Ellen was saying as she gave a last twist to the curl at my neck.A voice laughed resonantly in the doorway. Ellen and I both turned to see Leslie standing there. “Impatient, Heather?” he asked.I smiled. “A little, I confess. I haven’t seen the child since its birth, and I am curious.”Leslie smiled indulgently in return. “Well, if we don’t hurry, we shall be late and you may not have the chance.”At that, I was out of my chair and pulling on my gloves as It Ellen fastened the poke bonnet on my head. Then, my hand on his arm, Leslie led me down to the carriage. Philip was waiting beside it, and to my surprise, Mary was also ready. Her lips were pursed in disapproval. “I cannot approve your ... your help in delivering the child ... but it would not do for anyone outside the family to see it.”I smiled slightly. Mary could be trusted to preserve family unity at all costs. Which was more, I suspected, than could be said for my father. In spite of Leslie’s warning, w-e arrived well in time at the churchyard.
