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One Year Later…
It had been a wonderful day. Eleanor had spent the afternoon with Tara, Stacey, and Heather for a tea party at Lady Cadwalader’s residence. She hadn’t known what to expect about Lady Cadwalader since she had only heard about her over the past year, but it turned out the lady wasn’t as intimidating as some people made her out to be. Yes, Lady Cadwalader was particular about keeping up appearances, but Eleanor’s father was the same way, so it hadn’t disturbed her at all. The best part of the afternoon was when Tara had introduced Eleanor as both a member ofLadies of Graceand a very dear friend.
She was still glowing with the praise as she got ready for a dinner party. She and Byron had hosted dinner parties in their townhouse in the past, but this was the first time they were having one since she’d had Cameron.
When she was done getting dressed, she picked her two-week-old son from his cradle. “Are you ready to meet your grandfather and your aunt and uncle?”
He yawned then settled into her arms.
She chuckled. “You’ve had a busy day, haven’t you?”
Earlier that day, she had brought him down to the drawing room for Tara, Stacey, and Heather to see. Afterwards, she spent the day with him and Byron. Byron had finished a job right before she gave birth so he could spend time with her and their son. He planned to take another job in a month. And that was nice. She liked that he wanted to take some time for her and their child.
Sometimes he worked all night, and there had been one job where she hadn’t seen him for a few days. While they had plenty of money due to her dowry, he found purpose in his work, and she would never take that away from him. She enjoyed watching him as he put the pieces of a case together and solving it. He couldn’t always disclose everything to her until the job was complete, but it was fascinating to listen to him.
She carried Cameron to Byron’s bedchamber. When she saw him struggling with the tie pin, she said, “I keep telling you that the pointed side is on top. Why don’t you believe me?”
“It can’t be on top. The pin looks ridiculous that way.” He turned the thing around on his cravat. “It looks ridiculous the other way, too. What was your father thinking when he picked this out?”
“He was thinking that it would be a nice gift for his son-in-law.”
Byron groaned. “I admit it was nice of him to give me something, but his gift to you was better. Pearls are easy to put on because they’re round.” He turned the pin so that the pointed part was at the top. He checked his reflection in the mirror and shook his head. “It just looks wrong.”
She laughed. “At least you don’t have to look at it all night. Here. Take Cameron, and I’ll adjust the cravat for you.”
He took their son and bent forward so she could make it so that the pin didn’t stand out so much. Once she was done, she patted his shoulders and gave him a kiss. “There. Now it doesn’t seem so awkward.”
He turned back to the mirror and studied the pin. “Yes, I suppose that will do. Eleanor, I like your father, but his taste in things leave something to be desired.”
She had figured that out when her father picked out her gowns and jewelry. Thankfully, the Duchess of Ashbourne had managed to talk sense into him. “I know, but it’s his way of expressing how much he likes you. He’s not very good with words. Giving gifts is easier for him. It’s wonderful you’re wearing this. It’ll let him know his efforts are appreciated.”
“I do appreciate them. I especially appreciate how much attention he’s giving you now. Though,” his gaze went to their son, “he might be distracted by his grandson. Babies have a way of becoming the center of attention.”
“I don’t mind. Cameron is adorable.” She accepted the baby as he gave him back to her. “Will your sister bring Jonathan over?”
“She said she would.”
“Good. I want the two cousins to get acquainted with each other.”
“Eleanor, Jonathan is only six months old. Neither child is going to remember tonight.”
“It’s never too soon for our child to start making friends.”
She knew it was silly, but it was important to her that her son get a chance to be around other children as soon as possible. She had even invited Tara, Stacey, and Heather to bring their children over next month. She figured too many children at once might scare Cameron. Next month, however, he should be old enough to be fine with more children.
Byron smiled at her. “With you as his mother, our son is going to have a lot of friends.” He kissed her. “I love you.”
She returned his smile. “I love you, too.”
He slipped his arm around her waist and led her to the drawing room. Within the half hour, Charles and Eris arrived with Jonathan. Eleanor had trouble believing that in five and a half months, Cameron would be as big as his cousin. Cameron seemed so tiny compared to him right now, and five and a half months wasn’t a long time. Eris brought Jonathan over to Cameron, but neither child seemed interested in the other. Cameron kept closing his eyes, and Jonathan kept gesturing that he wanted to sit.
Eris chuckled. “I think they’ll play when they’re older.”
“But we can still have them together when we visit, can’t we?” Eleanor asked.
“Sure we can,” Eris assured her as she set Jonathan in a chair. “Who knows? Maybe in the future, they’ll play hide and seek.” She glanced at Byron. “You remember that game, don’t you?”
