Page 99 of A Baby to Seal the Duke’s Fate

Honora smiled.

“Perhaps I answer her sounds more for my benefit than for hers.”

Martha nodded as she sat opposite her.

For the next several minutes, she told Honora stories about the kitchen staff, including one about a footman who had once mistaken salt for sugar and ruined an entire tray of pudding.

Another involved a maid who had hidden three pounds of flour because she believed the cook was using too much. Cecily seemed fascinated by the sound of Martha’s voice and less interested in her breakfast than she ought to have been.

Honora laughed more than once. She even forgot, for a few minutes, that she had made a decision that would change everything.

Then, she remembered. She looked toward the doorway.

Martha noticed. “What is it?”

Honora shook her head. “Nothing.”

Martha gave her a look. Honora looked down at Cecily.

“I need to speak to him.”

Martha did not ask who. “You probably do.”

Honora stared at her. Martha spread jam on a piece of toast. “You have been staring at the door for five minutes.”

Honora smiled despite herself. “I have not.”

“You have.”

Honora took a breath, then another. She lifted Cecily from the chair.

“I am going to leave her with you for a moment.”

Martha nodded. “Of course.”

“Only for a few minutes.”

“You need not explain.”

Honora set Cecily into Martha’s arms. The baby immediately reached for Martha’s cup. Martha moved it out of reach.

“No.”

Cecily protested. Honora smiled. “She will take your tea if you let her.”

“Not while I am holding it.”

“Good luck.”

Honora stepped away. Martha’s eyes followed her.

“Phoebe.”

She stopped. It was the first time Martha had said her first name. Even though it was a false name, it touched Honora that she used it instead of her formal address.

Honora turned. Martha’s expression was quiet.

“Do not lose your courage now,” she said. “You have worn a path in the floor gathering it.”