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Then, “I should like to see Father.”
    Amelia nodded at Mrs. Murdock. The infant was whimpering, as the governess rocked to hush her. The guests ahead of them stepped aside, clearly understanding their need to leave quickly. Amelia smiled at everyone as they passed. “Thank you, Mrs. Harrod,” she said. “Thank you, Squire Penwaithe, for coming today. Hello, Millie. Hello, George. Apparently refreshments will be served shortly in the great hall.” Mrs. Murdock had said as much, but now she wondered if Grenville would even bother to greet his guests.
    Her neighbors smiled at her. Millie, a dairymaid, cried, “What a beautiful baby!”
    As they left the chapel, Amelia glanced around and realized she was searching for Grenville. By now, he would have returned to the house, but he was not in sight. It had begun to drizzle. The infant started to cry again, this time very loudly.
    Amelia took the wailing baby from the governess. “May I? Perhaps I can be of help.” She cradled her close to her chest. It was too cold for the baby to be outside.
    “I do hope so. I don’t think she likes me. She knows I am not her natural mother,” Mrs. Murdock exclaimed.
    Amelia kept an impassive expression, inwardly sighing. She wished the governess would cease making such disturbing declarations, at least in front of the boys. Then she looked down at the beautiful baby, and she smiled. Her heart warmed. Oh, the little girl was such an angel! “Hush, sweetheart. We are going inside now. No child your age should have to attend a funeral.” She realized she was somewhat angry. The baby should have remained in her nursery, safe and warm; surely she could sense the distress and sorrow in the chapel. But no one had advised Mrs. Murdock. After all, there was no housekeeper, and Grenville had only returned moments before the service had started.
    How could he be so negligent?
    The infant hiccupped and looked at her. Then she smiled.
    Amelia cried out, delighted. “She is smiling! Oh, how pretty she is!”
    “Do you have any of your own?” Mrs. Murdock asked.
    Amelia felt some of her pleasure vanish. She was too old to marry, and she would never have a child of her own. The knowledge caused some sadness, but she wasn’t about to indulge in self-pity. “No, I do not.” She looked up and saw Lucas and her mother approaching.
    Lucas’s mouth softened. “I wondered how long it would take you to put the babe in your arms.” He spoke with affection.
    “Oh, what a beautiful child,” Momma said. “Is she your first?”
    Amelia sighed. Momma didn’t recognize her, but that was hardly unusual. She introduced her brother and mother to the governess, then turned to Lucas. “Could you take Momma home and then send the carriage back? I am going to stay for a bit. I want to settle the baby and the boys.”
    His gaze narrowed. “I know you are merely being kind, but is that wise?”
    She did not have a clue as to what he might mean.
    He took her arm and steered her a short distance away from the boys. “Grenville seemed rather unhinged.” There was warning in his tone.
    “What on earth does that mean? Of course he is grief-stricken. But I am not attending St. Just.” She kept her voice to a whisper. “He is so distraught he left his sons by themselves. Let me get everyone settled, Lucas. I simply must help out.”
    He shook his head, but he smiled. “Then you can expect Garrett back in two hours.” His smile faded. “I hope you do not regret this, Amelia.”
    Her heart lurched. “Why would I regret helping those small boys? Or this beautiful child?”
    He kissed her cheek and they returned to the group. Momma was babbling on about a debut, and Amelia winced as Lucas gently led her away. Mrs. Murdock gave her a wide-eyed look as they started toward the house. “Momma is addled,” Amelia said softly. “It is rare, indeed, when she is coherent and cognizant of her surroundings.”
    “I am so sorry,” Mrs. Murdock said.
    The huge