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 his arms, and he had no idea how to calm him down. It was giving

struggle with Aster and couldn't help but

you excuse me? I need to check

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

concerned. "Are

a plump, well-fed little boy, and holding him for long could

but laugh. "He's just a baby.

this, Stewart

cradled the baby, gently bouncing him and speaking to him in

him. Now that he was a year old, he knew exactly how to make his wishes known. "Mama..." Aster wailed, his voice shrill

Maynard eventually

Aster wanted no one but his

it-Briony had

still uneasy, followed

"Stay here and keep Mr. Maynard company. Don't neglect our

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

...

the still-sobbing Aster toward the

and from inside came

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