Lucas knocked on the door, and it was swiftly opened by a slim, blond girl of sixteen or seventeen. Her apron, the flour on her hands, and delicious aromas said that she’d been baking. Kendra caught her breath as the girl’s round pretty face immediately evoked the kind face of an older woman who spoke comforting words as she bent over Kendra’s pain-racked body. “You must be Mrs. Lowell’s daughter?”

“Yes, I’m Maggie Lowell.” She glanced at Kendra’s waist. “Are you wishing to engage my mother’s services? She usually sees patients in the morning.”

“I’m not a patient now,” Kendra said, “but I once was. I’m Lady Denshire and nine years ago in December, I was brought to bed prematurely when traveling and gave birth at the Red Lion in Lower Dauntrey. I was very ill and remember little, but your mother attended me and I need to speak with her about what happened.”

The girl’s brows furrowed and she stepped aside, gesturing them to come in. “I heard about you since it isn’t often my mother treats a ladyship. She didn’t come home for several days. When she did, she said she’d feared she’d lose you, but you came through and had a fine bonnie boy.”

“Did she say anything about a little girl?” Kendra asked tensely. “I only just remembered that my son had a twin sister who was too weak to survive. I hate that I actually forgot my own child! I hope to find where she is buried so I can visit her grave.”

The girl’s expression closed. Glancing at Lucas, she said, “Is this your husband? He should know what happened because he was there.”

“I’m her cousin and friend,” Lucas explained. “I was on military service at the time so I don’t know what happened, but I offered to escort Lady Denshire on her search.”

Maggie Lowell hesitated for a long moment before coming to a decision. “It’s best you speak with my mother. She’s visiting her sister, my aunt Jane, who lives in a cottage at the far end of our property. Just a few minutes’ walk away.”

Finally Kendra would know. Lucas touched her lower back reassuringly. “Can you point us in the right direction?”

Maggie nodded and led them through the house. Several loaves of bread and savory pies were cooling on a sideboard in the kitchen. Lucas said appreciatively, “If my nose doesn’t lead me astray, you’re a fine baker, Miss Lowell.”

The girl gave a swift smile. “I’ll never make a midwife, but I’m a dab hand in the kitchen if I do say so or shouldn’t. Hold a minute and I’ll put some food and tea in this basket if you’d be good enough to carry it over, sir.”

“Of course.”