*
Elizabeth watched Richarddisappear into his room before entering her own and leaning back against her closed door. She blew out a long breath, disappointment warring with triumph. Richard had considered kissing her, truly kissing her. She could see it in his eyes when his gaze had lingered on her mouth. Even the simple brush of his lips across her head had been exhilarating after the years of abstinence. Even though he’d bolted again, she’d felt his draw to her. A baby step though it might be, it was a move forward.
She turned and opened the door back into the hallway, catching Lucy off guard.
“Oh, I’m sorry, my lady. I was about to knock,” Lucy said, wide-eyed. “Would you like me to assist?” she asked, glancing past Elizabeth into the room. Hastings must have cautioned her, since Lucy would normally have no reason to think Richard was in there.
“Yes, please. I’ll be back shortly.”
Elizabeth took the back stairs to the second floor, noticing her aching feet for the first time in hours. She limped toward the front of the house, quietly approaching the nursery. The governess’s room on the left remained empty, although it would not be long before she must seek one for William. She stepped into the doorway of the larger bedroom on the right. Hannah stirred and sat up.
“No need, Hannah. Go back to sleep.”
A pale light washed the room. Sebastian snored lightly, his cheeks reflecting the fullness of tonight’s moon. He’d kicked off his quilt, and his chubby legs were akimbo. She straightened them and snugged the quilt tight, leaning in to kiss his forehead.
She turned from the crib to William. Tucked into his bed, hands underneath his cheek, he lay on his side, looking so much like his father. The familiar pang of regret nudged at her heart. In all likelihood, this nursery would see no more children.
“Elizabeth?”
She turned and put a finger to her lips, her melancholy chased away by the sight of Richard framed in the doorway. He placed his finger to his lips, too, and stepped into the room beside her.
“He is so like you,” she whispered. “In looks and manners.”
“And he’s so like you,” Richard whispered, turning to the crib. “Your hair, your eyes. Your laugh.”
Sebastian kicked at his cover and freed a leg. Yes, Elizabeth thought, as restless as me too, but she didn’t say it. She kissed Sebastian once again but left him as he was. Let him have his liberty. Richard stoked the coals before they left the room, ensuring there would be enough warmth.
They descended the stairs together in amicable silence and, with quiet good-nights to each other, parted at her room. This time, she was content to go to bed. For the first time in a long time, she believed everything could be right in her world again.