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adventure. When he returned, he would dispatch men to ask questions in the surrounding countryside. Someone would be looking for her.
     
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    Lily roused as she felt her son being lifted gently from her breast. She wanted to protest, but felt too tired. The past day had stripped her of both physical and emotional strength.
    The late afternoon sun shining behind Nanny illumined and gilded her gray hair and, suddenly, Lily was engulfed in memories . This was not the first time she had awakened to that kindly face and those gentle, but work-roughened hands. She could smell the beeswax that had permeated the upper nursery. For a moment she was the young girl with a new world to explore, a world grander and more full of adventure than even her seven year-old imagination.
    Nanny shifted out of the sun, and the image faded, leaving Lily bereft . It had been so wonderful to revisit, for even the briefest moment, the girl she had been, to remember being full of strength and hope. Coming out of her reverie, she caught Nanny staring at her, lips pressed.
    Nanny finished wrapping the baby and carefully lay him in the cradle, giving it a mild rock with her foot . Then she moved nearer and brushed one hand across Lily’s tightly drawn brow. The gesture spoke volumes, and Lily felt tears well up and overflow.
    “I never used to cry . No matter what, I never cried.”
    “Now, now . I know you’ve been brave, but Nanny’s here to help both you and the little one now. New mothers are often watering pails. You’ve got nothing to worry you.”
    Nanny sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Lily into her arms, stroking her like the lost child Lily hid within herself. The fragrant scent of vanilla wafted up from Nanny’s bosom, another reminder of happy times.
    Nanny held and stroked her until the sobs began to slow . Then, easing away, she went and fetched water and a cool cloth, and began to bathe Lily’s face. Lily gave herself up to these ministrations. If only everything could be so simple.
    “That’s right, my chickie . Just calm your soul and everything will work itself out. You’re back where you belong and we’ll take good care of you and the small mister.”
    “No, they won’t . They never do.” The words were barely audible; her exhaustion from the crying fit had left her limp.
    Nanny didn’t answer, but settled Lily back on the pillows . The baby would be waking again, and Lily needed more rest.
    She closed her eyes and her mind drifted . Tomorrow would be soon enough to worry. Somehow she would get away and keep herself and the baby safe. He needed a name soon. She couldn’t keep thinking of him merely as “the baby” forever. If she wasn’t careful she’d start calling him her chickie like Nanny . . . .
    Back where you belong . Lily’s eyes flew open to meet the tender gaze of the older woman who still puttered about the bed.
    “You know,” Lily said.
    Nanny continued to smile as she straightened the bed. She didn’t say a word as Lily watched her warily. She fluffed the pillows and gave a smile to make angels jealous.
    “How could you think I’d forget? ” Nanny said. “You may have been a mischievous little thing, who spent more time sneaking out of the nursery than in it, but you were mine, if only for a while. Your Mum wasn’t a bad one, but she had her own worries.” Nanny gave Lily a long, thoughtful stare. “Your departure was rather memorable.”
    Lily resisted the urge to shudder at the memory . She could still see the livid sneer spread across the old duke’s face. In less than half an hour she had driven her mother from safety and comfort and back out into the unknown. She’d stood up to the dragon and rescued the prince – but the prince had not been properly grateful.
    Nanny caressed Lily’s cheek , smoothing away the frown. “Maybe not everybody can put together a big toothed pixie with the beauty you’ve become, but I never forget one of my chickies.”
    “I never forgot you ,