurgling, wriggling May.
“Richard and Yvette are doing well,” Samuel said as he read the letter. “Yvette had another strong, healthy son.” He reached out and ruffled Reggie’s hair. “You’ve another cousin.”
She turned from watching Nanny Sara peeling paper off the box to ask, “Does he like sweets?”
“I’m sure he does.”
“Good.” She turned back to her nanny.
Ellie lay back against the blanket and bent her knees so she could be a chair to baby May. Her daughter held onto her hands and giggled, watching Ellie’s face. Ellie stuck out her tongue and earned another laugh.
“I’m glad Richard and Yvette are happy.”
Samuel looked at her from where he’d been peering over Reggie’s shoulder into the box Nanny Sara held out.
“And you don’t begrudge them their stipend?”
This time, Ellie stuck out her tongue at her husband.
“It was never about the stipend.” She’d simply wanted to cut all ties with the man who’d nearly cost her Samuel. “I’m glad their sons will be provided for. They’re Carmichaels, after all.”
“I’m a Carmichael,” Reggie said, turning to her mother to reveal that drool and melted sugar already coated her chin and dotted her cheeks. She had a peppermint stick clutched in each hand.
“Yes, you’re one of my favourite Carmichaels,” Ellie said. “What do you say we save some of those for when we visit your Aunt Lizzy May? I’m sure your cousins would like to have some.”
“Maybe,” Reggie said and stuck both peppermint sticks in her mouth.
May laughed and Ellie returned her attention to her other beautiful little girl.
“Tell Papa when you’re finished with those,” Samuel told Reggie. “We can clean your hands with Papa’s handkerchief and some water.”
“Oh, I can take them back in, sir,” Nanny Sara protested.
“Certainly not,” Samuel said, voice kind. “In fact, if you like, find a spot on the blanket, Mrs. Smith. You shall join us in our picnic. I can think of nothing better on so beautiful a summer’s day than a picnic with my girls.”
“But I was meant to be keeping them occupied while you and Mrs. Carmichael had a bit of time to yourselves, sir. If’n that package hadn’t arrived, we’d be having a story right about now, and a nap.”
“A story and a nap sounds lovely,” Ellie said, swinging May’s little hands in to tickle her, then out again, then in, her baby holding tight to her thumbs and laughing.
