“Any sign of him?” she asked, coming up behind Amelia.
Amelia shook her head. “It’s too dim to really see much, but there’s no sign of any cats.” She reached forward and squeezed Hattie’s forearm. “I’m sorry. I wish we were successful. Shall we call on Giulia while we are this close and inquire of her servants?”
Hattie nodded. “They’ll find it odd, I’m sure. We’ve so many cats roaming our stables, why should one lost feline matter? But he’s mine. None of them are Romeo.”
“We’ll find him.”
Hattie tried to smile. “But first, tell me of your news while we have a moment alone. There’s no telling when we’ll have another chance with Lucy on our tail.”
Amelia looked over her shoulder at the open door. Lowering her voice, she leaned in. “It is still early days, but I think I may be pregnant.” A smile spread over her lips. “I wanted you to be the first to know.”
Joy erupted in Hattie’s chest, and she pulled her friend in for a hug. “What has Charles said?”
Amelia leaned back, her nose scrunching. “I haven’t shared my thoughts with him yet. I wanted to be completely certain before allowing him to raise his hopes. You are the first I’ve told.”
“You’ve not seen a doctor or a midwife, then?”
Amelia raised her eyebrows. “My brother is the only doctor nearby, Hattie. I think you know the answer to that already.”
Hattie lifted a staying hand. “Yes, that is what I thought. So do not argue, because I know you are not fond of her, but have you considered going to see Mrs. Fowler?”
Amelia nodded. “I trust her midwifery. It is only the white magic that puts me off the woman. I would be glad to visit her, but I did not want to go alone.”
“You don’t need to. I will go with you.” Horse hooves stomped as a shadow passed the open door, and Hattie lowered her voice. “But not today. Soon, perhaps? First, we must rid ourselves of Lucy.”