Summer's Distant Heart - Laura Landon Page 0,19

while, Lia set her glass down. “Would you like to see your nephew, Miles? He should still be awake.”

“Of course I want to see him.”

They rose and climbed the stairs to the nursery. When they entered the room, Miles stepped to where Frannie held little George in her arms. “Oh, Li— Janice,” he corrected. “He’s beautiful.”

Lia tried to cover Miles’s near mistake. “Lord Montclaire says the babe resembles his father, the Earl of Atherton. I agree. He does.”

Miles held out his finger and the babe clasped onto it. “Oh, what a grip he has, Janice. He’s going to be a strong lad.”

Lia stepped close to her brother and her nephew.

Miles reached out his hands. “May I hold him?”

“Of course,” Lia answered. “Miles, allow me to introduce you to Frannie McTavish. Frannie, this is my brother, Miles Halloway. He will be traveling with us.”

“It’s a pleasure, Miss McTavish.”

“Likewise,” Frannie answered, then held the babe out for Miles to take.

Miles cradled little George closely as if he’d held dozens of babies in his life. “How old is he, Janice? I wasn’t home when he was born and I’ve lost track of when that was.”

“He’s just four months. If you hold his little fists he tries to pull himself up.”

Lia watched while little George lifted his tiny fingers and touched the stubble on Miles’s chin. He made a cooing sound, then touched Miles’s chin again.

“How long have you been home from the war, Halloway?” Montclaire asked.

“The same. Nearly four months.”

“I thank God you came back to us, Miles.” Lia reached out a hand to touch her brother’s arm. “So many didn’t.”

“Far too many,” Miles agreed.

“Come,” Lia said when the conversation threatened to turn too serious for her. “Dinner should be ready soon, and we’ll need to retire early if we intend to get a decent start tomorrow.”

“Yes,” Montclaire said, then led the way from the room.

Aunt Mildred kept the conversation going through dinner. She was interested in everything that had happened to Miles since she’d last seen him. Even Lord Montclaire joined in the conversation with interest. Under different circumstances, Lia could imagine her brother and Lord Montclaire becoming fast friends. But that was hardly possible when chances were likely that they would have to watch one another to make sure the other didn’t gain control of the babe.

Before they left the room, Lia found a moment to whisper to Miles that she would meet him in the garden later, after everyone else went to bed.

She couldn’t wait to share her burden with Miles. The weight she carried was so much heavier than she thought she’d be able to sustain on her own. She was glad he was here with her. Glad she would be able to have another set of shoulders with which to bear her burden.

. . . .

Lia slipped down the servants’ stairs to reach the side door to the kitchen garden. Once she opened the door, the cool air hit her and brought welcome relief. She’d done nothing but pace back and forth in her room until the house was quiet and she was assured everyone was asleep. By the time she’d taken a few steps, she realized she should have brought a wrap against the cold, damp night air. But in fear of looking as though she intended to leave the house, she left it behind.

Now, just steps away from the door, she already shivered.

She walked around the corner of the house, crossed the terrace, and took the steps that led to the formal garden. She hurried down the path, praying she’d chosen the right one to where Miles waited for her. She’d gone several feet into the garden before she heard his voice.

“Lia.”

She stopped, turned, then toppled into her brother’s arms. “I’m sorry, Miles. I can scarcely hold myself upright these past few days.” In truth, her lack of balance of late had actually begun to annoy her.

Her brother held her close and rubbed her back with his strong, sturdy hands.

“Are you sure you’re well? You seem terribly pale.”

“Yes, Miles. I’m fine.” She swatted him playfully. “When have you ever known me to be ill?”

That should have brought a smile, but didn’t.

“Then what is it, Lia? Has Montclaire hurt you?”

“No, no. It’s just that so much has happened. You must forgive me, I’m just a watering pot these days. I was so worried you wouldn’t come in time and I’d be forced to leave with Lord Montclaire without anyone with me.”

“You’re afraid of him, aren’t you?”

“I’m not