"She's been quite tired today, milady," Nanny Roberts said quietly. She gently placed Lily in to Isobel's waiting arms, then stepped back to smile down at the pair. "It must be because she is growing."

Isobel's eyes never left the tiny girl in her arms. "I do hope so….she's still quite small for her age."

"I'm sure she'll be just fine, milady."

"Yes, I'm sure," Isobel replied quietly, tightening her hold on the sleeping girl. "Thank you, Nanny."

"Of course. Is there anything more…?"

"No…do enjoy your evening," Isobel said, looking up to smile at the young girl.

They had come to an arrangement that allowed Isobel and Dickie more time with Lily…Isobel still yearning for the chance to raise Lily as she had Matthew. So every afternoon, Lily was brought down to spend time with the family until dinner was served. While it was only a few short hours, it was the time Isobel treasured the most during the day. Lily was the one distraction from reality that Isobel desperately needed to keep her spirits up.

"Very good, milady." Nanny Roberts walked out of the drawing room, passing Lord Merton on her way.

"Ah, Nanny. How is Miss Lily this afternoon?"

"I think it will be a very easy afternoon for you….she has slept most of the day away," Nanny replied.

"Ah, it must be all that activity from yesterday's outing," he replied with a smile. "Thank you for bringing her down."

"Of course, milord. I think she looks forward to spending time with Lady Merton and yourself."

"I do hope so," Lord Merton answered, nodding to Nanny before entering the drawing room.

He smiled at the sight in front of him…Isobel gently rocking the young girl who was sound asleep in her arms. So focused was she on Lily, Isobel did not even hear her husband enter the room…nor realize his presence standing beside her.

"Good afternoon my dear," he said softly, leaning down to place a kiss on her cheek.

Isobel jumped slightly but smiled up at her husband. "Dickie, I hadn't realized you were here."

"I'd say you are quite enthralled with our little charge," he said with a chuckle, taking a seat next to her.

"Yes, I must say that I am. I do worry that she is so small…but Nanny said she must be growing for how much she has been sleeping recently."

"Mm…and Dr. Clarkson thinks she is making good progress. He said so yesterday…remember?"

"Mmhm…."

He had to laugh at how quickly her attention moved back to Lily. She was truly captivated by the little girl, and he had to wonder whether or not Miss Lily would ever leave Cavenham Park.

"I've spoken to Mr. Hanson, and he believes that the school house renovations can begin next week."

Isobel's eyes tore away from the baby to look directly at Dickie. "Truly? Oh, how wonderful!"

He nodded. "As long as the weather holds, he believes they will have the structure finished in less than two weeks."

"That is such good news! Has Mrs. Ingle finished putting together the group of boys that will help?"

"Yes…she even said they've been practicing nailing on some old pieces of wood together in back of the orphanage."

"They are so motivated…" Isobel replied with a smile. "I do wish I could visit them more."

He put his arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her close to his side. "Hopefully, if this medication continues to help you feel more like yourself, we can make arrangements for a visit."

"Thank you," she whispered softly.

Dickie smiled and leaned down, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "And you are feeling better, hm?"

She nodded, breaking from his intense gaze to look down at Lily. "Much better….so much so that I find no use for the cane any longer."

"Isobel…."

Her mouth quickly pressed in to a thin line. "Dickie, you know…."

He put a finger over her lips and shook his head no. "It is for the best."

Isobel didn't often pout, but she would use whatever resources she had when she needed them. "Please, Dickie…"

He chuckled but still shook his head. "My dear, I must insist on this…it is for your protection. I couldn't bear if you fell and hurt yourself."

She huffed and turned back to look at the baby. "Ridiculous," she whispered.

"You've done very well with it…and no one has been the wiser."

"Violet is coming to dinner this weekend…she will be the wiser," Isobel countered, shifting a bit so that Lily sat a bit higher in her arms. While the little girl was small, a sleeping baby did get quite heavy to hold.

"Why don't I have a go…I can have Mead bring the pram, and we could go for a walk if you like," he said, standing to gather the sleeping girl from Isobel.

Leaning down, he kissed Isobel when he saw her lips were still set in a pout.

"Come now, my dear…what must be, will be. It won't do to fret over it," he said quietly.

With a heavy sigh, Isobel finally relented. "All right…you win…but it will not stop me from continuing to try."

"I don't doubt it, my dear," he replied, reaching down a hand to help her up.

She took his arm as they slowly made their way to the front hall. While she may hate having to use a cane, one thing she would never hate was holding fast to Dickie's arm.