young girl said, lifting George from his cradle and holding him in her arms. “He’s beautiful. A right nice gentleman, aren’t you, Lord George.”
The young girl held George in her arms and played with him as if she’d held and cared for several babes all her short lifetime.
“We are about to travel to a different estate, Miss McTavish. Do you have any concerns about moving away from your family?”
“None whatsoever,” she answered. “And please, call me Frannie.”
“Very well, Frannie. Could you be ready to leave by tomorrow morning?”
“I can leave this very moment, my lady. When Mrs. Rodgers came to tell me about this position, I packed the few belongings I possess and brought them with me. I’ve already told my folks farewell, so there’s nothing for me to return for.”
Lia studied the girl, impressed with her forthrightness. Her openness made Lia realize that the girl had a right to know what she was getting into. But did they dare reveal their fear for George’s safety?
“Miss McTavish. Frannie. You should know that a certain…relative poses some concern for George’s safety.” She took a breath before continuing, but Frannie seemed to need no further explanation.
“”Tis always so, isn’t it, Lady Atherton? Rest assured no mischief will come to the babe while I live and breathe.”
Her bold declaration was both stunning and reassuring, and put an end to Lia’s worry that anything further needed to be said.
Lia and Mrs. Rodgers spoke with Frannie McTavish for several more minutes and by the time George had been fed and laid down for his nap, Lia was certain the girl was perfect for the position.
She was young, that was for sure, but she held and ministered to the babe as if he were her own, yet not in a possessive way that caused even the smallest alarm. Lia watched as she cared for the babe, and felt a pang of sorrow that little George wasn’t her own. The little scene made her grieve for the pain and suffering young Frannie had endured already. It must have been heart-wrenching to have lost a babe before it had drawn its first breath.
“May I ask,” Frannie said with a slight blush to her cheeks, “why you haven’t nursed the babe yourself, Lady Atherton? Nothing is more special for a mother.”
Frannie’s question shouldn’t have taken Lia by surprise, but it did. She swallowed several times before she came up with an answer. “I was ill in the first weeks after George was born, and have not been able to nurse him. I don’t have enough milk.”
“I see,” Frannie answered. “Well, I’ll have no problem on that score. Since I lost my babe, I’ve helped out several women whose babes want more than their mothers have.”
“Then we are fortunate that you can help us out.”
“Oh, aye. I’ll be happy to give your lad as much as he needs to grow strong and healthy.”
“Then I’ll be grateful to you.”
When Lia had discussed all the details of the girl’s employment, she left Frannie with Mrs. Rodgers to explain Georgie’s daily routine.
She walked down the stairs and returned to the library. It was the room that held the best view of the front drive. Lia wanted to stand watch for Miles. If she was lucky, Hunter Montclaire would have retired and she would have the room to herself.
But luck, it seemed, wasn’t with her. He sat where she’d left him as if he’d been waiting for her.
. . . .
“What did you think of the young girl Mrs. Rodgers found?” Hunter asked when she returned.
“She will do very well.”
“Good,” he said. “Please, have a seat. Will you join me in a glass of wine?”
At her nod, he rose and poured her a glass of wine then handed it to her.
She’d walked to one of the two wing chairs set before the fireplace. But before she sat, she looked out the window. He presumed she was checking once again for her brother. Unfortunately for her, the drive was empty. Hunter watched her shoulders drop as the lady breathed a heavy sigh of disappointment.
“I owe you an apology, my lady,” Hunter said as he took his seat in the chair opposite her.
“As I do you,” she answered, taking a sip of her wine. “I shouldn’t have spoken to you as I did. Although I have to admit that you were right when you said it might be best for us to avoid one another.”
“Why do you think that is?” he asked her.
At first Hunter thought