She was smiling and looked utterly happy. He thought suddenly that this was how a woman should look, soft, gentle and tender because she had been with children.
“I am sorry about tonight,” Perdita said as she began to roll down the sleeves of her silk gown. “Will you make my apologies to the Duchess? I am afraid it is too late now to suggest they ask another guest.”
“Surely you can leave someone in charge now that the children are in bed,” the Marquis suggested.
“I would rather not, if you don’t mind,” Perdita replied. “Your sister said that Thomas had been restless all day. He is still cutting his teeth and Caro, as you can see, is a nervous child. She took to you, but apparently she was very difficult on the voyage after Ayah became ill. She clung to her mother and would not let anyon
