She found him easily enough, not saying anything even if knowing glances were cast in her direction... Or at least that was how it felt. Pearl seemed to be just fine taking care of Jacob, a natural at motherhood and she was happy for Joe, and Ruth had asked her for advice on the dynamic between someone of wealth and a working class man, only her own role was reversed to where she was far from wealthy. Her sister in law seemed brave too, saying that it isn't about money and all about the fact that her brother was a kind soul and of like mind to her. He stayed with her knowing she was going to have to walk away from her family.

Jacob perked up when he saw the man and Ruth smiled a little, glad that he was her son regardless if her marital status. She would teach him to know the difference between right and wrong, his biggest lesson being that it wasn't his fault he was born. She wasn't going to lie to him about his parantage either, knowing that his grandfather would most likely be happy if her child was happy, but Angus would likely never be around after all was said and done.

In fact, there had been a missive waiting for her, that being tucked under one of her elbows and only opened once she sat him on the floor on her cloak and gave him a rattle.

"Miss Ruth Blacke.

To the venerable Miss Blacke. I have it in good authority that you have astounding character and decided that all of my grandchildren should be taken care of properly... All if the girls will be treated as ladies as a direct result of the things related to me about what you have accomplished.

I cannot apologize for my son's behavior because it isn't my place to get forgiveness for him. He deserves a good walloping, and I do applaud you for standing up for those who did not have voices. Your son will be passed the majority of my property as he is my only male relative besides his father... Please allow me to assist in guiding him prepared for his role, and I will defer to you any time I feel something needs to happen.

Please do use my name in the market whenever making purchases for him. I hereby give you authority to purchase the needs and desires of Jacob McLeod including housing, food, and goods.

Sincerely,
Lord (name) McLeod" and it was sealed with a signet ring.

"Jacob's grand da wants him ta be his heir... And he isn't taking me boy away ta do so..." She breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that even if he gets treated awful by some, his own family wanted him in their lives.

Looking up when the door to the library was opened Edward set his book aside to great her and Jacob. Plucking the babe out of her arms so she would have an easier time settling down to read the letter, cooing softly at the child as she read the missive. When she finished he glanced over and his lips pursed as he considered the news.

"That is rather bold of him to do as I understand such maters, I am not extensively familiar with the dealings with the nobility but I know blood matters quite a bit."

More so than in America, that was for certain though there was quite a bit of prejudice in his own country against children born out of wed-lock even if it wasn't quite so pronounced since bloodlines mattered marginally less in the land of opportunity.

"Still, that is good news yes? It means young Jacob will be well provided for in ever respect."

Obviously, the boy would always have a place at Blackwood Manor but inheriting a title and lands would ensure that the lad would almost certainly never need fret about money as long as he was taught to be at least somewhat responsible. Something that Edward would attempt to do though he was far from an expert on financial matters.

"I am happy fer that bit. I guess Jacob is his only grandson as far as we know. I impressed him with my kindness, too." She tucked the letter in a pocket to put away later." She watched him holding Jacob and smiled softly. It was good to know the nightmare was over and they could move on.

She loved the two more than she could express.

"As far as we know is certainly an unfortunate state of affairs." He breathed out with a slight frown, but Jacob was quick to get his attention, and Edward let the momentary pique pass from his features. "We move further and further from the pain of the past, into the hope of the future, and that is to our betterment." His own heart had been mired in despair that no longer held him back from looking forward to the days to come and he was beyond happy to open it again for Ruth and her babe.

She moved to sit by him. She rested her head on his shoulder as Jacob made noises. "I am glad we can move on." Her hand rubbed at the baby's back. "I am glad ye can too," she said to Edward.

Shifting, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head without removing it from it's place of rest on his shoulder. "I have you to thank for that, everyone in the manor helped but you made me remember the things that make life worth living."

"Ye reminded me that love is real. One day, Jacob's children will know the love of a good father because he was raised with love." She gave a small smile. She was worn out from all of the grief brought and could rest at long last... and with someone more deserving of her heart.

"He was going to be raised with love regardless of what I did, but I will be proud to play a hand in raising him." Their relationship was still in the early stages but he looked forward to seeing how it grew in the days, months, and years to come. Jacob let out a little yawn, clearly as tired as his mother and feeling content the boy's eyes drifted closed wrapped up in the moment.

She smiled down at Jacob and touched his head lovingly. "I would like that, Edward. Ye are already his da in his eyes, I think. He is awfully fond o' ye." She rybbed the tip of her nose gently against Edward's cheek

"I don't know that he has such thoughts but I do love the boy and I trust that will be enough for him." Certainly it seemed to be enough for the slumbering babe at present. "We should put him down in his crib if he is going to nap though." It was for the best the young lad get used to sleeping in a bed and not in someone's arms in the long term.