He looked toward her stomach.
Then back at her face.
For several seconds, he seemed uncertain.
Finally, he smiled.
"You look well."
Clara didn't answer.
Edmund approached.
Gabriel stepped slightly forward.
"That's close enough."
Edmund's expression hardened.
"Must we do this?"
Gabriel looked toward him.
"That depends on what you came to say."
The attorney climbed down from the carriage.
He was a narrow-faced man in his fifties, carrying a leather portfolio.
He introduced himself formally.
Gabriel acknowledged him.
Then looked toward Clara.
She straightened.
"Why are you here, Edmund?"
The man glanced toward Gabriel.
"I would prefer to speak privately."
Clara shook her head.
"No."
Edmund frowned.
"This concerns us."
She looked directly at him.
"It concerns my child."
The attorney shifted.
Edmund's expression hardened.
Then he sighed.
"Very well."
He stepped closer.
"Clara, you've created an unfortunate situation."
For a moment, Gabriel felt anger rise.
But Clara spoke before he could.
"I didn't create it alone."
Edmund blinked.
She continued.
"You told me you were free to marry. You asked me to trust you."
He looked toward the attorney.
"This isn't productive."
Clara's voice grew stronger.
"You told me you loved me."
Gabriel looked toward her.
For a moment, the words hurt.
He knew she'd loved Edmund once.
But hearing it aloud was different.
He forced himself to remain still.
Clara continued.
"When I learned the truth, you sent a lawyer instead of speaking to me."
Edmund's face flushed.
"I was protecting everyone involved."
She laughed bitterly.
"Everyone?"
He took a breath.
"Clara, you know my circumstances."
"I know you lied."
The words fell into the cold air.
Edmund stared.
For a moment, he seemed genuinely offended.
Then he looked toward Gabriel.
"Mr. Morrow, I assume you're aware that this child is mine."
Gabriel felt his jaw tighten.
He glanced toward Clara.
She was trembling.
He looked back at Edmund.
"I'm aware of what Clara told me."
Edmund gave a small smile.
"Then you understand why arrangements are necessary."
Gabriel stared.
"What arrangements?"
The attorney stepped forward.
He opened the portfolio.
"Mr. Vale is prepared to offer financial support and a mutually acceptable plan for the child's care."
Clara's face became pale.