Cora seemed visibly delighted when Lillian returned him safely to her arms.
‘Thank you for taking care of him.’
Lillian bobbed a curtsey and returned to her station by the wall, occasionally stealing a glance at the fortunate child. He sat contentedly in his mother’s lap for a quarter of an hour as the ladies continued chatting over him before beginning to fret. She recognised the tell-tale signs of hunger and wondered whether Cora would excuse herself. Instead, the mother caught her eye and summoned her again.
‘Please ask Emily to come.’
Lillian rushed outside and beckoned Emily to follow. The maid reluctantly placed her knitting down on the wicker seat and sighed.
‘I knew he wouldn’t last,’ the girl said with resignation and followed Lillian in.
‘Emily, Alexander is hungry.’ Cora h
