Page 60 of To Win a Viscount's Heart
Gerald took her in his arms and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I have something to ask you.”
“Is everything all right?” she said, her eyes wide with concern.
“Yes, everything is fine.
“Doctor Baker stopped by to check on Paul and Kat. They are on the mend. I swear, between Mrs. Macdonald and Maggie feeding them and Anna and Gabby reading to them and your mother and my mother and Diana sewing clothes for them, they will be right as rain in no time.”
“Love and time will heal their wounds, both inside and out,” Selena said softly. “They are lovely children.”
“I know, you’ve been spending a lot of time with them as well.”
“I can’t help it, they are so adorable.”
“Yes, I agree.”
“I don’t remember them as the children of any of our tenants. Paul told me that his mother was a barmaid atThe Pig and The Poke. But that they had been traveling from town to town since Kat was born. I shudder to think what would have happened to them if you hadn’t found them at Rose Point,” Selena said. Thank God you did.”
“What will happen to them, Gerald?”
“As you know, Paul told us his mother abandoned him and Kat. I believe him. I have no desire to go searching for a woman who would do such a vile thing. And who might in turn try to extort money from us. When Paul is older, I will help him find his mother, should he wish to do so.”
“Does that mean what I think it means?” she asked softly.
“What do you think it means, my darling.”
“Do you want Paul and Kat to stay with us? Because if you do, I would be so happy.”
“I do. And I’m glad you’re happy. I want us to raise them as our own.”
“Oh Gerald, you are the kindest, most incredible man in the world.”
“Well, if you say so. Who am I to argue?” He grinned bending down to kiss her. ‘I have something else to tell you.Percival and Wright set out early this morning to assess the damages at Rose Point. It will require a lot of work, that bastard really did a lot of damage.”
Selena gave a deep sigh. “Yes,Mamanalready spoke to me about it. She mentioned that Maggie and Ben would be going with them. They’ll be of tremendous help and I’m sure will be able to track down many, if not all, of our former staff members. While I am deeply saddened that Rose Point was ravaged by that evil man, I have every faith that Percival will restore it to its former beauty.”
“And how do you feel about your mother moving back there to help?”
“I’m happy for her. She has a renewed sense of purpose.Mamanwill give Percival all the benefit of her wisdom.” She smiled. “And how do you feel about Connery moving there?”
“I’ll miss that rough old Scotsman, but I’m of the same mind. Connery will be able to guide Percival in the same way he guided me.”
“I’m happy for them. ForMamanand Connery.”
“Ah, so you’ve noticed as well?”
“Noticed! It’s as plain as day, how much they care for each other,” she giggled. “Mamansmiles like a debutante with her first crush when she talks about Connery. “My mother deserves to be happy. She is still young and has many years ahead. I would not want her to spend those years alone as a widow. Besides, I know she will always love Papa and keep him in her heart. She seems years younger since meeting Connery.” Selena leaned in close to whisper to Gerald. “And I’ve noticed she’s always blushing when they return from one of their afternoon walks.”
“Connery is the same,” Gerald chuckled. “I think they’ll almost be as happy as we are.”
“Ah, you don’t say…”
“I do say.” Gerald bent down and claimed Selena’s lips in a passionate kiss.
“Actually, I have something else I wanted to speak to you about,” Gerald said.
“My you have quite the list this morning,” she giggled.
“Yes, I do,” he chuckled. I’ve had thoughts about Azure and possibly other thoroughbreds.”
