Page 48 of Snowdrops and Winterberry
“He is, without question,” Howard said with a bit of a laugh, “the most efficient child I’ve ever met.”
“I am looking forward to asking him more about this Harry, whom he insists is not his friend but I think very much sounds like one,” Lady Jonquil said.
“I watched them when they were at Falstone Castle months ago,” Robbie said. “Howard was doing work on the gardens there at the time. Adam has a friend in that boy whether he knows it or not.”
“And whether he wants one or not?” Lady Jonquil asked with a laugh.
“I’d wager so, aye.”
The bairn in Lady Jonquil’s arms watched Robbie intently, the most alert three-month-old she’d just about ever seen.
“May I hold Lord Fallowgill?”
“Of course.” As Lady Jonquil set her precious bundle in Robbie’s arms, she warned, “He will snatch at every ribbon orruffle he can wrap his tiny hands around.”
“A fashion critic?” Howard asked, a chuckle beneath the question.
“Apparently.” Lady Jonquil watched her son fondly.
Robbie met Howard’s eye. “Do you see this wee treasure?”
“I do, my dear.” Howard had shown himself to have a deep affection for children. “He’s a beautiful baby, my lady.”
“He has his father’s golden curls,” Lady Jonquil observed.
“He does at that.” Robbie gently ran her fingers over those wisps.
“I cannot thank you enough for the nursemaid you recommended,” Lady Jonquil said. “She is a dream.”
Robbie tucked the baby up close to her, treasuring the joy of having an infant in her arms again. “And I cannot thank you enough for insisting on the governess chosen for Adam. While I have not met her, knowing you approve of her has given me such peace.”
Howard put his arm around Robbie once more. “Has givenboth of uspeace.”
“And I mean to thank your husband for suggesting Howard work at Falstone Castle for a spell. Being there while Adam was those months ago and before he had a governess meant the boy wasn’t so alone.”
Whatever response Lady Jonquil might have made was cut off by the sound of hooves and carriage wheels outside. “They’ve arrived at last!”
Without any of the decorum common to those of her rank, Lady Jonquil threw open the front door and rushed outside. Robbie and Howard followed close behind.
Lord Jonquil was the first to emerge from the traveling carriage. The passing months hadn’t dampened his barely controlled energy. He literally hopped down onto the ground, grinning at them all.
“Have you brought him?” Lady Jonquil asked.
“Brought whom?” He made quite a show of being confused.
Behind him, a wee boy, dressed in the solemn and very correct clothing of a young aristocrat, stepped regally from the carriage, his gaze finding Lady Jonquil before anyone else, allowing Robbie to study him without him knowing she was. His black hair was pulled back in a ribbon matching his coat. His shoes were polished to a high shine. His appearance was impeccable and far closer to that of a forty-nine-year-old than an almost-nine-year-old. There was no mistaking her little Adam. He was a bit taller, a bit older, appeared a bit more solemn, but he was still himself.
“Oh, my Adam!” Lady Jonquil rushed to him and pulled him into a fierce embrace. “My dear, brave Adam! You are here at last.”
“Lucas refused to ask the driver to go faster.” The accusation was offered quite seriously, but Lord Jonquil’s grin told anyone witnessing the moment that Adam was teasing him.
“Oh, Lucas, do fetch Philip,” Lady Jonquil said. “I want Adam to meet him.”
Lord Jonquil crossed to Robbie, blocking her view of her wee Adam. He indicated his son in her arms. “I know he’s difficult to give up, but do you mind if I steal this little peapod from you?”
“Promise I can hold him again,” she said, “and I won’t kick up a fuss.”
“You have my solemn vow.”
