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“I shall make that determination after I have spoken to my father and our steward, Mr. Rowe, but until then . . .” He looked around the newly tidied kitchen, his gaze settling on the empty shelf above the stove. “We shall focus on helping the Simkinses.”
“We?” Her head cried out a warning even as her heart thudded at the notion of joining Benedict in his efforts.
He nodded. “I think a group effort may produce the best results, don’t you?”
“I . . . I’m not sure what you mean.”
“I would like to bring my mother in on this,” he said. “Amongst the ton, she is known for her love of hosting all manner of social functions, but family members have long since realized that those events are simply an outward manifestation of her talent for organization and the joy she derives from sharing her table with others. She will know exactly how to go about filling the Simkinses’ pantry, and she may have suggestions for how we can best overcome the challenges brought on by Jim’s and Hester’s present physical limitations.
“If you are willing to assist us, you would be an invaluable resource in helping my mother understand Hester’s and the baby’s most pressing needs.”
“And you?” Caroline asked. “What is your role in this project?”
“I shall ensure that whatever plans you and my mother contrive are executed properly and promptly.”
The memory of Robbie’s growling stomach and Hester’s gaunt face flooded her mind. “How promptly is promptly?”
He glanced at the clock on the wall. “They will have started the milking by now. If we leave right away, I can send word to Giles, asking him to drop off two pints of milk at the cottage within the hour.”
Fresh milk would be a welcome addition to the Simkinses’ pantry, but solid food might be even more valuable.
“Do you think Cook would be willing to join our efforts too?” she asked.
“Without question. Cook was baking bread this morning. I believe I can commandeer at least one loaf if I tell her why we need it.”
His choice of words brought a smile to her face. “It will likely remind her of our childhood exploits.”
His grip on her hand tightened. “Then, you are willing to help?”
“How could I not?”
His smile set loose a thousand butterflies in her stomach, but before she could gather her wits and attempt to calm her rogue emotions, Hester appeared in the doorway. Softly and silently, Benedict’s hand slipped free of hers.
“Robbie’s asleep,” Hester said. “And so’s Jim. They—” A gasp cut off whatever she’d intended to say, and she gazed around the tidy room in wonder. “Caroline! What have you done?”
Caroline crossed the room, placed her hands upon her friend’s shoulders, and gently turned her back toward the stairs. “Go to bed, Hester. Robbie will be awake again before you know it, and there is nothing more you can do here.”
“How can I ever thank you?” Hester asked brokenly.
“If you would allow me to hold Robbie every once in a while, that is payment enough for me,” she said.
Nodding, Hester took a few faltering steps toward the staircase. “Anytime at all.”
Caroline recognized pure exhaustion when she saw it. So, too, it seemed, did Benedict.
“We shall leave you now, Mrs. Simkins,” he said. “But rest easy. Your family will be well cared for.”
Hester reached for the banister rail. “Thank you, m’lord. We’re most grateful.”
Chapter 19
Benedict guided Saxon onto the drive leading to Farwell Hall. Rain was falling, coating the road, the grass, and the foliage so that they glistened. The moisture had yet to fully penetrate his jacket, but occasional drips fell off the rim of his hat. Caroline sat on the saddle in front of him, her back pressed against his chest. It was the only place that afforded her any warmth, but she had not once complained about the inclement weather.
If the ride were much longer, they’d both be fighting significant chills, yet as they approached the house, Benedict could not help but feel a tinge of regret that it was ending. He wanted to keep her beside him. His heart told him she belonged there.
“Look.” She raised one hand and pointed. “There’s a carriage parked outside the house.”
Two matching grays were harnessed to a black landau trimmed with gold. The driver’s seat was empty. The fellow had undoubtedly chosen to wait indoors.
