Page 12 of Love Abandoned

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Elizabeth hugged Sebastianto her chest. She’d not been able to nurse him herself, but she’d insisted on holding him every day so he’d feel the bonds of her love. However, today he was not in the mood to snuggle. He squirmed and wiggled, babbling incessantly, some of the words recognizable, most of them not. She sighed as she put him on the floor. William had been able to articulate words clearly at a far younger age than Sebastian, who still only garbled basic words. And he would soon be two. She must consult with the doctor regarding how to best precipitate improved speech for him. Not that Sebastian cared. He happily toddled, fell, and rolled onto his back, laughing. He was such a joyous child.

“My lady.” Hannah stood in the doorway, William’s hand in hers. “The young master is awake now, should you have time.”

Elizabeth held open her arms. William ran across the room, and she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly before pulling back. “Hannah tells me you have had a busy day. Too busy to see your mama?”

At almost four years old, William was a miniature of his father and equally serious. “No, Mama, I have time for you.” He frowned, his brow furrowing so much like Richard’s did when he was focused on something. “I was…tired…no…I was…ex…extausted.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Exhausted, William. Notsound.” He repeated the word several times until he said it correctly. “Perfect. Now do sit and tell me why.”

Hannah sat on the floor, occupying Sebastian while William told her of his ride in the square, speaking as though he’d ridden a great wild stallion rather than been walked by lead on a leased pony. He further regaled her with tales of his sword fight with young Sir Edwin. He was elaborating on the final battle when his attention was drawn to the door.

“Papa,” he said, jumping to his feet.

“William,” Richard said warmly, not looking at Elizabeth. “How was your ride today?”

William reviewed his ride with Richard as he’d done with her, but Richard did not seem to see the humor in it as she had.

“Did you brush the pony afterward?” Richard asked.

William shook his head. “No, Papa,” he said quietly. “But it is not mine.”

“You are the one who rode it. See that you do next time. Pleasures come at a price, and one must take care of those who provide it.”

“Yes, Papa.” William was crestfallen. He so hated to disappoint his father, but Elizabeth knew Richard was correct. Responsibility must be engrained at a young age. Especially in William. He would one day inherit not only the title and the estate but every person and animal within it.

Richard looked pointedly at Hannah, who jumped to her feet and scooped up Sebastian. She stepped to William and touched his shoulder, guiding him forward toward the door.

“I will take you riding on my horse one morning this week,” Richard said to William, leaning in and kissing the top of Sebastian’s head before letting them pass by.

“Yes, Papa!”

She could not see William’s face, but she could hear the pleasure in his voice. She smiled. Richard may have faults as a husband, but he was a good father.

“It is late for time with the children, is it not?” he asked formally, stepping into the room, the nearest lamp lighting one side of his face and shadowing the other. It was a foreboding look to match his now rigid stance.

She shook off an unwanted dark premonition, searching deep inside for the renewed sense of optimism she’d had last night and again this morning.

“I, too, had a busy day,” she said as cheerfully as she could muster. “I needed to rest. Sebastian requires my full attention and energy now that he is walking.” She debated telling him about her concerns for Sebastian’s speech but decided she would wait to see what the doctor said when they returned to the country. She trusted Dr. Redding implicitly. He had saved her life.

“Your feet?” His face was still shadowed, his voice neutral, but at least he was expressing concern.

“They are fine, thank you.”

“Then why are you not in your chambers, preparing for this evening?”

“This evening?” Richard had not been in all day, so he could not know about the invitation to tonight’s fete.

“Lord and Lady Walford’s?” he said as though he was prompting her memory.

She sat straighter. “We are going?”

“Of course we are. Walford insisted.”

Elizabeth fought to keep her shoulders from slumping. So it was not for her sake they were attending. It was because of Lord Walford. Catherine had kept her promise to urge her husband to convince Richard.

“I’ll see you downstairs in an hour,” he said and pivoted, leaving without another word.

She stared at the spot where Richard had stood, biting back tears. She’d known wooing Richard back was going to be difficult. They had drifted apart for almost two years, and the chasm created by their separation was expansive. She refused to believe it was impossible to cross. They were going outtogether. It was a start, and she was determined to make the most of it.

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