Page 82 of Companion to the Count

They had converted the small cottage by the river into a cozy home, and Rosemary had taken up residence. Saffron had tried to convince her aunt to stay in the manor, but the older woman preferred her independence. Leo had suggested Rosemary move in with his mother, but the dowager had not yet agreed.

“As long as you bring at least two maids with you,” Saffron said to her daughter. “But please, try to keep your pinafore in order.”

Daisy gave an angelic smile and then raced off through the mud, spattering her dress with brown flecks. Saffron doubted the girl would come back with an inch of her skin or clothing free of dirt.

Leo reached out and took her hands, a gentle smile on his face. “She reminds me of you. She never stops moving.”

“She needs a playmate,” Saffron said. “What do you think: a sister or a brother?”

Leo touched her stomach and smiled from ear to ear.

She found herself hoisted in her husband’s arms and spun around as Leo had done with Daisy.

“Careful of your leg!” she urged.

“Damn the leg,” he whispered into her hair. “I’d give the other up if it meant staying with you.”

She squeezed her arms around Leo’s neck. “I was right. I make a great companion.”

Leo pulled back and looked at her. “A companion to whom?”

Saffron pressed a kiss to her husband’s cheek. “A companion to a count, of course.”

THE END