‘Surely, we will be an imposition then, Mr Moncrief. Although I offer felicitations.’ Serena didn’t want to sound ungrateful.
‘If you think that, then you underestimate my Francine.’ Mr Moncrief raised his eyebrows. He seemed to enjoy meting out surprises on his old friend.
‘Boy or girl?’ Edward rasped.
‘I have a son, his name is Edmond, and you can be his token uncle, all right, old man?’
At last, Edward’s mouth curved slightly. ‘It would be my pleasure.’
At Mr Moncrief’s home, Serena was left to her own devices for a time as Mr Moncrief set about bathing Edward and putting him into bed, while Papa napped on the sofa in their parlour. Mrs Moncrief was more than accommodating with a welcome that was enthusiastic to say the least, and bustled about fetching water and clothing. Later, Mrs Moncrief confided to Serena that she had worried over her husband’s estrangement from Edward, even though she’d never met the latter. She’d perceived that the broken friendship grieved her husband greatly and prayed for its restoration. It thrilled the rosy-cheeked new mother to harbour Edward under her roof for as long as needed.
The couple’s home was modest, but comfortable, and little Edmond crawled around after his mother in plump gorgeousness. When at last Serena tore her eyes away from the beautiful, blue-eyed child with his gurgling laughter, she noted that several paintings decorated their walls. Some contained depictions of roses and Serena stepped closer to inspect them. As suspected, they bore Edward’s mark.
It was such a shame she had never endeavoured to speak to Mr Moncrief all these months, just taking Mrs Jones’s word as truth. How different circumstances might have been if she’d taken the time to listen.
When Mr Moncrief emerged from Edward’s room, closing the door behind him, she sighed. ‘All of this might have been avoided.’
Mr Moncrief shook his head and smiled. ‘There’s no sense in berating yourself. You weren’t to know. What’s done is done. We need to look to the future now.’
‘Yes, I suppose you’re right.’
Her father stirred and glanced at the clock on the parlour wall. ‘The hour is growing late. I probably should take you home, pet.’
Home. Serena hadn’t thought of her sisters all day. Now that Papa mentioned it, she did feel rather tired. And hungry. But she didn’t want to leave Edward. ‘I need to see him. There are so many things...’
Mr Moncrief put a hand on her shoulder. ‘I understand. But, they gave him too much laudanum, and he’s barely eaten in days. It sounds like the tubes they forced down have damaged his throat, too. Ed won’t be well enough to talk properly for a couple of days. I daresay he’ll sleep for much of that time. Let my wife give you both supper and then you may go home to rest. I shan’t keep you from seeing Ed when you return.’
Serena knew Mr Moncrief spoke wisdom, even though she didn’t want to hear it. If it hadn’t been improper, she would have curled up on the floor next to Edward’s bed until he was well again. She let her head drop forward and scuffed a shoe on the floor, but then nodded her consent. This would be the longest few days of her life.
At home, after telling her sisters all that had transpired, Julianne handed Serena a message from Mr Xavier Jones.
‘When did this arrive?’
‘A couple hours ago, by courier,’ Julianne answered.
Serena tore the seal open and read.
Miss Bellingham,
I and my brother, Father and Mr Becker have written accounts to support Uncle Edward’s character. I will present these to the magistrate first thing in the morning.
Please reply with news of your efforts today. I am eager to learn of Moncrief and his involvement. Have you been to see Uncle Ed? I yearn to know how he progresses. You may reply by return courier at our expense.
Sincerely,
Xavier Jones.
Poor Mr Xavier. He must feel the affront of what his mother had inflicted upon Edward. Serena excused herself from her family, promising to return anon, and went to her room to write back to Mr Xavier. Although exhausted after a long and emotional day, she filled several pages with her account since leaving Aleron House, explaining the surprising news of Mr Moncrief’s friendship with Edward. She finished with the information that Edward convalesced at Mr Moncrief’s home if Mr Xavier wanted to call on him. Hopefully, Mr Moncrief would have the grace to permit him entry.
As Mr Moncrief suggested, Serena waited two days before returning to his house—two days that passed with interminable slowness. Although she busied herself constantly—even scrubbing the walls—the time dragged.
When at last the time came to go, Serena pulled out the gown that Edward had purchased for her, taking time to dress in the beautiful blue silk. Although it was an evening gown, it was the best garment she owned, and she wanted Edward to see her in the gift. Julianne and Rachel helped her fasten the dress, fussing to make sure it sat right. Julianne then styled her hair into a high knot with several golden curls tumbling down her shoulders. She finished off with a dab of musk behind her ears.
‘You look like you’re off to a ball, not to a man’s sick bed,’ Rachel giggled.
Julianne offered a knowing smile. ‘But you’ve never been in love, so you wouldn’t understand.’ She cuffed Rachel gently on the cheek. Turning to Serena, she leaned in and kissed her. ‘Mr King will adore you.’
Serena squeezed her hand before pulling the soft velvet pelisse tight around her shoulders. Her heart was in her throat as nerves danced a jig in her stomach. She stopped in the parlour on her way to the door where Papa sat reading the newspaper. He gasped softly when he saw her.
‘How lovely you look, my sweet.’ He rose with a grimace of pain.
‘Don’t get up, Papa. I can see myself out.’
Acquiescent, he lowered himself back down. ‘Come
