Page 35 of Loving a Dowager
Flopping next to Henrietta, Walter lay on his side, his arm supporting his sleepy head. “I’ll need to rest before I leave, but I promise to depart before the first rays of light.”
Henrietta nodded. “I trust you.” She turned over and curled up against him, her back to his chest, legs intertwined. Her breathing evened out before sleep took him. He didn’t want to have to leave. He didn’t want to sneak about in the early morning hours. But the only way that would be possible was if Henrietta agreed to marry a second time.
Chapter Twenty
The next morning, Henrietta cradled baby Abigail Drummond close to her chest as she paced in front of an exhausted Theo. The curtains in the master chamber had been drawn shut to prevent daylight from seeping in. Henrietta completed another circuit of the room before coming to stand next to Theo. “You, my dear, need rest. I’ll take this little one for a spell.”
“Bring Abby back when she’s hungry. I’ve dismissed the wet nurse Graham hired.” Theo sank back against the wall of pillows at her back.
Henrietta rocked Abigail, who twisted towards her mama’s voice. “Why did you do that?”
Eyes closed, Theo answered, “Abby latched on right away and I nursed her myself. She needs me and I need her. I won’t let another do what I believe is my responsibility.”
Theo yawned, her head rolling to the side to rest against the pillows. Henrietta stepped away from the bed. If she remained too close, Abigail might wail and demand to be fed again. Muttering more to herself than to Theo, Henrietta said, “You never have, my dear. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”
Half asleep, Theo murmured, “Didyouemploy a wet nurse?”
Whirling around, Henrietta smiled at her niece who was snuggling down under the covers. “Good gracious, no.” Henrietta placed a kiss on the baby’s head. “I treasured those moments alone with Landon and then Christopher.”
“I feel a strong need to protect and hold Abby.” Theo smiled. “When she feeds, it creates a bond so strong, I’ve never felt with another before. Not even Graham.”
“You shall be a wonderful mama.” Henrietta stepped forward to place a quick kiss upon the top of Theo’s head. “Rest. I promise to return with Abigail later.”
Stealing the baby away to her rooms, Henrietta cooed at the infant until she fell fast asleep in her arms. Sinking into the winged back chair in front of the fire, she leaned back to admire her great-niece. “You may bear Archbroke’s family name, Drummond, but you have Neale blood running through your veins. Neales are notorious for never following the rules, and I shall expect the same from you.”
Still asleep, the baby smiled up at her. A warmth spread in her chest. Henrietta should be content with her lot. Ready to join George if that was to be her fate. Not dreaming of embarking upon another adventure with Walter. The memories of laying abed in the man’s arms made her feel young again. She wasn’t dead yet. But what was it she wanted—a private affair with the man she’d cared for as a girl and lusted after as a widow? Or would she be daring and claim the feeling she recognized as love? She may not have Neale blood in her veins, but she always felt more akin to them than her own family. Resting her head back, she closed her eyes and attempted to envision a future with Walter.
Henrietta bolted upright,banishing the horrible images of women tittering behind fans, muttering, “Selfish... Stolen… Scandal.”
Abigail remained blissfully asleep. But Henrietta’s heart raced. Scooting to the edge of the chair, she rolled to her feet, but the jostling woke up Abigail with a start and the air filled with her protests.
“Shh.” Henrietta bounced the baby as her feet hurried down the halls to the master chambers.
Theo was already out of bed with her robe on when Henrietta handed over the wailing child. Instantly the baby nuzzled against Theo, seeking out sustenance. Theo padded back to the bed where maids were fluffing pillows and straightening the linens.
Bent over her child, Theo said, “My, you have hearty lungs.” She released the tie of her nightgown at the neck and settle the babe to her breast. “Thank you. After resting I don’t feel half dead.”
“It is why I agreed to reside here, under your husband’s roof.”
“Graham is not a beast…”
“He’s an Archbroke. I’ll grant you he has transformed somewhat; however, the true test will be how he will be with Abigail.”
“I think you shall be in for a surprise, dear Aunt Henri.”
“Humph.”
“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for this evening’s affair?”
“I’m doubtful our scheme shall work.”
“Archbroke will escort you to our box. His family will be there in full support, along with the Marquess of Harrington; his Grace, the Duke of Fairmont; and their lovely wives, Grace and Elise. Landon has confirmed Prinny shall be present tonight and hence Lady Irene’s reentrance will be well timed.”
“Walter has done a fine job of eliminating speculation as to Otterman’s financial distress, and Lady Irene, according to my sources, has taken up residence at Otterman’s townhouse without much fuss.”
“How Otterman was so fortunate to find a woman as intelligent and strong willed as Lady Irene for a wife is still a conundrum to me. She possesses the characteristics to strengthen that family line; they may survive after all.”
Abigail’s half-closed lids popped back open as Theo repositioned her to suckle on the other breast.
