The Forgotten Family Read Online Free Page A

become clear that his wife would never be able to carry a child full term. Her health was fragile, and she suffered from long bouts of depression. Theirs was a barren marriage, but he loved her dearly and hadn’t been able to hurt her by seeking his freedom and marrying again.
    On reaching the stables he saddled the huge stallion, knowing that he needed the challenge of controlling the fractious animal. He had been a Member of Parliament for the last eight years, and he loved the work. After the loss of the third baby, Mary had been desperately ill and they had moved out of London. He’d agreed to an adoption, hoping that, and the country air, would bring the laughter back into Mary’s life, and his own, but he had never expected her to do something this outrageous.
    It was dark when he finally returned home, dusty, spent, and not much calmer. The house was quiet as he made his way up to the nursery. He hadn’t been able to banish that distressed little face from his mind. He was deeply concerned for the child and shouldn’t have taken off like that, but he trusted Nanny to take good care of the girl. She had been his nanny and was no longer young, but he had kept her as a permanent member of his household, to live her declining years in peace and security. He knew there would be little chance of that now. He must see that she had all the help she needed.
    Opening the door quietly, he stepped into the room. The bed was empty. Concern swept through him, until a slightsnuffling sound made his gaze dart towards the corner of the room. Huddled on the floor was the tiny child, clutching something to her.
    ‘She doesn’t like the empty bed, sir.’
    He spun round at the sound of the voice behind him.
    ‘She’s used to sleeping with her three sisters.’ Nanny spoke softly. ‘I’ve put her back in bed four times, but she won’t stay there.’
    ‘What’s she holding?’
    ‘The frock she arrived in. She won’t let it out of her sight. It’s the only thing she’s got to remind her of home.’
    He controlled his temper, remaining outwardly calm. ‘Get two extra  pillows, please.’
    While he waited for those, he picked up the sleeping child, noting that her face was wet with tears. When she whimpered, he spoke gently, his deep voice seeming to soothe her. ‘All right, little one, we aren’t going to hurt you.’
    Placing her in the bed he then tucked the two pillows either side of her. Queenie immediately turned and snuggled up to one of them.
    ‘She might stay there now.’
    ‘I never thought of that, sir. Now the bed doesn’t seem so empty to her.’
    They both remained, staring down at the little girl.
    ‘What a mess!’ Albert ran a hand through his hair. ‘I’ve got to sort this out, and see that everything is done legally.’
    ‘Yes, sir, she will have to stay now.’
    He nodded grimly. ‘How is my wife, Nanny?’
    ‘Happier than I’ve seen her for a long time. She came toread her a bedtime story, then kissed her, and went away smiling.’
    ‘Mary is not strong, and the burden is going to fall on you.’ He looked down fondly at the woman who had been like a mother to him. ‘I’ll see you have more help. If it gets too much, you must let me know at once.’
    ‘Thank you, sir. If you could release Molly from her other duties, that would be appreciated. She has a nice way with children.’
    ‘I’ll arrange that.’ Closing his eyes for a brief moment, overcome with fatigue, his mind ran through the things he had to take care of. Then he opened his eyes again. ‘Poor little devil.’
    ‘Now, don’t you get upset.’ Nanny gave him a confident smile. ‘She’s only a baby and will soon forget her other family.’
    ‘I hope you’re right. But I’m going to tear Henry limb from limb!’
    Queenie watched them leave the room, and then buried her nose in the frock. I won’t forget, she raged silently. Mum and Dad didn’t want me, so I’ll forget them, but I won’t forget Ted, Harry, Jack,