close, Dalinda.”
“I would like that, Reid. You have chosen very well in Ashlyn. I admire her so much, especially with all she has done with Dunwood Academy.”
“She is a remarkable woman. Just as you are. My father was lucky to have been married to two wonderful women.”
As they joined their spouses, Reid thought of the child that would be born next April.
And the one they would take on in Edward Pickens.
Chapter Four
It surprised Reid when Pickens seemed to improve again in the days leading up to Christmas, though he worried that the slight improvement gave Edward false hope. Dr. Bradford shared that he’d seen patients with pneumonia begin to recover, only to be overcome by their illness and die within a few hours.
On Christmas Eve, Ashlyn insisted that while the boys spend a few hours with Mr. Pickens that morning, they should accompany Reid and several of the servants in gathering greenery. The weather was chilly and they returned with plenty of foliage in which to decorate Gillingham. Ashlyn had them drink some of the hot wassail to warm themselves and then spent time directing where the collected greenery was to be placed. They took the time to admire their work and then had an early supper with the two boys before tucking them into bed. His wife had moved Edward and Thomas from the wing where they usually slept into a nearby guest bedchamber. Edward had insisted he and Thomas share so neither would be alone.
Afterward, they went to their own rooms, Reid serving as lady’s maid and undressing Ashlyn, preparing her for bed. They made delicious, slow love to one another, their limbs intertwined as they talked for a good hour.
“You don’t mind that this was a quiet Christmas?” she asked. “No guests other than two boys?”
He kissed her brow. “My last Christmas was dreary, spent on the Continent, surrounded by thousands of soldiers. I rather like having this one be small. Besides, it will be our last alone. This time next year, we will have a newborn.”
“Well, not so new,” she said. “The babe will be eight months or so, depending upon when I deliver.” She hesitated and then asked, “How long do you think Mr. Pickens has?”
“It’s hard to say. I think it will be soon.”
He listened as Ashlyn fell asleep and then sometime later, felt something against his palm, which rested against her belly. The sensation came again and he knew it was their child.
“Good night, little one,” he whispered just as he fell asleep.
Ashlyn had breakfast served in the winter parlor, a small room that she found intimate and cozy. Placed by each boy’s plate was a small gift, which she allowed them to open.
“Thank you, Your Graces,” Thomas said as he managed to get his box unwrapped first.
“Yes, thank you,” Edward echoed. “I have needed new mittens for some time. And I don’t think a person can ever have enough books. I will take this today and read from it to Papa.”
When breakfast ended, Thomas said he wanted to stay back today with Ashlyn while Reid escorted Edward to see his father.
“Someday, I want to have a family like yours, Your Grace,” Thomas told her. “You are so kind and generous. His Grace will be such a good papa to your baby.” The boy frowned. “Not all papas are good ones. I understand that my papa doesn’t love me and never will. He will marry again and have other children. His wife won’t want me around because I will remind her that Papa was married to someone before her.”
She wondered at the insight this twelve-year-old boy had.
“You don’t know that for sure, Thomas,” she began.
He shook his head. “I do, Your Grace. Don’t worry about me, though. I have found family here. Especially Edward. He is my brother until the end of time.”
“I know how loyal you have been toward Edward and how he must appreciate all the support you have given him by accompanying him on the visits to see his father,” she said.
“Mr. Pickens will die. Today or tomorrow. My grandmother died of winter fever. She seemed to get better and then she didn’t. I will be here for Edward when that happens. I think if we talk about it, it will make him feel better.”
Ashlyn hugged the boy to her. “You are a good friend, Thomas.”
His eyes widened and he pulled away from her. “Was that the baby?”
She smiled. “Probably so. Give me your hand.”
He did and she placed the