“Yes, Grace. The boy is Elliot’s son.”
Grace’s hands flew up to cover her mouth as her legs buckled beneath her. “I … I cannot believe it of him.” She sucked in a breath, her face growing pale, drawn. “He would not leave a child. I know he would not. He is a good man.”
Evelyn put her hand to the lady’s elbow, offered words of comfort and helped her to her feet.
“Elliot does not know he has a son.” Ivana was overcome with the need to soothe the woman’s fears.
“He … he doesn’t know.” Grace choked on the words as she shook her head. “He doesn't know,” she repeated as she put her hand to her heart, her shoulders sagging with relief.
Ivana narrowed her gaze. “You seem pleased to discover he is ignorant of the fact.”
“Oh, I am.”
“You are not distraught to find your husband has an illegitimate child?”
“Heavens, no,” Grace said as her countenance brightened. “We all have a past. Some things are forgivable when one considers the circumstances.”
How interesting. Perhaps Leo did have the measure of these women.
“Let us leave the children to sleep in peace,” Ivana said as she gestured to the hall.
They led the way and Ivana followed, closing the bedchamber door gently behind her. They met Herr Bruhn at the bottom of the stairs.
“I thought I would leave you alone,” he said offering numerous nods. “It is too cramped up there for all of us.” He turned to Ivana. “We missed you this evening. I hope you are well.”
She offered him a warm smile. “Forgive me. I received some unexpected guests and must return to tend to their needs. Rest assured. I will be here tomorrow to read to them.”
Ivana could feel Evelyn’s curious gaze.
“Please, do not worry.” Herr Bruhn turned to the wives of the men she had stripped of their humanity. “She thinks of nothing but the children. God bless her.”
“We will come tomorrow too,” Evelyn said, casting a dubious glance at Ivana. “We would like to meet the children. We would like to bring some provisions, and a donation to help you care for their needs.”
Herr Bruhn clasped his hands to his chest. “The Lord has blessed me with three wonderful angels.” He inclined his head. “Thank you.”
Guilt flared in her chest. Ivana hated deceiving the old man. But to tell him the truth would only rouse fear in his pious heart.
“Until tomorrow,” Ivana said as she waited for the women to tie
the ribbons on their cloaks.
Herr Bruhn opened the door. “Until tomorrow.”
They walked along the street in silence before Grace stopped abruptly. “I want to take Christoph back to England.”
Ivana knew it was only a matter of time before she asked. “Of course. But I will need your husband to agree before I can even think of broaching the subject with the Bruhns.”
“He will agree,” she replied confidently.
Ivana gave a weary sigh. “There is the matter of his affliction to discuss. The boy must not know of his father’s condition. Such a task would make life difficult.”
“We will find a way to manage.”
The thought of Christoph moving hundreds of miles away caused Ivana’s heart to ache. But she could not be selfish. “Come to the castle tomorrow evening and we will speak then.” Noticing the faint flicker of apprehension, she added, “Bring your husbands along with you. I fear we all have much to discuss.”
The ladies stared at each other and then nodded.
Ivana inclined her head. “Forgive me. I am tired and must return home.”