I take seriously. We will have to work hard to undo the harm Mr. Stone caused during his time at the helm.”
“How are you situated for money?” Dez asked.
“We have lost several students,” Miss Stone admitted. “Hopefully, some of them will return now that I will be in charge once more.”
“I would like to make a donation to Stone Academy,” Dez said.
He named a figure and even Anna gasped.
“Are you serious, Lord Torrington?” asked Miss Stone. “Why, I could keep the school running for several years on that amount. It would allow me to hire additional staff members. New books and supplies.”
“Consider it done. Let me know who your banker is and I will make the arrangements.”
Anna cradled Dez’s face in her hands. “This is why I married this incredible man,” she told the others. “He is generous to a fault and his heart is filled with kindness. I love you, Dez.”
Despite the presence of others, Anna chose to kiss her husband thoroughly.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Anna checked with Mrs. Abbott regarding the week’s menus and then said she was off to the kitchens.
“Claiming more carrots for Daisy?” the housekeeper asked, not bothering to hide her smile.
The doctor had told Anna to curtail further riding until after the baby had been born so she satisfied herself by visiting her horse each day.
“I have already been to see Daisy earlier today,” she said. “I am going to visit Mrs. Milken. She had her baby three days ago and I promised to come back and see her. I’ve had Cook roast a chicken for the Milkens.”
“You are very thoughtful, my lady. Tell Mrs. Milken I wish her the best.”
She went to the kitchens, where Cook spied her.
“I’ve got everything ready for you, my lady. In the burlap sack over there as you requested. Even the scones you asked for.”
“Thank you, Cook. I know the Milkens will be appreciative of your efforts.”
Anna slipped the strap of the bag over her head, which allowed her hands to remain free. It was the only way Dez would allow her to carry things these days. She had reached the five-month mark and had experienced a new burst of energy during this period. The doctor had agreed that walking was good for her and so she had continued to do so every day, enjoying the cooler weather as autumn took hold of Surrey. Being outside still felt liberating to her and she would continue to dig in the dirt and walk as long as possible.
She cut across the estate and headed straight for the Milkens’ cottage. Reaching it, she rapped on the door and then opened it, calling out, “Mrs. Milken? It is Lady Torrington come to call.”
“Here, my lady,” a voice sounded and Anna removed the sack and placed it down on the table before crossing the main room and heading into the bedchamber.
The new mother was in bed, sitting up, pillows behind her. In her arms her infant was fussing.
“I am not sure what is wrong with her.”
“May I?” she asked and held her hands out.
Mrs. Milken handed the baby over and Anna cradled the girl in her arms.
“She has been crying ever since I finished nursing her.”
“Did you burp her?” she asked, remembering how the young mother hadn’t even known to do that after she’d given birth days earlier.
“I did as you said, my lady.” As the baby wailed, Mrs. Milken added, “Whatever is wrong with her?”
Anna brought the child to her shoulder and began swaying back and forth, gently patting the girl’s back.
“Sometimes, they need to burp more than once. I used to help care for my sister, Jessa, when she was born. I was twelve years old and like a little mother to her. Jessa often became fussy because she had taken in more air than she should have.”
She continued moving slowly back and forth as she patted the infant. Suddenly, a loud burp sounded and the wailing ceased.
“There, my little one,” Anna said, rubbing the baby’s back and kissing the top of her head before returning her to her mother’s arms.
“She belched as loud as Mr. Milken does after he’s had more ale than he should have,” the young mother marveled. “For a sound like that to come out of a wee babe is almost frightening.”
“Just remember to keep at it for a few minutes each time after you feed her,” Anna gently reminded. “You will learn as much about her as she does about you over the coming weeks and months.”
“I worry that