Page 24 of The Baron's Return
He found his eyes drifting toward her time and again while the small group of people who’d been with them at the chapel chatted and laughed together. Aside from the Lowenbrocks, there was only Gemma, Miss Phillips, and the infernal Lord Holbrook, who seemed intent on testing Cranston’s patience.
Cranston hated how he felt the need to watch Abigail more closely when she was speaking with Holbrook, but he could detect no signs of a relationship between them beyond friendship and mutual respect.
Gemma flitted from her mother’s side to his and tugged on his arm. He crouched down next to her.
She leaned in close and whispered in his ear. “When can I start calling you Papa?”
He touched a finger to her nose, grinning at the request. “You may start now if you’d like. But only if you feel comfortable doing so. I don’t want you to do it because you feel you should.”
Her expression was serious as she considered his words. “I think I’m ready… Papa.”
Oh yes, his friend had been correct. This child already had him completely wrapped around her little finger.
“What’s happening over here?”
They both looked up to where Abigail was standing, smiling down at the two of them. She looked exquisite, and the happiness that radiated from her gave her beauty an ethereal quality.
Gemma leaned against his shoulder. “I was just talking to Papa.”
He watched Abigail closely, studying her reaction to Gemma’s casual willingness to share their relationship with the world.
Abigail put one hand on each of their shoulders. “I’m so glad to see my two favorite people in the world getting to know one another better. We’ll have more time to do that starting tomorrow. But for now, our guests are waiting for us to proceed them into the dining room.”
Cranston rose to his feet. He held out an arm to his wife, who tucked her hand into this elbow, and took his daughter’s hand. The heart he’d thought permanently hardened was starting to develop a few cracks, and that realization terrified him.
It was a small gathering, attended only by those who had been at the chapel. Not at all like the wedding breakfast held after Viscount Ashford’s wedding. Abigail did her best to focus her attention on Gemma and on their guests and not think about the night ahead.
Cranston went out of his way to spend time with each of their guests. Abigail was aware of how differently he behaved with them. With Gemma he was sweet and patient. With Lowenbrock and Amelia, it was clear that they were on friendly terms because he was more open, no hint of reserve in his demeanor. And when he spoke to Gemma’s governess, she could see that the older woman had also fallen under his spell.
He was polite and reserved when he spoke to Lord Holbrook… and to her. She wondered if everyone else could see it, but if they did, they were polite enough to pretend not to notice.
After the meal was over, Holbrook took his leave. Amelia and Lord Lowenbrock announced their plans to depart as well.
Amelia pulled her aside. “I know this is difficult for the two of you, but I have confidence that things will work out in the end.”
Abigail tried not to wince. “I’m holding on to that hope.”
Amelia pulled her into a tight hug, whispering into her ear, “Don’t forget to wear one of those special nightdresses later tonight.”
She couldn’t hold back the blush that rose to her cheeks as she thought about the scandalous scraps of fabric that Amelia’s modiste had designed for her. Her trousseau had already been delivered to the house, so Abigail knew they were waiting in her new bedchamber.
Her blush remained as she said goodbye to Amelia and her husband.
Finally it was time to hug Gemma and assure her daughter that she would be coming to stay here on the morrow. Gemma didn’t understand why she had to wait one more day, but fortunately Miss Phillips stepped in to tell her that they still had to visit the neighbor’s kittens today. They were almost old enough to leave their mother, and Gemma hadn’t chosen which one she wanted to adopt.
The additional reminder that her favorite doll was also waiting for her in their current home and might be left behind if Gemma didn’t bring it with them tomorrow was enough to convince Gemma it was best to wait one more day.
Abigail stood back and watched Cranston give his daughter a hug, telling her that he looked forward to her coming to live with him.
He’d arranged to have two burly footmen accompany the carriage on its return. One month ago he hadn’t known Gemma existed, but now he seemed to hate the thought of her being without her parents for even one night.
He stood on the front steps as the carriage pulled away, then shook his head. “I should have asked Lowenbrock and his wife to look after her tonight. I know they wouldn’t have minded. Maybe I can send word for them to fetch her later—”
Abigail tugged on his arm and turned him away from where he stood, watching the carriage as it disappeared from view.
“Gemma will be fine,” she said as the butler closed the door behind them. “The staff adores her, and her governess sleeps in the room next to hers. She’ll hear Gemma if she has a nightmare.”
Cranston frowned as he followed her into the now empty drawing room. “She has nightmares?”
