Briony had no choice but to accept it.

Stewart stood nearby, watching the two of them. There was a shadow of loneliness in his deep-set eyes.

Maynard had been visiting often these days. Even though he knew Briony was unwell, he never made a big show of concern. He had a knack for reading the room, always knowing when to step forward and when to hold back. Whenever Briony was with him, she smiled a little more easily.

Stewart couldn't help but feel defeated. He didn't have Maynard's social grace, never knew the right thing to say, and when he was alone with Briony, silence usually filled the space between them.

Briony invited Maynard to take a seat.

Maynard settled in comfortably beside her.

Briony looked over at Cedric Clarke. "Star had a bit to drink. He fell asleep on the couch in the den."

Cedric Clarke frowned slightly and stood up at once. "I'll go check on him."

No sooner had Cedric Clarke left than Aster suddenly burst into tears.

Little Nina called out in a panic, "Oh no, the baby's crying! Mr. Clarke, your son is crying!"

But Cedric was nowhere to be found.

So Stewart had to step in and try to soothe Aster.

Aster hadn't been weaned yet, and fussed whenever he got sleepy.

never dealt with such a tiny, squirmy baby before. The chubby little bundle felt heavy and awkward in his arms, and he had no idea how to

helpless struggle with

will you excuse me?

James and Lorna had disappeared as well. At this point, Briony was the only one left who stood a chance

and walked over to Stewart. "Let me do

looked at her, concerned. "Are

boy, and holding him for

just a baby. I

this, Stewart handed Aster

gently bouncing him and speaking to him in a soft, soothing

Even Briony's efforts did nothing to calm him. Now that he was a year old, he knew

so hard that Maynard eventually joined

Aster wanted no

nothing for it-Briony had to take Aster and

uneasy, followed after

here and keep Mr. Maynard company.

"Of course, Mr. Wentworth. I'll make sure Mr. Maynard is well looked

...

carried the still-sobbing Aster toward the

inside came the sounds

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