At first, Stephen thought the noise was a stray animal, perhaps a cat mewling. But as he stirred from sleep, his ears caught the words mixed in with the pitiful sound.
“Mama. I can’t find it.”
After climbing from his bed, he stumbled through the dark hallway, banging his shoulder hard against the door frame as he entered Toby’s room.
Damn.
Rubbing his arm, he peered into the dimly lit space. The light which shone through the window revealed a small figure seated upright in the bed against the far wall.
“Toby, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t find my rattle,” sobbed the boy.
Stephen shook his head. What was a young lad doing still having a rattle with him when he slept?
“Do you really need the rattle?” There was a sense of pleading in his voice. If Toby did need the damn thing, where was he going to find a rattle at this ungodly hour?
“I always hold it when I can’t sleep. Mama gave it to me.”
Oh, great. It’s not just any old rattle.
“When did you have it last?” replied Stephen.
I don’t recall a rattle in his things. Please don’t let it still be at Moore Manor.
“Mrs. Granville promised that she had packed it.”
Lighting a candle, Stephen quickly retrieved Toby’s small bag. He pulled out a few items of clothing. There weren’t many. The next thing his fingers touched was a small wooden handle. As he lifted it out of the bag, a gentle tinkle echoed in the room.
“You found it!” exclaimed Toby.
Thank god.
“Here, tuck it under your blankets, so you don’t lose it,” said Stephen, handing it over.
Toby clutched the rattle tightly in his hands. He snuggled back under the covers, and Stephen came and perched on the edge of the bed. He brushed a hand over the boy’s face, wiping away the last of his tears. “You have your rattle. Now, try to get some sleep.”
He made to move off the bed, but a small hand settled over his. “Will you stay with me until I fall asleep? I am frightened of this place.”
Stephen’s cold heart stirred at the long-buried memory of being a small boy and feeling all alone in the world. Having a roof over one’s head and a full belly wasn’t the same as knowing you were protected.
Or wanted.
“Alright. Close your eyes, and I promise to stay here until you fall asleep.” Stephen shifted to the end of the bed and rested his head against the wall.
I can’t believe I am playing at parent, but anything for peace and quiet.
When the following morning came, Lord Harry Steele ambled up the stairs of the RR Coaching Company and, finding no one about, peeked in through the open door of Toby’s room. On the bed, Stephen lay beside Toby, the small boy wrapped up safely in his arms. Toby’s rattle rested between them. They were both sound asleep.
A knowing grin found its way to Harry’s lips.
He is starting to understand what being a parent is all about. Alice will be pleased.