Page 35 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
“I’m not a child.”
“Good. Then you know when your body needs rest.”
Both men were quiet during the carriage ride back to Grosvenor Square. Seeing Cecil at a loss as to how to proceed in their investigation was sobering. It was the reminder Nathaniel needed that his friends were just as human as he was.
“Questioning Lord Norwich can wait,” he said as Ashford exited the coach. “I have a friend who is a runner. I will speak with him tomorrow and contact you if I have news. You should stay at home. Taking care of Charlotte is the most important thing right now.”
Ashford ducked his head back into the coach. “I agree. Nothing is more important than my wife and child.”
“Child?” He smiled widely. “Congratulations, my friend! You will make a wonderful father.”
Chapter Fourteen
As the next day wasTuesday, Edith wouldn’t be volunteering at the registry. That also meant she wouldn’t see Lord Harbury and couldn’t ask him if there was any progress in finding the missing veterans. She was determined not to let him forget he owed her some information after she’d spirited Alicia away from the registry yesterday afternoon.
“Does this look like a bird to you?” Louisa held up the linen towel she was embroidering.
“It looks like a rat.” Edith laughed. “Needlework is not your forte, my friend.”
Louisa made a rude noise and tossed the towel into the sewing basket on the floor beside her chair. “I can’t sing, play the pianoforte, or do needlework. I don’t think I have a forte.”
She tutted. “You can draw.”
“If it’s something I’m interested in.” She shrugged. “Like furniture or clothing.”
“And your taste is impeccable in fashion and home goods.”
Louisa raised her chin. “True.”
“You seem to be more thoughtful these last few days.” She paused. “Is something bothering you?”
The room was quiet for so long that she thought Louisa hadn’t heard her words or meant to ignore the question.
“It’s just that- With how Lord Harbury looks at you... Well, I wondered if you might become attached before long. And if perhaps, like Charlotte, you’ll soon have a family of your own.”
She blinked several times before replying. “You think I have a future with Lord Harbury?”
