Exactly fifteen minutes later, Robert entered the library to find Jeanne pacing. He couldn’t remember ever seeing her so agitated. She planted herself directly in front of him and he braced himself for… whatever she did.
“Andy told me you were going to be his papa,” she began.
“I said I would be like a papa. I can’t quite adopt him if his father is still alive.” His brow dipped and he added, “Although I’m not certain I want to find the man. I’m likely to let my fists do the talking if I ever see him again.”
She scoffed. “That man doesn’t deserve to be Andy’s father.”
“True. But I mean to see that Andy has a safe, stable home from now on.”
“You’ll be wonderful for him.”
He studied her for a moment. It seemed her words were genuine. “Thank you. I hope he comes to feel safe with me.”
“He will. But you will have to be both mother and father to him… unless you have plans to marry.”
He shook his head and stared at his hands. I once hoped she would fill that role.
“Well then, I shall have to volunteer.”
His head snapped up. “I beg your pardon?”
She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She’s quite fetching when she’s determined. He stifled a smile and listened to what she had to say.
“If you are taking on the task of being Andrew’s father, I would like to be his mother.”
“His mo—”
“No one else knows him like I do. No one else cares for him as I do. You couldn’t find anyone better for the job.”
“Of co—”
“Don’t you argue with me, Mr. Townley. You know as well as I do that what this boy needs is a woman to make sure he’s eating right, has clean and properly fitting clothes, and behaves like a gentleman.”
“But I—”
“Hear me out. Now that grandpère has found me — or rather his solicitors have — I am free to leave the Bartletts’ service and take care of him.”
“You’re going to — to leave?” She plans to take Andy away, and I won’t be able to see either of them. How will I go on?
“If I am to do a proper job of raising a child, I can’t very well be taking care of the duchess as well. Oh, you shan’t pay me. I don’t see myself as a nanny, just — a mother figure. Someone he can come to with questions. Someone who is there for him while you are seeing to the duke’s needs.”
Pay her? His heart lifted as he realized Jeanne didn’t want to take Andrew — she simply wanted to help raise him.
A picture of the three of them as a family once again formed in his mind.
She paced again, waving her arms as she spoke. Was it possible his Jeanne was nervous?
“I’ve thought about what to do with grandpère’s money. I want to use most of it to hire someone to find my brother. Even if he’s no longer living, I want to find out what happened to him. And with the rest, I thought I would find a small comfortable place to live near the Bartlett estate. I should be able to live comfortably, if I’m careful.”
Robert waited until she paused. “Are you quite finished?”
She bit her lip and nodded.
He stepped toward her. “I can’t think of a better woman to care for Andrew than you. I’m honored that you wish to help me raise him. But there is one adjustment I would like to make to your proposal.”
“A-a-adjustment?”
“I agree Andrew needs a mother as well as a father. I don’t remember my mother; she died when I was quite small. If Andrew is in need of a mother’s hand, perhaps I am, too. I need someone to provide some gentleness to my life. Someone who understands my shortcomings and is willing to take me to task when I don’t treat another person with due respect. Someone who will bring warmth and beauty to my rather drab existence.” He watched her carefully as he added, “Perhaps we could agree to a partnership.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What sort of partnership?”
He stepped even closer, and a tinge of scarlet blossomed on her cheeks, but she didn’t back away. So she’s not averse to idea. He grew bolder. “A very… close partnership. One that might require a visit to the vicar.”
She blessed him with a tremulous smile. “A legal partnership, Mr. Townley?”
“Absolutely. I believe Andrew might benefit from learning to cooperate and look after some younger children. Besides, he’d likely get lonely if he’s the only child in the house.”
Her smile widened. “Undoubtedly. Er, when would this partnership begin?”
One more step, and they were nearly abreast. Her eyes sparkled, and he knew he wanted to gaze into them for the rest of his life. “As soon as the banns can be read. If it’s agreeable to you.”
Just before their lips met, he heard her breathless, “Oh yes.”