Although there was no other sound or sign of the visitor’s identity, she knew who it was, even before he sank to his knees behind her. Just last week, she had been lectured by the master gardener for climbing over a stacked stone wall to retrieve a few stray toy arrows.Īs she fumbled with the stubborn apron knot, Evie heard a footstep behind her. And while she was a grandmother of two, she was still slim and fit-easily able to lift a slippery infant from a washtub, or romp with the children through the orchard.
They were determined to prevent her from doing anything more strenuous than stirring her tea with a silver spoon. Ruefully she reflected that it was no easy task to satisfy the servants’ expectations of how a duchess should behave. Still kneeling on the bath rug in front of the tub, Evie reached behind her back for the flannel apron ties. The nursemaid left the bathroom with a satisfied smile, carrying Stephen to the nursery. Knowing that Nanny would have both their heads, Evie responded with a resigned nod, although she was unable to resist muttering, “I’m wearing an apron.” “Not in your fine silk dress-you must sit in the parlor and read a book, or embroider something.” As Evie parted her lips to argue, Ona added meaningfully, “Nanny would have my head if she knew I’d let you help as much as I have.” “Your Grace, you mustn’t.” Clearly the nursemaid was trying to strike an effective balance between sternness and pleading. “I’ll tidy up the bath things,” Evie said. Ona chuckled as Stephen reached for the white ruffled cap on her head. And I enjoy spending time in the nursery-it reminds me of when my children were small.” “There’s n-nothing more important than my grandchildren. “Any of the housemaids would be glad to do it, since you have more important things to attend to.” “Your Grace is very kind to help with the children on Nanny’s day off.” Carefully the nursemaid took the baby from Evie’s arms. “He’s no trouble at all,” Evie assured her, kissing the baby’s rosy cheeks and prying his grip from her pearls. “I would have lifted Master Stephen out of the tub for you. “Your Grace,” the young nursemaid, Ona, exclaimed, hurrying toward her. Too much t-temptation.” Evie had always spoken with a stammer, although it was now very slight compared to what it had been in her youth. “Oh, I knew I shouldn’t have worn those at your bath time. “Be gentle, Stephen.” She winced as he grabbed the double strand of pearls around her neck. He explored her face and hair with grasping wet hands, and Evie laughed at his affectionate mauling. Chortling, the baby braced his sturdy legs and attempted to stand in her lap. Evangeline, the Duchess of Kingston, lifted her infant grandson from the nursery tub and wrapped him snugly in a soft white towel.
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