She lightly woke Abigail, who arranged her long robes as the little child lay asleep. The stagecoach settled in front of the house, while the footman, Peter, whom she had known much of her life, stepped up to the stagecoach.
Abigail reached across the stagecoach and squeezed Katharine’s hand.
“Courage, my dear,” she said.
Peter opened the stagecoach door and gaped in surprise when he saw the young mistress’ face.
“Lady Kat!” he exclaimed.
Katharine smiled, dazzling the man.
“Hello, Peter,” she replied.
“Welcome home,” he said, smiling as he helped her step out, followed by Abigail and the small child.
Their large trunks were placed on the gravel drive before the coachman went to take care of the horses from their journey. Peter took the trunks inside.
Katharine and Abigail stepped in the foyer and they exchanged a glance.
“I will let Lord Edward know that you are come,” Peter spoke quickly before disappearing.
“I am no different,” Katharine said. “I return home with my child, but I am no different.”
“Of course you aren’t, my dear. And they will love you as they have always done.”
Peter returned and escorted the women and child into the sitting room.
Edward was turned away from the fire and stared in awe as they entered the room.
“My own dearest, dearest girl,” he said as he opened his arms and Katharine came into them with tears in her eyes. He kissed the top of her as he held her tightly. “We have been so worried since your disappearance. I’m so glad that you are returned to us safely, Katharine.”
He held her at arms’ length, inspecting her as she brushed away her tears.
“Father, it was awful. An awful man kidnapped me. He tried to assault me but he did not succeed. This woman saved me. She is Mother Superior at the Abbey in London.”
She felt the tears on her cheeks and motioned to Abigail.
“I am in your debt, Madame,” he said as his eyes met Abigail’s.
“Please call me Abigail,” she said. She fingered her cross and smiled kindly.
“Father, she also saved…she also saved my son,” Katharine said hesitantly.
Lord Edward swung around to look into the older woman’s arms and saw the small child in them. He was sleeping, but even in the firelight the man could see the honey-colored skin and dark hair. He knew instantly that the child was Mohammed’s.
Lord Edward moved toward his grandson and caressed his small cheek.
“My grandson,” he said proudly.
He moved back to Katharine and rang a bell. Their longtime butler Mr. Horton joined them, and Edward instructed him to prepare a room for Abigail and to ready Katharine’s room. He also requested that accommodations be made for the baby in the old nursery.
Mr. Horton nodded and smiled at Katharine in a welcome.
“Please freshen yourself and the babe while my daughter and I speak privately,” Edward said. “We will dine shortly. You are very welcome here, Abigail.”
Abigail thanked him and left the two alone.
“Dearest girl,” he said as they settled together, facing each other on the leather sofa.