Page 25 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
Anna stepped backward from her embrace, feeling warm and sure now that her older sister was before her.
“That might be true but I – I’ve missed you, sister. I always miss you, when we are apart.”
Leah’s expression softened and she reached for Anna’s hand.
“Come. Tell me, how have you been?”
Talking with her sister had become much easier for Anna ever since she got married to the duke. It was amazing, how much freedom she had found within herself once she had gotten a place, she could be herself without remorse.
Leah had been apologetic, once it became clear that Anna had been right to be suspicious about her mother’s intentions. But Anna had not wanted to hang onto the rage and betrayal she had felt after the unfolding of events, wishing instead to focus on what lay ahead of her.
“I have been quite all right. Just… busy. Caring for myself and my household.” Anna said, clearing her throat. “How are you? And your husband and daughter?”
“They are perfectly fine. Dahlia has developed a penchant for trying to rise onto her feet and it is the most precious sight, getting to witness her pull herself up with the help of furniture, drapes, a footman even. She is growing into a strong little munchkin and her father and I couldn’t be prouder.” Leah told her with a wistful smile.
Anna adored her niece to pieces, unable to forget when she had first set her sights on the child. She has been so terrified by how small and fragile the infant looked, swaddled in her covers.
It had taken some gentle coaxing from Leah before Anna felt confident enough to try holding her, and she had nearly burst into tears when Dahlia let herself be held peacefully, withouta single peep, even though Leah had said that the little girl disliked being held by anyone other than her mother.
And now that she had assumed a maternal role for another infant, there was a strange feeling that kept gnawing at her whenever Nicholas wasn’t in her sights.
“I’m glad to hear that she is growing so well. And quite fast too! I’ll send her some more gifts soon.”
“She is still quite fond of the collection of toys you provided her with not too long ago, sister. She’d love to see you though.”
Anna’s smile faltered slightly. “I would love nothing more than to visit. You know I would. But I have been particularly occupied with the affairs of the estate.”
“Darling, I’m sure your maids will be fine without you for a bit. I worry about you, all alone within these walls. I’m sure it is not easy, dealing with the loneliness.” Leah said gently.
Her sister had visited her a few times in the past, sometimes staying for extended periods of time to keep Anna company. She appreciated the care and attention her sister gave her, but ultimately worried that she would feel burdened to look after Anna when she had her own household to deal with.
“It’s not — I am sure they’ll be fine. But my attention has been expressly requested here. Especially by our newest member of the household.”
Her sister’s curiosity was piqued as she raised her gaze to Anna’s face, her fingers still twirling her teaspoon to stir the sugar she had put into her tea.
“Newest member? Goodness, Anna, did you finally get a dog? I know you’ve always had a fondness for the dastardly creatures, but they are much more difficult to handle than you think. They might be precious now, but once they are older and have learned how to get into cupboards that house priceless china –”
“Leah, no – I don’t. Do – do you have one? Because it seems as though –”
“No, no, dear. This is about you – it seems as though there is something you wish to tell me.” Leah pointed out, leaning forward a tad.
Anna shifted her gaze away, her heart starting to race as the anxiety she had attempted to keep in check started to bubble up to the surface. She had hoped that she might be able to keep herself together for a while longer to bring up the sudden change in her situation much later.
But she was truly in need of advice, because she wasn’t certain she had any control over what was going on in her life anymore.
“There is a child. We found one at the footsteps of the front door. It seemed as though he was abandoned by his parents and as such, we’ve been caring for him until his family can be found.”
Leah stared at her for a moment. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t understand. You – a child was abandoned at your front door? And now you are caring for him?”
Anna knew her sister well enough to know it wasn’t disappointment that created the heavy edge in her voice, but concern.
“Yes. I didn’t know what else to do with him. My husband is trying to find his — the child, his name is Nicholas — parents and family, but I’m the meantime, I am looking after him, as best as I can. My maids have been immensely helpful but I worry that we do not know much about how to care for infants and I am scared of hurting him unintentionally.” Anna replied, barely managing to keep the shake out of her voice.
Leah was by her side instantly, wrapping her arms around Anna and pulling her close.
“Oh, darling. You must have been so worried, shouldering such burden by yourself. But I know you, Anna. I know that you are capable of wonderful things if you put your mind to it. That was how you worked to build a life for yourself without your husband here, and you thrived by your own strength and power. That child is blessed to have you caring for him. I am sure you have done a wonderful job caring for him.”
Anna nodded, inhaling deeply as her sister’s words washed over her. She felt calm and reassured, a feeling her sister could manifest in her easily. She had always hoped that she could inspire strength like Leah could.
