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.

The chubby little bundle felt heavy and awkward in

of Stewart's helpless struggle

will you excuse me? I need

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

and walked over to Stewart. "Let me

"Are you sure?

a plump, well-fed little boy, and holding him

but laugh. "He's just a

Stewart

and speaking to him

nothing to calm him. Now that he was a year old, he knew exactly how to make his wishes

so hard that Maynard eventually joined the effort to

Aster wanted no one

had to take Aster and

uneasy,

out, Stewart turned to Carey. "Stay here and keep Mr. Maynard company. Don't neglect our

I'll make sure

...

still-sobbing Aster toward

inside came the sounds of

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