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

waited while Miss Oliver made sure each of the toddlers had food. For once, the youngsters wore serious expressions as they watched her spoon out vegetables and fruit before she set small sandwiches in front of them. He was impressed when the children sat quietly while Miss Oliver said a quick prayer. As soon as she finished, they reached for their plates.
    Miss Oliver’s eyes widened when he gestured for her to join him and Carrie. Her hesitation before she accepted was so slight he doubted he would have noticed if he had not been watching closely. Why was she acting as skittish as a lamb when the wolf was nigh?
    He could not ask that question, so he sat gratefully when she did. Carrie began talking to Miss Oliver about the baby. Maybe he had been imagining the nurse’s hesitation.
    As Arthur served himself some of Mrs. Ford’s fish pie, Bertie’s voice rose above others. “Arthur is really a bear, you know.”
    When Carrie chuckled, the little boy looked discomposed.
    “Bertie is right,” Arthur said. “We talked about it yesterday after we returned from the shore.”
    Miss Oliver leaned forward and whispered into his sister’s ear. An odd sensation, a feeling he could not name, gripped him. It was far too easy to imagine the pretty blonde’s breath soft and fragrant while she whispered in his ear.
    He took a cup of tea from his sister. He needed to curb his imagination and remember that Miss Oliver was helping him prepare for marriage to Gwendolyn. Nothing more. He had promised to offer for his friend’s widow, and he would not let his words become a lie.
    * * *
    After wiping up the pool of milk from the children’s table, Maris wrung the cloth out over the grass. Lady Caroline had retired to the house for Joy’s afternoon nap. The baby was fussier today than usual, and Maris would not be surprised to feel the hard nub of a tooth beneath Joy’s gums.
    Lord Trelawney remained at the tea table. The children chased each other across the grass and beneath the branches of fruit trees in the orchard beyond the garden.
    “No farther!” she called to the youngsters. “Stay where you can see us.”
    “I am keeping a close eye on them,” the viscount said.
    “You must not allow them to set the boundaries, my lord.” She finished cleaning up the milk and laid the cloth on top of the low table. Straightening, she wiped her hands on her apron. “Children must know and accept the rules established by their elders.”
    He bowed his head toward her. “I leave such issues in your capable hands, Miss Oliver.”
    “Most parents use their own parents’ ways to guide them.” Sitting where she could watch the children, she added, “We learn by example, whether from a book or from life.”
    “You must have given this much thought before you decided on becoming a nurse.”
    “I have learned from the children.” She did not want to speak untruths, so she chose her words with care. “Every child is unique.”
    “So I have seen.”
    “Tomorrow we plan to have an outing along the cove. Would you like to join us?” Realizing how bold she was to ask such a question, she continued, “Of course, you may have other obligations. I wanted to let you know in case you wished to come.” She was babbling, but she could not halt herself. “The children seem more comfortable in your company each time they see you.”
    “Do you think Bertie believes I am truly a bear?”
    “I have discovered children’s imaginations are wondrous and boundless.” She smiled, glad he had not chided her for the unseemly invitation. “And I have no idea what goes on in their little heads, though I try to watch for signs of mischief brewing.”
    “Maris!” Molly’s shriek rang across the garden.
    Jumping to her feet, Maris hurried to where the little girl ran toward them, tears streaming down her face. “Are you hurt?”
    “Not me. Gil.”
    “Has he fallen down?”
    “No. He up. No down. Up.”
    Puzzled, Maris saw the other children