Page 120 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
Chapter 30
When Graciela arrivedin the nursery, Reina’s two new aunts were already there.
The little girl flung out her arms and ran to Graciela, making her heart flip, making her laugh.
“Miss Reina, you must say, ‘Good morning, Mama’,” Lady Sirena chided.
Reina cocked her head and frowned.
Graciela’s heart kicked up a fast patter. More truth-telling, and to the most vulnerable person in her life.
She picked the girl up and squeezed her. “You are growing so much. How heavy you are.”
Reina squirmed, then leaned back and pressed Graciela’s cheeks between both of her chubby hands.
“Ow,” she said playfully, invoking a hail of giggles.
Graciela set her down and crouched before her. “Lady Sirena is right. You must call me Mama now.” She took a deep breath. Charley had dashed out so quickly and disappeared, she didn’t know what to think. Yet she must plunge ahead. “And you must call Charley, Papa.”
She pointed a finger at Lady Perry. “Y ellas?” And them.
Her little girl must speak English in front of theinglesas. Graciela answered in English. “We are going to live with them for a while. And from now on, this is your Aunt Sirena and your Aunt Perry.”
A frown twisted the plump lips.
Lady Sirena bent over her. “And you have an Uncle James, an Uncle Bink, an Aunt Paulette, a baby cousin, and two more cousins on the way.” Lady Sirena patted the soft mound of her belly. “One of your cousins is growing right now inside my tummy.”
Reina touched where Lady Sirena had patted.
“We will all have to wait a few months to see, but, here...” She placed the small hand flat against her. “He is moving.”
The brown eyes widened. She groped Lady Sirena with both hands.
“In the stables here, we have a horse with a baby in her tummy.”
“Here?” Graciela asked. “In town?”
“Yes, of all things. James purchased her last week. ’Tis not ideal, but I’d rather not move her now.” She lifted Reina’s chin. “Do you want to see her?”
Reina nodded.
“Do you mind, Mama?” Lady Sirena asked.
“You must be careful, Reina.” Graciela said. “You must listen to Aunt Sirena.”
“This little mother is gentle, but, yes, you must be careful around horses. They are like people. Some of them are grumpy.”
Lady Sirena took her hand and they left.
“Let me take her around the garden after she sees the stables,” Lady Perry said. “The day is fine. We can have our tea there and spend the afternoon playing. Will you mind? She needs the fresh air after being cooped up so long, and it will wear her out so she sleeps better. I will bring a guard and the nursemaid.”
She felt a weight lift from her heart and she gripped Lady Perry’s hand. “Yes. Thank you. I will join you there.”
Downstairs, she was headed for the library when a footman stopped her.
“There is a gentleman to see you, Miss—er, Mrs. Everly.”
She took the card he handed her.Captain Llewellyn.
