He watched as she exited, gripping the door for balance. Going after her, he needed to ensure that she was well. It was odd for him to feel anything for a woman who was bound to Graham, but he couldn’t help the onslaught of emotion that wreaked havoc through his body.
Finding Lady Winifred in the hall with her head pressed against the wall. There was no ignoring her shaking body and tear-streaked face.
Dear God, what had he done?
“My lady, please allow me to escort you to your room.” Richard cradled her body against his, ignoring how familiar it felt to him. “I am sorry. I did not mean to be cruel.” He maneuvered them through the house, taking most of her weight.
It was midday, and most of the servants bustled about their tasks, stopping to stare at them with interest.
With her head pressed to his shoulder, she rasped out, “I expect nothing less from a Musgrave.”
He couldn’t help the chuckle that rose out of him. She was right, of course. Though Richard’s father was kind, too kind, too gentle, and too weak in his grandfather’s opinion, his grandfather, the former Duke of Richmore, was cold and heartless. His favorite sport was dangling the title in front of his grandsons like a prize that they could compete for.
Neither Richard nor Graham knew any better, but it was Graham who embraced it. He had to prove to his grandfather that he was better than Richard, though nothing he did would take the title from Richard. It was his by birth.
He reached her appointed room that was down the hall from his. Opening the door, he walked her to the bed, not caring for propriety. This woman he had never met needed him, and he would be there for her.
“Thank you. I assure you I am fine. It comes and goes. I will be well before dinner.” She sat down on the bed, and Richard knelt down in front of her, taking her hand in his.
He didn’t know why he felt so connected to her. Or where the overwhelming urge to protect her came from.
“I wish you would allow me to call the doctor.” Richard squeezed her hand, wanting to kiss it like she was his to comfort, but she wasn’t.
“There is no need. I know what ails me.” Lady Winifred released his hand, looking around the bright room.
It wasn’t the duchess’s chambers, but now Richard could admit that he would not dislike having her there. She was a lady to be cared for and worshiped. Graham was a damn fool to leave her in the country while he paraded around Town with Esther.
Richard swallowed, feeling jealous for the first time in his existence. Not once had he cared about what Graham had, not even when Esther used Richard as a pawn in a game between them.
“You are carrying Graham’s child?” he asked.
She looked away, neither confirming nor denying, but he knew by her pale demeanor and emotional state that she must be with the child. His friend Aberdeen’s wife was also with child, and he had beguiled Richard with every sordid detail.
“Your Grace, if you would excuse me. I should like to rest before dinner.” She waited for him to deny her, but he could not.
Rising, Richard looked down at her, still feeling that sense of familiarity that surely was a mistake. “I hope you will accompany me to a charity function as my guest. It is in a sennight, but I understand if you may need to stay indoors.”
“What is the function?” she asked him, standing to walk around the room.
“My friend, the Marquess of Aberdeen, and his wife have started a fundraiser for freed slaves. The musicale is to raise funds.” He watched her walk over to the window with a view of the lush gardens. The sunlight cast a glow over her that made her appear ethereal.
“I would love to attend. My aunt was married to a freedman. I know she would love to hear more about this charity.” She sat down in the rocking chair beside the window, and he watched as she started a steady flow. Back and forth. Back and forth.
Richard could barely breathe at the sight of her. At that moment, he could see a babe in her arms, the sun warming them both with its rays. Blinking away the vision, Richard cleared his throat, needing to be free of the spell she had on him. “It is settled. You will accompany me in sennight.” He walked toward the door, needing to be free of the effect she had on him. “I will allow you to rest now. Please ring for the servants if you need anything.”
He walked away, needing to breathe, wanting to be free. What was wrong with him that he would be affected by not one but two women mere months apart? They weren’t the same, yet Richard could not help but wish that his Victoria and Lady Winifred were the same woman…his goddess.
CHAPTER7
There were certain things in Winnie’s life that she could absolutely depend on; her parents’ unwavering love, her aunt’s ability to always tell her the truth, and her monthly courses. Which, by Winnie’s calculation, were late. Her courses had been a steadfast companion since she was a girl of four and ten.
It was difficult for Winnie to comprehend what exactly went wrong. She knew from her conversations with Kitty over the years that shields or withdrawing were sure methods of protecting ladies against pregnancy. Yet Winnie was confident that she was indeed with child. Finding herself thoroughly plucked was nothing compared to the realization that the father was none other than her late husband’s cousin, the Duke of Richmore. She had lived at his home for a sennight, and still she could not imagine that her handsome stranger and her dead husband’s cousin were the same person.
She stared at herself in the mirror as her maid Lucy arranged her hair into a simple bun at her nape. It would not do to draw attention to herself. Winnie was still in mourning, of course. It had only been a little over a month since Graham had perished. According to customs, she really should not be out in society at all. However, being on the arms of a duke who was also a relative at a charity event would not be frowned upon by many. It also helped that no one knew who Winnie actually was.
When Lucy finished her hair, Winnie looked in the mirror, noticing color had returned to her cheeks. The sickness that had plagued her for the past fortnight lasted from the moment she woke until midday. At first, Winnie had no inclination of what it was, then a passing jest from her Aunt Uriana one dreary afternoon brought Winnie to the realization that she was indeed with child.
She nodded once, dismissing Lucy, trying to fight the nerves that threatened to be her undoing. There was nothing for Winnie to do but to confess everything to Richard. There was no way that she could keep this from him, even if he was being a complete and total arse by evicting her and her family from Brown Manor. Not knowing what the future might hold terrified Winnie, but knowing now that she was with child—hischild—she couldn’t help but feel happy.
