Rebecca

Thomas watched his wife's face crumple. She ran her fingers under her vivid blue eyes to wipe away her tears. "The poor girl, Thomas. Imagine what would have happened if you hadn't come upon them when you did."

"It makes my blood boil just thinking about it, Rebecca." Thomas leaned forward, brushed a strand of Rebecca's sleek black hair behind her ear and took hold of her hand. "Don't cry, my love. She's in the kitchen with Pavey and Lily getting cleaned and fed." He smiled and put his lips to her palm.

"What will you do with her?" Rebecca touched his cheek. "She's probably not much older than Hannah, though you said she's smaller and you said she doesn't know her true age."

"Yes, I  think she's a similar age to Hannah. I doubt she even understands what age is." Thomas shrugged. "I don't want to see her sent to the laundry; she wouldn't have the strength to lift the wet loads." He kissed Rebecca's hand again. "How would you feel, if I was to put her in the nursery to help Martha with the children? She would make a good playmate for Hannah or Julia."

"Can I meet her first?" Rebecca smiled. "I want to do the best by her; however, I don't want the children to pick up any vulgar ways. You know how these poor street urchins can be."

"Yes," Thomas chuckled as he said, "You can meet her first." He deliberated for a moment, and then said, "I was surprised by the strength and determination she showed. When I went after her on the horse, I told her I wasn't going to hurt her. She came right back at me, lifted her little chin and said, well you'll leave me alone then." Thomas chuckled again. "I couldn't help but admire her courage, especially after what had just happened to her."

"That is brave. I can't wait to meet her." Rebecca leaned forward and put her lips to her husbands. "I love the way you care about those who are less fortunate than us." She kissed him again and murmured, "I love you, Thomas Lytton. You are a good man."

He put his arms around Rebecca and pulled her onto his lap. "And you, my lovely, are a beautiful woman. My, beautiful woman." Thomas cupped her face. "I love you very much, dear heart." He'd just touched his lips to hers when someone cleared their throat. Thomas grinned and gave his head a slight shake. "Bailey?"

"I am sorry for the interruption, master. Your bath water is ready."

Rebecca giggled and rubbed her nose on Thomas'. "You are a bit smelly." She climbed from his lap to let him stand and glanced at the valet. "I wouldn't let the master see that smile if I were you, Bailey." Rebecca smirked.

"No, mistress." Bailey chortled and hung his head.

"Bailey." Thomas put a kiss on Rebecca's cheek. "Once again you've interrupted a very important meeting." He patted Bailey on the shoulder as he passed. "Your punishment is to remove and clean my boots."

"Certainly, master." Bailey continued to smile with his head hung. He was the same age as Thomas Lytton, thirty-five, and had worked for him for six years. They had met while he was working for Lord Pickering. Bailey had hated the position. Lord Pickering was an odious man who expected the world for nothing. Master Lytton's own valet, who was elderly, had taken ill and lay on his death bed. On seeing the treatment Bailey was receiving, Thomas had offered him the position.

When taking his place at Lytton House, Bailey met Lily. With the master's approval they had married two years earlier, and shared a room in the servant's quarters. Bailey loved Thomas Lytton and his family. He had often walked in on the couple sharing an affectionate moment. It had become a bit of a joke. The first time it had happened, Bailey was afraid he might have lost favour. The master had laughed and told Bailey he'd just saved the estate from ruin, because he was already running late for a meeting with the bank, and his beautiful wife was the cause. Rebecca had pouted and given Thomas a light slap on the back, telling Bailey, he certainly had saved the household from ruin, because her handsome husband had caused her to be late for an appointment with the dressmaker. From that moment, Bailey knew he'd found home.

Do you think Rebecca will say yes to letting Shay help out with the children?

Photo copyright. Alamy