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Dorothy nodded. “I think everyone could.” She smiled at Cara, expression soft. “You look tuckered out, my dear.”
“Does she?” Emma turned her attention to Cara. “I think she has excellent color. I don’t see any fatigue.”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind a nap,” Cara said, blushing. “But only if you might be resting, too.”
Dorothy’s eyes narrowed and her lips curved. “I’m wondering if you have news for us.”
Cara ducked her head, and Emma and Dorothy exchanged glances.
“I can carry you up,” Baird said, rising. “You’re not supposed to put too much weight on your ankle for another day.”
“What’s wrong with your ankle?” Frederick asked.
“It’s just a little sprain,” Ella said, getting to her feet.
Dorothy looked concerned. “How will you manage at the party Saturday?”
Cara rubbed her temple. “About the party—”
“It’s been cancelled,” Ella said quickly.
“Postponed,” Cara said. “Until the new year.”
“Does this have to do with Phelps?” Uncle Frederick demanded, cane tap-tapping the floor.
Cara turned to Baird. “What about Phelps?”
“Nothing,” Baird said, swinging her into his arms. “You’re not to fret. Alec has done nothing wrong and everything right. Now let me heave your demanding self up the stairs. It’s a chore, but I’ve been refreshed with sandwiches and tea and am feeling up to the challenge, although a challenge it will be.”
Cara smiled, happy to be diverted. “Not sure you have sufficient strength. I think you ate only two of those cucumber sandwiches.”
“You cast aspersions on this frame?” Baird said in mock outrage. “I will have you know I am twice as strong as your husband, and twice as handsome.”
Cara laughed, just as Baird intended. They were still bantering back and forth as Baird carried her from the room and up the stairs.
For a moment there was just silence and then Dorothy sighed, distressed. “She doesn’t know, does she? About Phelps stealing from the clients?”
Ella shook her head. “I only know because Baird needed me to help convince Cara that a party wasn’t a good idea, not when Alec is going through so much right now.”
“She should know,” Emma answered, setting her teacup down. “She’d want to know.”
“I am sure Alec will tell her as soon as he returns,” Ella answered. “He’s trying to protect her.”
“He certainly didn’t try to protect us,” Frederick said. “But I suppose there is no easy way to break that kind of news. It’s distressing losing money—”
“We’ve all lost money,” Emma cut him short. “Everyone in the family has. All of Langley clients have. But that’s not why we’re here. It’s Christmas.”
“We should buoy Cara’s spirits,” Dorothy added. “And once Alec returns, lift his as well. Cara is not responsible for what happened in London and should not be made to feel uncomfortable.”
“I never said she was responsible,” Frederick snapped. “But I think she would want to be part of the conversation.”
“She will want to be part of the conversation once Alec tells her what’s happened,” Ella said. “But Alec is shielding her from anything stressful right now. It’s not good for her.”
“She’s pregnant, isn’t she?” Dorothy breathed.
Ella hesitated, trying to find the right words. “There might be some news to share with you once Alec is back.”
Frederick banged his cane again. “It seems as if there’s an awful lot of secrets. Can’t say this. Don’t discuss that. For goodness’ sake, it’s almost like the old days, when we couldn’t discuss anything in the family. I thought times had changed.”
