Page 28 of A Debt Inherited

His family.

Lady Isobel folded the paper along its crease.

“Grandmama?”

She looked up.

Alexander had honey upon one finger and a frown between his brows. “May I have more bread?”

“You may.”

Alexander watched her spread the honey thinly. “Nurse says too much makes me ill.”

“Nurse is generally right.”

“Then why do you give me more?”

“Because this is not too much.”

He accepted the bread.

“Will Mama come back from abroad?”

Lady Isobel paused. “Who spoke to you of abroad?”

He looked down. “Mrs Kerr said Mama had gone for her health.”

“Your mother was unwell.”

“Is she better?”

The paper lay between them.

“She is with God,” Lady Isobel said.

Alexander stopped chewing. “With Papa?”

“Yes.”

“And Uncle Julian?”

“Yes.”

His lower lip moved once. He pressed it still with his teeth.

Lady Isobel held out her hand. “Come here.”

He climbed down and went to her. She drew him against her gown. He held the edge of her sleeve and breathed too quickly.

After a time, he drew back. “May I tell Nurse?”

“I will tell her.”

“Why?”

Lady Isobel looked at the notice upon the table.

“Because grief must be carried carefully.”