Page 73 of A Baby to Seal the Duke’s Fate

Sabina glanced at him. “You say that as if it is news.”

Barnaby added, “We are only difficult to those who insist on being dull.”

Sabina smiled with open satisfaction. “See? He understands.”

Leopold shook his head once and turned back to the papers. “And yet neither of you is helpful.”

“Helpfulness,” Barnaby said, “is overrated in company like this.”

Sabina’s brows rose. “Are you calling me company?”

“No,” he said. “I am calling you a complication.”

Her smile widened. “That is better.”

Leopold looked between them and allowed himself the faintest hint of a smile. He was still reading the maps when Mrs. Pritchard appeared in the doorway and informed him, with her usual exactness, that Miss Redmond had brought the child downstairs, as requested.

Leopold set the paper down at once. “Bring them in.”

Sabina’s gaze sharpened with interest. Barnaby looked mildly amused, as if he knew very well why Leopold had asked for the child and was choosing not to comment on it.

Phoebe arrived a moment later with Cecily on her hip.

Leopold’s attention moved to them before she had crossed the threshold.

She had changed since morning. Her hair was still neat, though a few strands had escaped. She wore a plain gown and no shawl, and the baby in her arms looked bright-eyed and awake, her small hands opening and closing at the sight of new faces.

Phoebe’s expression was composed, but Leopold noticed at once the moment she realized Sabina was there.

Sabina, for her part, took in Phoebe with one glance and did not waste time pretending she was less observant than she was.

Leopold crossed the room. “Thank you.”

Phoebe nodded once. “She was settled enough to come down.”

Cecily made a cheerful sound and reached toward Leopold before he had even finished speaking.

He took her at once.

The baby settled against him easily, one hand going to his collar. Leopold shifted her higher with practiced care and turned slightly so she could see the others in the room.

Sabina laughed softly. “Well. There is no denying the household has become interesting.”

Barnaby’s expression remained neutral. “That depends on what one finds interesting.”

Sabina ignored him and held out a hand to Cecily. “And this is the famous child.”

Cecily regarded her seriously for a moment, then kicked her leg once in the air.

Leopold looked down at her. “That is a favorable sign, I think.”

Sabina’s smile softened just a little as she stepped closer. “May I?”

He glanced at Phoebe, who gave a brief nod.

Sabina took the baby with surprising ease, holding her as if she had done it before. Cecily, having made an instant judgment, rested one hand against Sabina’s shoulder and looked up at her with solemn curiosity.

Sabina laughed under her breath. “She has a face that will cause problems in about eighteen years.”