Page 93

It seemed to help his new friend, and at last he collapsed into a seat. Morgan took a deep breath, and leaned forward.

"When I first received Catherine," he explained, "I was alone. I did not know the first thing about children, and I did not have a wife to make it enjoyable in and of itself. It took time, but from the moment I looked at her I knew that I would do anything in my power to take care of her. It will be the same for you, once you are allowed to see him."

As if on cue, the butler arrived, and told them it was time to visit the Duchess. They followed him to the Duchess' room, and she welcomed them both in. The other ladies were already there, and Dorothy was holding the child. Morgan fell in love with her all over again the moment he saw her, the boy cradled in her arms as she spoke gently to him. She looked up at him, and in an instant he knew what he wanted to do.

She handed the baby to the Duke, and Morgan watched as the man's fears left him and came back in waves. He was soothed by his son's presence, yet terrified of it. It was precisely how Morgan had felt when he first met his niece, and it brought him comfort to know that he had never been alone in his feelings.

"He is perfect," he said quietly. "Rupert Hunter, the most perfect son I could have asked for."

He gave his wife a kiss on the cheek, and their visitors took that as a sign to give them some time alone. They left the room and were welcomed into another for drinks, but Dorothy gave Morgan a quick look to say that she was ready to return home.

"We ought to leave," Morgan explained. "After all that has happened, Catherine does not like to be alone for too long."

"Of course," Lady Beatrice agreed. "We understand, and the Duke and Duchess will too. Oh! Also, my parents will be hosting a ball next week, and we were wondering if you might like to attend? I was supposed to ask you sooner, but with everything that had been happening… I understand if you cannot, as Catherine needs you."

"We will be there," he promised, and Dorothy squeezed his hand.

"If you are not occupied elsewhere," Cecilia joked, and Dorothy nudged her sharply.

"We will be there," she repeated, and then they slipped away.

"What might your friend have meant by that?" he asked jokingly on their return home, and he laughed as his wife turned scarlet.

"I– I do not know."

"Ah, of course you do not."

"Cecilia knows me very well," she sighed, smiling. "She seems to know what I am thinking even before I do, sometimes."

"You are very easy to read. I have found myself knowing what you want of late."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Well, for a start, I know that you wish to attend Lady Beatrice's ball, but you are concerned about Catherine."

"I simply do not like to be away from her."

"Which is why we shall attend for a short while, and then leave. I also may or may not have noticed that you looked at me a certain way when you were holding the baby."

She looked at him with her beautiful wide eyes, and he knew that he was right.

"I was going to ask you, but I know we have a lot to do with Catherine for the moment," she explained. "But you are right. When I held that little boy in my arms, and I looked at you, I realized that it was precisely what I wanted. We shall have to ask Catherine first, of course, but–"

He cut her off with a kiss. He knew that Catherine would be more than happy to have another little one to care for, but he also wanted his wife to truly do something for herself. When they pulled apart at last, she laughed softly, leaning against him.

"Does that mean we can?" she asked.

"It means that I would love nothing more."