Lydia wiggled to get down in answer, and Nora let her go, watching her with one eye while she kept the rest of her attention on the Dowager.
Abigail looked between them. “I trust matters have been resolved between the two of you?”
Arthur looked to her to answer, making her feel more confident than she would have thought possible only days ago. “We have.” She took a deep breath. “I will be remaining here, and, with your blessing, Arthur and I will wed.”
“You have my blessing, dear.” Abigail took her hands. “My blessing and my gratitude for being willing to return after all that has happened. If there is any assistance you need, any aid at all I can give you, dear Nora, you have only to ask.”
Nora seized the opportunity. “There is one thing I should like. My dear friend Scarlett... she has helped me raise Lydia these past years, and she loves her as her own. I would not separate them now.”
“Indeed not.” Abigail looked thoughtful. “Scarlett... she was the one who accompanied you shopping?” Nora nodded. “A sensible young lady. She would do well as a lady’s maid for you or a caretaker for the child. Whichever you both prefer.”
The Dowager Bedford exchanged a look with her son. “Yes. I think she will do quite well. Perhaps you might go and inquire if she is interested in such a situation? But after tea.”
“Yes. Of course. Thank you.” Nora exhaled a sigh of relief.
Abigail laughed. “Do not thank me, dear. I quite like your young friend, and it is good to have trusted and loyal members of one’s household around one. You will have much to learn, stepping into my shoes, and I would make the transition as easy as possible if only so I might enjoy my final years without a care.” Her fond gaze settled on Lydia. “Besides that, I would not deprive your darling girl of someone she loves.”
Her gaze returned to Nora, and she patted her hand again. “Tea first. And then we shall get everything sorted and arranged.”
* * *
Arthur helped his new daughter choose some small sandwiches and a biscuit to go with her tea, feeling as though his heart might swell until it burst from his chest.
He had never imagined he might feel such contentment. Certainly not while holding a child who was not his own by blood. But he was content—no, happy—and even tentatively enthusiastic about welcoming Scarlett into their household. He had no doubt the redhead’s outspoken personality and forthright manner would offer some much-valued perspective, amusement, and excitement for all of them.
Tea passed in lighthearted conversation, marked by happy chatter from the little girl in their midst. After the servants cleared the dishes, Nora knelt in front of her daughter. “Lydia darling. Arthur and I need to go and bring Auntie Scarlett here. Would you like to stay with Grandmother Abigail while we do? She could introduce you to all the other wonderful people who live here.”
Lydia looked at his mother, hopeful curiosity shining in her blue eyes. Arthur was not surprised his mother melted like a candle in summer. “Really, Gran’mother Abigail?”
“Indeed, dear child. There are many people here who will look after you, and I would be happy to show you around the house and introduce you.”
Lydia bounced to her feet. “Can we go now?”
His mother laughed and rose from her seat with her usual stately grace. “There is no reason why we should not.” She held out her hand, and the youngster took it. His mother nodded to the two of them. “We shall see you when you return.”
She and Lydia left, his mother’s quiet words punctuated by the piping questions of the child with her.
He and Nora finished the last of their tea and rose to return downstairs. Their eyes met.
He wasn’t sure which of them moved first, but suddenly Nora was in his arms. Her warm, lithe body was pressed against him, hands on his shoulders as she stretched up for a kiss.
Then their lips were melding together. Hers were soft, sweet with the fruit she’d eaten during the travel as his tongue slipped across them. Then her mouth was opening, heat and tangling tongues and the slow exploration of teeth, tongue, and lips.
When they finally broke apart, they were both flushed and panting, and there was a distinctly uncomfortable pressure in his groin. He would have liked to do something about it, but there was no chance to do so, not when they had an errand to run.
He took several deep breaths, then bent to rest his forehead against hers. “Walk with me in the garden tonight?”
“Yes.” Her voice was breathy and low with the same emotions he was feeling. Another quick and gentle kiss, and then they were both moving toward the door.
A quick word with Bradstone ensured another set of rooms would be opened up to be aired out and made ready in anticipation of Scarlett’s arrival. Then it was back into the carriage.
The drive to the cottage was a quiet one, but it was far from an uncomfortable silence. Nora sat on the same side as he and leaned against his shoulder in a show of affection and trust. She still looked somewhat tired, and he vowed to see that she took the opportunity to retire early, perhaps with a relaxing tisane.
Scarlett must have been listening to the sounds of the street, expecting them, or simply well aware of the noises of that section of the city. The carriage had barely come to a stop when the door flew open, and the red-haired young woman hurried out. She made a soft sound that could have been relief or delight or any one of several other emotions and flung herself at Nora to wrap her in a crushing embrace.
The two women clung together for a long moment before they broke apart, and Scarlett faced him. He braced himself against the possibility of being the next recipient of her welcome, but she only offered him a lazy smirk. “Well, I see you found her aright.”
“He did.” Nora smiled and hugged her friend again, a quick squeeze around the midsection before releasing her again. “Thank you for sending him.”