When they reached their bedchamber, Stephen closed the door behind them, then closed the door to each dressing room as well.
He began, “I realize you have only been here a brief time. But I hope you are, in general, comfortable here? After being with you in Bath, I confess I detest the thought of you raising your child in the same house as your stepmother, not to mention her nephew. I would like you to stay here. Our physician will help you through the birth itself. And my family will take care of you afterwards. Of course, I cannot insist you stay here after I leave. But my mind would be easier knowing you were here.” He looked at her closely. “What do you want to do?”
Sophie considered. “I am not eager to return to Bath either. Assuming your family is agreeable, I will stay, for now. Though I cannot promise for how long.”
He nodded. “I have already spoken with my parents, and they quite naturally assumed you would live here. I thought it best not to mention the child any earlier than necessary to avoid raising questions, but I can, if you would prefer me to break the news.”
“Let’s wait.” She bit her lip, then said, “And what about when Wesley returns one day...?”
He crossed his arms. “That is up to you, I suppose. If I don’t come back, I shan’t be here to object either way.”
She touched his sleeve. “Stop saying that. I did not mean that I... that I anticipate anything with Wesley if and when he returns. I just fear how he might react to me being here. In his house.”
“In our house,” Stephen insisted. “Don’t forget. You are my wife. You have every right to be here whether he likes it or not.”
“And if he reveals our... past?”
“Then I shall kill him. Or would, were I here.” Stephen ran a frustrated hand over his face. “God willing, he has more sense and discretion than that.”
“Do I have to tell him the child is his?”
“He may be an artist, but I think even he can count backwards and realize the truth. Unless the baby is long overdue. But hopefully Wes will keep his suspicions to himself.”
Sophie nodded. “He’ll probably be relieved you have claimed responsibility for me and the child.”
“I can’t pretend to guess how he will react. If Wesley asks, it is up to you to decide whether or not to confirm the facts. I would prefer the baby to be known as mine, for my pride’s sake, perhaps, but also for the child’s, so he or she will not be viewed as illegitimate and grow up under the shadow of scandal.”
“I agree.”
Stephen was surprised she consented so readily. “Well, good.”
She asked, “Do you have a preference about what I name the child, assuming I give birth while you are away?”
Stephen hesitated. Would it not be presumptuous of him to suggest names for her child? His brother’s child? All he knew was that he didn’t want her to name the child after Wesley. He faltered, “My... grandfather’s given name is George. But beyond that, I have no... preference.”Or rights.
Again a faint sound reached Stephen’s ears. A scuffing step. If one of the footmen was eavesdropping, so help him... He stalked to the door and jerked it open. The corridor was empty. He checked his dressing room, and taking his cue, she checked hers. No one in sight.
He sighed. “Sorry to be tense. I’m imagining things, no doubt.”
“If you are, then I am as well. Though I suppose an old house like this makes many odd noises.”
“True. Well.” He turned back to his dressing room. “I will excuse myself and allow you to change.”
He closed himself into the dressing room, rang for the valet, put up with the man’s meticulous help in folding his clothes, and washed and cleaned his teeth. All while thinking about Sophie and their conversation.
Then he knocked softly and entered the bedchamber to wait while the valet tidied up and went to dump the wash water. He was surprised to see Sophie sitting at the dressing table in her evening gown, hair down. His chest tightened, and he tried not to stare.
He swallowed. “Sorry. I thought I gave you enough time.”
“Libby is apparently running late this evening. After all, we did retire earlier than usual.”
His gaze ran over her golden hair, falling like a silky curtain around her face and shoulders.
“Your hair is beautiful,” he said, before he could stop himself. “I have never seen it down like that before. It’s lovely.”
“Thank you.” She dipped her head, clearly embarrassed. “I took it down straightway. The pins were giving me a headache tonight. Do you mind if I brush it while we wait?”
“Of course I don’t mind.”
