The robin’s egg walls and cheerful yellow gingham curtains had given new life to the nursery her husband had known as a child. Mrs. Donner was a jewel and forever her employer’s supporter, having been given leave to decorate her worksite as she pleased. Earlier that week, she and the nanny had hired a seamstress to make curtains and matching lavender bedding for the woman’s bedroom, which adjoined the nursery.
Since meeting him two weeks past, she had spent every spare moment getting to know this dear sweet boy and falling in love with him over and over. Whenever he smiled up at her with those crystal blue eyes and pink cherub cheeks, her heart melted.
Evan was getting used to fatherhood, and she was enjoying being a mother, although she hoped that one day she and Evan would add to the nursery. Mrs. Donner kept Edward to a regimen, but Charlotte believed parents should also be engaged and encouraged her husband to join her in the nursery whenever possible. Her parents had stayed involved with her and her siblings and considered their nanny part of the family.
Tomorrow would be Christmas, and Mrs. Donner was downstairs with their housekeeper making sure that all the boxes were ready for delivery to the tenants. Charlotte planned to accompany Evan and deliver each one, meeting each of the people whose work supported their home. Her father had always said that the token of appreciation could bridge immeasurable chasms. Charlotte saw it as her job to keep Evan’s tenants engaged and feeling valued in their lives.
“Ma-ma!” Edward played with her hair, pulling it loose around the edges while flashing the infectious grin of his. Charlotte felt at peace and hoped Amelia would approve of her love for Edward.
“Are you ready for your nap story?” She kissed his nose and giggled.
“Da-da!” He said proudly, pointing behind her.
Before Charlotte could turn, she felt a warm kiss on her neck. Her husband had been a complete surprise. While neither had mentioned love, their actions told her much. Making love had been more complete ever since she had been rescued from the dockside. There were no guarantees in life, yet they had decided that together they would take that chance and welcome the wonderful promises that life together could offer them.
“We have visitors downstairs who would like to see you . . .”
“Mama and Jason have arrived!” she exclaimed. Giving the cherub on her lap a quick peck, she bounced up from the chair. Her mother and brother had decided to join them on Christmas Eve, giving the three of them time as a family to adjust. It also allowed Mama to properly pack her things before joining them in the country. This would be her first Christmas without Father.
“Ahem!” The feminine voice came from the doorway behind Evan. Both Charlotte and Evan turned as one.
“May I meet my new daughter and see my grandson?” A female voice sounded as blue satin skirts whooshed from behind Evan and came forward.
“Mother! This is a grand surprise,” Evan gave his mother a kiss on the cheek. “We had not expected you back from Italy this soon. Let me introduce you to my countess.”
“Please.” She tapped her son gently on the arm. “No need for formalities with me, my son. I am thrilled to meet your new wife. I arrived after Lady Romney and did not want to make a fuss.” Turning to her son’s wife, she added, “Charlotte, you will find me unconventional at times. It happens mostly when I am overly excited,” the dowager countess said, smiling. She pulled a brown wrapped package from behind her. “This is a small painting that I had framed for the nursery,” she said, passing the gift to Charlotte. “I hope it resembles Edward,” she laughed. “I have been away for what seems like forever, even though it was just two months. So much has happened!”
“Thank you. This is so unexpected,” responded Charlotte. She unwrapped the gift to reveal a little boy sitting on his father’s lap, enjoying a book. “We shall install it above this rocking chair. It is perfect! Evan sits down each night and reads Edward a story. You have quite captured it without even being here.”
“I am so pleased,” the dowager said as she wiped the corner of her eye. “My heart is full of joy for all of you, most especially my grandson.”
“We should retire to the parlor where your mother and Jason are waiting. I have news of Matthew but would like to share it with everyone,” Evan spoke, his voice full of happiness.
“I will join the others in the parlor and give you two a few minutes together before you come down,” his mother offered.
“Your mother is very intuitive,” Charlotte whispered as the woman left the room. “I was just wishing to have a moment to kiss you,” she added, leaning up and brushing his lips.
“Mmm, yes. Mother reads people better than most, I think,” he said, leaning in to deepen the kiss, then trailed small kisses on her neck.
“Tell me. I am anxious to hear,” she laughed. “You mentioned Matthew.”
“Ah, yes. Matt. I almost forgot. Wife, you stir my blood in ways I cannot adequately describe,” he whispered huskily. He held up the letter. “Matthew is presumed well. He seems to be headed slowly north toward Boston or New York, most likely in hopes of finding a ship home.”
“Mama will be so relieved. She has been heartsick over all that has happened. I have worried so much for her.”
“The man your father hired to find Matthew sent this information to both the Crown and to your mother.” He continued, “With the arrest of Langdale, the man I hired to find Matthew forwarded this news to me, thinking Langdale had probably intercepted the original message meant for your family.
“I look forward to seeing your brother home,” Evan added. “We had many good times at school and while the age of
