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William’s head bobbed up and down. “Yes, she is, and before you become alarmed, let me assure you that I would never have brought her here without careful consideration. Arthur’s aunt has charged me with finding her a good home, and though you are my sister,” his eyes flicked to Evan, “and my brother, I know of no couple with greater capacity for loving her than the two of you.”

Slowly Georgiana let out the breath she had been holding, her eyes coming to rest on Millie. “This is real. No waking up tomorrow to find out it was all a mistake?”

“You have always trusted me, Gigi. Trust me now.” Big tears rolled down her face as she met her brother’s gaze, nodding solemnly.

Georgiana and Evan then focused on each other, and without words, he moved to slide his arm around his wife’s waist, while slowly bringing the other up to cradle Millie’s head. Two large, blue eyes opened, studying him intently for a moment, and as if in acceptance, closed again, causing Evan to struggle not to weep.

William ventured tiredly, “I will be glad to explain all the particulars, but I had hoped it would not be necessary to do so tonight. She ... we are all exhausted.”

Georgiana nodded in acquiescence. Though there were a thousand questions she wanted to ask, now was not the time. For at this moment, she had a small person in her arms that needed a bit of supper and plenty of rest. Her words were barely audible as she focused on William. “Thank you for your faith in us.”

She seemed about to cry, and not waiting for his reply, raised her chin and looked to her other guests. “Please come back with Fitzwilliam tomorrow, Richard. We have had little time to visit lately, and,” glancing to Arthur, “I look forward to hearing everything you have to tell me about Millie.”

Turning, she began to mount the grand staircase, speaking softly to the little girl in her arms. “And so, sleepy angel, would you like to see a room I decorated for someone just like you? You know, it has stood empty for far too long.” She deposited a kiss on the top of the child’s head just before she disappeared at the top of the stairs.

The men below followed the loving scene until the participants were gone. Then Richard and William hurriedly composed themselves, turning to wipe all evidence of their tender hearts from their faces. However, when they turned to Evan, they found that he had not tried to hide his own tears in the least. Looking to first his brother and then his cousin, he did something totally out of character—he pulled both men into a tight hug, an arm around each friend. He whispered roughly, “Thank you seems so little a sentiment.”

Then swiftly stepping away from them, the Evan of old returned, and each pretended nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. “Will you entertain yourselves, while I join my wife for a little while? Dinner should be ready shortly, and I ask that you please start without us. You know how to make yourselves at home.”

Nothing more was said as they watched Evan take the steps two at the time on his way to the nursery. William was deep in thought again when he was roused by Richard’s teasing of the butler.

“Mr. Jenkins, I have every faith in your ability to locate Mrs. Jenkins swiftly. Would you please tell her there are two very hungry bears and one cub waiting in the drawing room?”

Mr. Jenkins had been fighting to control his own emotions, and Richard’s playfulness was just what he needed to recover. “No need, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I was just about to announce dinner. Mrs. Jenkins is awaiting everyone in the dining room. Will the young man be eating with you?”

“Yes. Yes, he will.”

Richard and William began to make their way in the direction of the dining room, the smell of delicious food now wafting through the house, making them exceedingly hungry.

They had not gotten very far when Mr. Jenkins called out, “Sir, if I may.” Richard and William stilled to look back at him as he addressed Georgiana’s brother. “I would like to say you have made this household very happy.”

With that he lifted his chin, assumed his normal emotionless expression, and more quickly than usual, disappeared down the hall.

Richard grinned, putting an arm around Arthur’s shoulder. “Come, my boy. Let me show you how a soldier eats when he is unsure of his next meal!”

“Unsure of his next meal?” William chided, chuckling softly.

“Shhh, Cousin. Do not interrupt me when I am training a future recruit!”

~~~*~~~

Chapter 16

Rosewood Manor

Pushing back from the table, Richard patted his stomach and groaned. “I feel as though I could use a nap. I am entirely too full!” His pronouncement made Arthur laugh and he almost choked on a mouthful of water.

“Richard, where are your manners!” William chided.

“I do not know where I left them, Cousin, and I am too tired to look for them at the moment!”

William chided, “Then we must get you back to Pemberley, so you can rest, and I hope, find your manners. I, for one, cannot wait to spend an entire night in my own bed. Excuse me while I find my brother and sister and have a word with them before we depart.”

“And I cannot wait to impose upon your hospitality and enjoy a night in one of your fine beds!” Richard retorted, winking at Arthur. Then he whispered loudly enough to be heard, “A soldier takes every opportunity to impose upon those who lead lives of leisure.”

William shook his head at Richard’s antics and headed for the door, almost clearing the room before remembering a concern. Turning, he enquired of Arthur, “Will Millie be well if I leave her here tonight? I mean, without anyone with whom she is familiar? Do you need to stay with her?”

Arthur had already finished eating, so he stood and stepped closer to William, eager to explain. “No, sir. She is used to a number of people caring for her, and she is content as long as she is not by herself. She is especially frightened, though, when she awakens alone.” He concluded, beaming proudly, “But other than that, she is a very good child.”