Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
They looked up as I entered, Lydia immediately standing. Maddie held out her hand. I took it, kissing the palm and holding it to my face. “Are you well, my love? You look sad.”
“No, I am fine. The weather is gloomy and makes me somewhat melancholy.”
“Edward has sent word he has arrived and will conclude his business swiftly.” I glanced at Lydia. “He plans to return as soon as possible.”
She smiled, looking pleased.
“Would you be so kind as to fetch tea, Lydia? I should like a moment with my wife.”
She departed quickly, leaving me with Maddie. I sat beside her, and she watched me with a confused frown. “Is something wrong?”
I stroked her cheek. “No, Maddie mine, but I am pleased you regarded me so calmly and without worry when asking that question.”
“I know you would never hurt me.”
“No, I wouldn’t. I would rather cut off my own arm than to cause you pain.”
“Yet, you look serious. Something is amiss, I fear?” she asked.
I set the small bundle I was carrying on her lap. “These were given to me.”
“From?”
“Geraldine. They were your mother’s.”
She eyed them with caution. “How did she come to have them in her possession?”
“She stole them from the baron’s desk. They are how he discovered he was not your father. Geraldine felt they should be in your possession, not his. I thought you might like to read them.”
“Have you already done so?”
“Yes. There is a great love story there of your true father. And many thoughts of your mother on her love for you. Even fondness for the baron. Your mother seemed to be of a determined nature, wanting to find the good everywhere.” I touched her cheek. “Much like you, my sweet. You take after her in many ways.”
“I wish I could remember her face clearly,” she whispered.
I opened the bundle and handed her the small portrait. She inhaled sharply, staring at it, tracing her mother’s features with a trembling finger.
“You resemble her very much.”
A tear ran down her cheek. “Have I upset you, dearest?” I inquired gently.
“No, my dear husband,” she whispered, her voice catching. “This brings me great joy. I find my emotions high these days.”
I nodded in understanding. “The babe.”
“The babe,” she agreed.
“I thought today being dreary, you might like to read some of your mother’s words.”
“I would very much like that. Thank you for this gift, Alexander. It is incredibly precious to me.”
I opened her hand and slipped the small brooch into her palm. “This was a gift from your father to your mother. Geraldine has been safeguarding it for you, along with the likeness of your mother.”
She turned it over, studying it. “I recall her wearing this. It was small compared to some pieces the baron gave her, but she always said it was her favorite.” She smiled softly, another tear running down her cheek. “She said it was a family piece.”
“It was.” I took it from her, pinning it to her bodice. “And now it is yours. You were her family, Maddie. Her greatest love.”
She traced the sapphires, not speaking, her expression saying it all. I tapped the small likeness she still held.
“Perhaps we can commission a larger portrait of your mother from the likeness. You may hang it where you can see it every day. You can tell our little one about their grandmama when they are old enough.”
“You are the most generous, thoughtful man.”
I stood and pressed a kiss to her upturned mouth. “Because I love you, I find being both very easy. When Lydia returns with the tea, enjoy a cup, then read. I shall be in my study, working. If you need me, send Lydia.”
She reached up and grasped my face between her hands. “Thank you for this.”
I turned my face and kissed her palm. “I would give you everything if I could, Maddie.”
“You have, my love,” she whispered. “That and more.”
Edward returned two days later, tired but filled with news. He had been caught in the still-falling rain, so he retired to his quarters, cleaned up, and presented himself shortly in my study. I poured us each a large brandy and handed him the glass. “Tell me the news.”
“Everything is as Geraldine spoke. The young nobleman made no secret of his love for Maddie’s mother and their plans to wed. I managed to track down the cousin on his mother’s side who knew him well, but she was departing soon for the continent, which is why I made such haste in leaving. She had even met Felicity. She shared a few stories—wrote them down.” He handed me a small packet of papers tied with a ribbon. “She would love to meet Maddie if you take her to London and she has returned. She gave me this as well for her.” He handed me a miniature of a young man with dark hair and a serious expression. I could see Maddie in the shape of his mouth and his gentle gaze. He was handsome, and I imagined he would have been a good father to her. I knew he loved her mother with such passion.