I sat in my reading chair, holding my favorite book rereading the same sentence over and over. I could not concentrate on anything but Isabell and Simon. There was a baby being born at Hereford, and the entire house was in utter chaos. Everyone, except Simon, Isabell, Father, and Mother, sat in the parlor trying to stay awake and busy themselves while we waited on the baby to be born. Isabell’s screams echoed throughout the house for what seemed like the hundredth time since her waters were broken almost two hours ago. 

My leg bounced up and down nervously as I began to grow more worried as the time passed. Elijah appeared and took a seat in the maroon arm chair beside me with a steaming cup of tea. I accepted it graciously into my trembling hands and steadied my breaths to calm myself. Elijah placed his hands on mine and searched my eyes to help calm me. 

“Sabine, please calm down now. It is alright. The midwives and your mother are very experienced in childbirth. Your niece or nephew will be fine.” he speaks clearly and calmly, successfully claiming my frayed nerves.

I inhale deeply. “You are right. It is just taking an awfully long time.”

“I am sure everything is alright. Here, drink some tea. I had it imported from India.” He helps lift the cup to my lips and I take a deep drink.

I sigh deeply and smile up at him. “It is delicious, thank you.”

He smirks back at me. “I am at your service my lady.”

A giggle escapes my lips just as my mother and father rush into the room wearing smiles brighter than the sun. The room grows silent as we wait for our mother to speak. She runs over to the desk and quickly works on writing a letter. After she scribbles a few words on the paper she calls for our head maid Mary.

“Mary! Take this letter to post. Make sure my mother and father get in it a days time. The cost is not important. They should want to be here to meet their new great granddaughter Alyssa.” she beams.

The room erupts in squeals and laughter at the dramatic announcement. I even find myself bouncing in my seat and squealing at the news. A girl. The new Hereford Heir was a girl. I was overjoyed. I leapt from my seat ready to head for the stairs, but my father stopped me.

I pouted. “I wish to see the baby.” 

My father smiles, but shakes his head sternly at me. “You must be patient, Rose. Give your brother and his family some time to enjoy themselves before you go barreling in alright.”

I nod, finding reason in my fathers words. “I suppose I can wait a short while.”

I head back to my seat to rejoin Elijah, who was immersed in important Duke business, and wait until I can see the baby. There was no way I was going to get any sleep, so I intended to wait as long as I needed. It seems that everyone had the same idea because everyone, including my parents, took a seat somewhere in the parlor, and found something to keep busy. Eliza and Diane, who had stayed after the chaos began during dinner, took seats on the maroon couch directly across from me. They both looked between the Duke and I, and smiled cheerily before Diane told us how her courting Lord Malcolm was going.

“Lord Malcolm has been a dream. He is so kind, and he brings my favorite flowers to every visit. I am completely smitten. My mother and I are expecting a proposal soon.” she beams as she rants about their time together. “Are you ladies making any progress with your suitors?” she speaks loudly, moving her eyes to the Duke then quickly over to me.

Thankfully Eliza speaks up first. “I have made great progress with Lord Bumble. I know at first he seemed to be a bit foolish, but he is quite handsome and very smart once you sit and talk with him. He has told me..” her eyes darted to her brother before she picked up paper and dipped her pen in ink. 

She scribbles something on the paper and passes it to Diane, and she gasps dramatically before folding the paper and passing it to me. I take the paper quickly and turn my back to Elijah as I read the words ‘He told me he loved me.’ written out in Eiza’s elegant handwriting. I ball up the paper quickly and turn to her smiling. 

“This is indeed good news. Are you quite happy?” I ask her.

She smiles. “I am. I am hoping to receive a proposal soon, but I am fine if there is a little wait. Things have…progressed so fast.” She avoids her brother's glare. “And what about you?”

I try to hide a smile. “The Duke has been a great…companion these past weeks. I dare say I enjoy his company.”

“Companion? Is that all? Aren’t you hoping for a proposal?” DIane asks.

I freeze and try to show no emotion. “In due time Diane.” I speak vaguely as I place my hands on the arm rest of my chair.

The Duke coughs and moves his hand towards the table, but completely ignores his glass of scotch and grasps my hand before he intertwines our fingers. A smile creeps onto my face and when I look over he is smiling behind his ledger papers. I turn back to my friends who are giggling at our interaction.

“I think we should all pick our wedding dates now, so there are no mishaps. I wouldn’t want to miss your big days.” Diane says amusedly.

“I think that is a marvelous idea Diane. We have to plan carefully so my mother will not be overworked. She shall be very busy planning two weddings.” Eliza chimes in playfully. 

I pull my hand free from his grasp and pick up a book. “We shall see. There is still time for all of that, but please Diane tell me more of this sweet Lord Malcolm.”

Elijah sighs as he sets his papers down. “Excuse me ladies. I believe I need a moment with Samuel. Please continue your talk of romantic dealings while I am away.” 

He shoots me a quick wink before moving to the other side of the parlor. Diane and Eliza wait for him to be out of ear shot before they scoot closer, locking their eyes on me. I smile and begin to recount our frequent rides out to watch the sunset and I leave out the scandalous bits, but they squeal at every detail. Diane moves closer and smiles at me before poking me on the nose.

“You are smitten. Do not deny. We know you Sabine.” She declares before smiling knowingly at me.

“It is as clear as a summer sky. You two are in love. I never thought I would see the day.” Eliza giggles. 

“I admit I have…feelings for him, and I maybe hoping for a proposal, but I am not sure if I love him.” I admit as I lock eyes with him from across the room.

“Look at you two. If you needed to know whether you loved him or not just look. He has been away only a short while and your eyes keep finding each other. Thank my friend is love in its purest form.” Diane chimes in.

I avert my eyes and shake my head ready to protest until Simon walked into the room with his newborn daughter Alyssa snuggled into his arms. I bolt from my seat to reach him first, and he smiles at me. I look down at her and she is perfect. Her eyes open slightly as she yawns, and my heart clenches at the sight. I look up at Simon and I know he feels it too. Everyone gathers around to get a look at the new baby at Hereford, and the room is silent as we all swoon over the new addition to the family.

 I feel eyes on me and when I look up Elijah is staring at me, and there go those darn butterflies again. We lock eyes while everyone is focused on the baby, and he smiles at me before he looks at Alyssa again and his eyes are different. There is a longing there, and my heart beat increases. He wanted children, a family, and something deep inside of me hoped I would be the one to give him just that. I knew then how I felt, but I dare not admit it just yet. My eyes roamed back to my niece and in that moment I thought of nothing else, but her.