“No.” Sarah smoothed an auburn strand behind her ear, thoughtful. “Rose keeps asking me when the man with the sad eyes will return, but I’m not certain that he will. He must be frightfully busy,” she said diplomatically.

Violet cleared her throat. “I have some news concerning Lord Warshire.”

Sophie and Sarah both turned to the young pregnant woman, expectant.

“Several days ago, I received a polite letter from the earl asking me to call on him at Warshire Manor,” Violet continued, absently rubbing her belly. “He sent his coach and his valet, Gordon, to fetch me, and I went.”

Sophie’s chest felt unbearably tight. She trusted Reese to treat Violet with respect, but she hated to think of how painful the meeting must have been for both of them and all the sorrow that it must have dredged up. “What did Lord Warshire want?”

“To apologize on behalf of his older brother. Edmund knew the babe was his and asked that the new earl provide for both of us, if I wished.” Violet sniffled. “It was such a relief to hear him acknowledge the babe as Edmund’s. I know that the two of you believed me, but I didn’t realize how much I also needed someone from his family to know and accept that this little one is a part of them too.”

Sarah dabbed a handkerchief at the corners of her eyes. “That’s wonderful.”

The young woman nodded, saying, “But there’s more. The earl asked if he might be permitted to meet the babe and visit occasionally … as any uncle would.”

“Lord Warshire is a good man,” Sophie breathed, wondering why he’d tried to hide that side of himself for so long. Why he hadn’t even believed it existed.

Violet smiled. “When he asked what assistance he could provide, I told him that all I really wanted was my old job back after the babe is born. Warshire Manor is a strange old house with an even odder garden, but I have friends there, and it’s where I belong.”

“What did the earl say?” Sophie asked, stunned.

“He readily agreed. But he insisted on giving me an allowance in addition to my salary.”

“Who will care for your baby while you’re working?” Sarah asked, frowning. “Where will you live?”

“Lord Warshire said he should be able to provide suitable quarters for us—and that he might know someone to help with the child.” Violet shrugged. “He’s going to contact me again soon.”

Sophie blinked back tears. She’d known in her heart that Reese would do the right thing, and he hadn’t let her down.