Free Family In The Making (Matchmakeing Babies 2) by Jo Ann Brown

as they did.
    “When were you last that untroubled?” asked Carrie softly.
    He discovered his sister’s steady gaze focused on him. “I don’t know.”
    “I thought so. A good father needs to find time with his children.”
    “I know.” He noted the high spirits Miss Oliver evoked in the children and recalled how his own father had played games with his children.
    Knowing what he did now, he was astonished that Father could have carved out the hour or two he spent with each of his children every week. Those hours were among Arthur’s most precious memories. He had forgotten in the midst of his duties, especially in the past year. Until this moment, he had not guessed what his search for the truth was costing him.
    “There is more to that young woman than meets the eye,” Miss Ivy pronounced.
    Miss Hyacinth gawked at her twin, then, recovering herself, nodded.
    Arthur hid his amusement at the older sister’s reaction to her twin speaking first. Miss Ivy usually joined a conversation after she did. Miss Hyacinth acted a bit perturbed at her sister altering the pattern.
    Gil abruptly shouted, “My baby!” He ran toward the terrace.
    Miss Oliver glanced over her shoulder, and color rose on her cheeks, tinting them a pale rose. Her gaze met Arthur’s before she lowered her eyes. She did not look in his direction as she herded the children after Gil. The little boy rushed to stand beside Carrie and gently caressed the baby’s blanket.
    “Good afternoon.” Miss Oliver’s precise, proper tone belied the high spirits she had revealed with the children. “I hope our play did not disturb your conversation.”
    “Not at all,” he assured her.
    “Miss Oliver, you are such a good nurse for these waifs,” Miss Hyacinth said with a broad smile.
    “A very good nurse.” Miss Ivy’s smile was even wider than her sister’s.
    “Thank you.” Miss Oliver seemed unduly interested in the stones of the terrace.
    Bertie was not circumspect. He wrapped one arm around Arthur’s and said, “Arthur, tell Lulu about her name.”
    What had he and Miss Oliver decided to tell the children? He could not recall. Not when thoughts of everything but the pretty nurse had vanished from his mind.
    “Patience, Bertie.” Miss Oliver put her hands on the little boy’s shoulders and said, “Children, please greet Lord Trelawney, Lady Caroline, Miss Winwood and Miss Winwood.”
    The children complied, astounding Arthur. He smiled when Bertie called him by his given name rather than his title, but replied by asking if they were ready for their tea. That brought excited chatter.
    As two benches were brought for the children, Gil pointed to the Winwood twins and giggled. “Boat!”
    “Excuse me?” asked Miss Hyacinth, her eyes narrowing.
    Before her sister could say anything, Miss Oliver answered, “The children sailed their little ships yesterday. It was an exciting day for everyone.”
    “So we heard,” Miss Hyacinth murmured.
    “So we heard,” echoed Miss Ivy.
    Arthur was surprised when the two spinsters rose. He started to set himself on his feet, but paused when he recalled his promise to remain sitting as they took their departure.
    “Thank you for the macaroons,” he said as the sisters excused themselves. “That was kind of you.”
    “Our pleasure,” Miss Hyacinth said.
    “Yes, our pleasure.” With a pat on each child’s head, Miss Ivy followed her sister into the house.
    A hearty tea was served under Baricoat’s watchful eye. The butler checked that there were enough plates and cups and saucers as the footmen carried the trays to the low table set in front of the children. A taller one was brought for the adults.
    Arthur seated his sister where she could manage both eating and holding the baby. He recalled a small wagon his mother had used after his younger sister was born. It could be wheeled anywhere, indoors and out. He wondered if it still was stored in the attic and was usable.
    He leaned on his chair as he