Page 77 of A Winter By the Sea
He returned her grin, but it did not reach his eyes.
Nurse Brock came down the lane from the direction of Woolbrook Cottage, wearing bonnet and cape, the small child again wrapped in many blankets in her arms.
As they neared, Mr. Thomson greeted her. “Good day, Mrs. Brock. How is the princess today?”
“She is much better, thankfully.”
Emily smiled at the woman. “A pleasure to see you again. And your little charge.”
The woman tried to smile in return, but her teeth were chattering. “His Royal Highness insists upon these daily airings. And I agree they do her good. Me, however ... Oh, the wind does pierce this old cape—and the bones beneath it.”
Mr. Thomson offered, “Shall I fetch you another cloak? Or your shawl, perhaps?”
“You’d never find it. And it’s too soon to take this wee one back inside. Here.” She stepped closer and shifted the bundled child to Mr. Thomson. “Hold her for me for a few minutes, will you? I shall dash into the house for my shawl and return directly.”
“Of course.” He wrapped his arms around the babe and settled her against his chest.
The nurse hurried away. Emily watched her go, but Mr. Thomson’s focus remained on his precious burden.
“Mrs. Brock must trust you a great deal.”
“I suppose she does.”
The sweet child looked up intently at the man holding her. Wisps of pale golden hair showed from beneath a knitted cap. Delicate eyebrows, just visible, framed blue eyes that revealed no alarm, only mild interest.
“She trusts you as well.”
“It is not the first time I’ve held her.” He gently swayed from side to side.
“You seem to know what you are doing.”
He shrugged. “I’ve learned a few things. You must have experience with babies, having a younger sister.”
Emily considered. “Georgiana is nearly six years younger than I am, but I don’t recall being entrusted with her care.” Perhaps Emily had been too immature or too wrapped up in her own pursuits to offer to help. Mamma had employed a nurse and also shared in the care of her baby. Sarah had been eager to help as well. But Sarah had been born responsible.
James glanced up from the child’s face to hers. “Do you not like children?”
“Oh, I do. I simply have not been around babies much in years.”
His gaze returned to the little princess. Emily took in the picture they made, the tall man holding the child with competent ease and infinite care. Her heart softened and seemed to stretch, to reach toward him.
At that moment Chips bounded up the lane toward them. A squirrel scurried across his path and the dog began to bark, chasing the flash of red tail into a nearby field.
At the sharp sound of barking, the child’s face wrinkled, and she began to wriggle in agitation.
Mr. Thomson spoke to her in soothing tones and gently rocked her in his arms. “Shh. There, now. You are all right, Your Highness. Just a silly dog and now he’s gone. There, there. You’re all right....”
Emily’s heart turned to warm toffee.
In her mind, a scene appeared as if drawn by a painter at high speed. James holding another baby in his arms. Their baby. Glancing from his beloved child to Emily, love and adoration in his dark gaze. Her chest tightened. She had never imagined another man as father of her children. Only Charles. Charles, who had come to see them. Charles, who had wanted to apologize. Charles, whom she had long loved. What was wrong with her?
She blinked away the surprising, tantalizing image and found James looking at her in mild concern.
“Sorry,” she blurted. “Did you say something?”
“I asked if you felt all right. An odd look came over you.”
“Oh. I...”Don’t be a fool, she inwardly scolded.Don’t fall for a man you barely know when Charles has just arrived. This man willbe gone as soon as the royal party leaves. Goneto far-off Germany, most likely. And you will stillbe here.
