Chapter NineteenEliza
As daylight faded, my carriage pulled up to Robert Troup's brownstone on the outskirts of Greenwich Village. Unseasonable warmth melted the snow, making the roads suitable for travel. A letter I'd sent ahead told Robert to expect me, baby John and his nurse Ruth.
With Ruth carrying baby John, I lifted the brass knocker and rapped on his door. Robert himself appeared. I blinked in surprise. No servants?
“Eliza! As I live and breathe! And this must be John. May I hold the little angel?” He took John from Ruth. Cradling the baby in his arms, he ushered us in.
“You received my letter, I trust?” We exchanged the customary two-cheek kiss and he led us into his parlour. A fire blazed in the hearth. A brandy bottle and two snifters stood on a table next to a chessboard.
