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And she left the dowager fu in silence

Chapter 21

On the iana’s departure, Phoebe made certain her sons were dressed in their best clothes to see her off in style Justin wore a pair of black serge short trousers and a linen shirt with a sailor collar, while Stephen was in a linen s sailor collar The three of theer, while Edward directed a pair of foote waiting outside

“Grandift for her, “This is for you to read on the boat” It was a book of pictures he’d drawn and painted Phoebe had stitched the pages together and helped him spell out words to accompany the illustrations “Stephen can’t draw yet,” Justin continued, “but I traced his hand on one of the pages” He paused before adding helpfully, “It’s sticky because of the strawberry jaers”

Georgiana took the gift and looked into the boy’s sweetly earnest face for a long ood-bye, child,” she said, and bent to receive Justin’s obliging peck on the cheek

Although Phoebe tried to nudge Stephen forward, he resisted and clung to her skirts She picked him up and held him on her hip “I hope your journey abroad will be wonderful, Mother”

Georgiana gave her a wry glance “Try not to paint the house pink in my absence”

Recognizing the attempt at humor as a peace overture, Phoebe smiled “I won’t”

She felt Edward’s gentle touch at her elbow “Good-bye, my dear”

Turning toward hiave him both her hands “Safe and happy travels, Edward”

Lifting her hands, he kissed the backs of theently “Don’t hesitate to call onyou need They’re anxious to be of service” He hesitated, looking sheepish “I forgot the account ledgers again”

“No need to worry,” Phoebe assured him blandly “I knew you were busy with preparations for the trip” She didn’t think it necessary toto retrieve the books herself

She took the children out to the front portico, while Edward helped Georgiana into the carriage The dowager had to have her lap blanket arranged just so The level of thecurtains had to be adjusted meticulously An eternity seemed to pass until the team of matched bays finally drew the vehicle away, its iron-riraveled drive Phoebe and Justin waved cheerfully at the departing carriage, while Stephen waggled his fingers At last, the vehicle passed a copse of trees and disappeared

Filled with elation, Phoebe lowered Stephen to the ground and spread a flurry of kisses over his face,him chortle

Justin crowded against the as the storulfed him “Why are you so happy, Mama?”

“Because noe’re free to do anything ant, with no one to complain or say we can’t” It was such a relief to have both Edward and Georgiana gone More than a relief It was glorious

“What are we going to do?” Justin asked

Phoebe so on a picnic today?”

“Oh, yes, let’s do that!” Justin enthused, and Stephen chimed in, “Mama, picnic!”

“I’ll tell Cook to pack a nice big basket for us We’ll take Nanny, and Ernestine too Now, let’s go upstairs, so you can be change out of these stiff clothes into your play suits I have an errand in town to take care of, and after that we’ll have our picnic lunch in your Papa’s topiary garden”

To her surprise, Justin wrinkled his nose and asked, “Do we have to have it there?”

“No, butdon’t you like the topiaries?”

Justin shook his head “Nanny says they used to be shaped like animals But now they all look like turnips”

“Oh, dear I suppose they’re overgrown I’ll speak to the gardener” Phoebe stood and took their hands in hers “Coun”