A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason

Author:Susan Anne Mason
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027200
ISBN: 9781493428298
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2020-09-11T00:00:00+00:00

23

After bidding Darius good-bye, Olivia parked the carriage by the porch and lifted the baby out, still oddly flustered by their conversation. For the sake of her sanity, she needed to put the man out of her mind. Because too much time around Darius Reed made her heart long for what it could never have.

As she headed up the stairs, the clang of the gate echoed behind her. Olivia turned to see the midwife barreling up the walkway.

“Hello, Mrs. Dinglemire. Did someone call you?”

“Yes indeed.” The stout woman huffed as she passed Olivia on the stairs. “I believe Miss Margaret’s time is upon us.”

“Already?” Nerves jumped in Olivia’s stomach at the sudden recollection of Mary’s struggles. Margaret must be so scared after learning the other woman’s fate.

She entered the house behind the midwife, the baby on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry about me, Miss Rosetti. I know the way.”

Abigail let out a frustrated cry that echoed through the hall. The poor love was obviously hungry. Olivia had kept her out too long, thanks to Darius Reed and his charms. She headed back to the kitchen, where Mrs. Neale had several large pots steaming on the stove.

The cook looked up with a smile. “Does this wee girl need a bottle?”

“She does indeed. If you’re busy, I can heat it up myself.”

“Nonsense. I’ll have it ready in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. You go and relax in the parlor. I’ll bring it in to you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Neale.” Olivia took the baby into the front room and sat with her in the rocker. The motion would soothe her until the bottle was ready.

Ruth poked her head into the room. “I’ll be upstairs with Mrs. Dinglemire. I want to be close by in case she needs assistance.”

Olivia nodded. “If you need me, just call. Abigail will be ready for her nap after she eats.” But she secretly hoped that her help wouldn’t be needed. The memories of Mary’s struggles were still too fresh in her mind.

“I will. I also want to reassure the other women and make certain they know everything is under control.”

“Good idea. And please tell Margaret I’ll be praying for her.”

Minutes later, Mrs. Neale arrived with the warmed bottle, and Olivia gave in to the pleasure of feeding the little darling. She cherished these quiet moments. Providing Abigail with nourishment, love, and security gave Olivia a great sense of peace. Even waking with her in the middle of the night was no hardship, for it was in those rare moments of tranquility that Olivia felt certain Abigail was a gift from God. A consolation of sorts for the loss of her son. Not that anything could ever make up for that.

Olivia looked forward to hearing from Dr. Henshaw as to whether or not they’d found any of Mary’s relatives. If no one came forward to claim the baby, she would tell him that Abigail could remain at Bennington Place until Olivia could determine what steps were required to make the girl legally hers.

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