“She is well.” Colin allowed some seconds to pass before he added, “I have decided that she will stay in Edinfield.”
His friend blinked in puzzlement. “Edinfield in Northumberland?”
If the subject were not a grave one, Colin would have responded with something sarcastic. “Yes.”
Nathaniel’s brows furrowed in disapproval. “You have not been there in years and it is too far away.”
He had not told anyone of his intention to have his wife stay in Edinfield. The first time he spoke to anyone about it had been in the carriage with Anna the day he agreed to marry her.
“You know I do not intend to live with my wife once I have an heir,” he reminded his friend.
“Yes, but there are other places you could send her away to. Edinfield is too far away,” Nathaniel repeated passionately.
“Yes.”
Leaning forward, Nathaniel held his gaze. “Does she know of its history?”
His insides churned bitterly. “There is no reason for her to know.”
“There is if you are banishing her to that place. She should know what happened and decide if she wishes to stay in that manor.”
“Knowing will not benefit her in any way,” Colin insisted coolly. “That is all I am saying on the subject.”
He needed Anna to stay in Edinfield, and she should not know the manor’s history.
Chapter 17
I usually rise early but since I started drinking Dr. Quentin’s tea, I could sleep until noon. This is not very becoming of a duchess. I saw the torment in Colin’s eyes when he found me playing the violin. He did not stop me, but I knew he would rather I did not play. Why?
“What a full belly you have, precious,” Anna giggled as she stroked the kitten’s belly while he tried to nip her hand.
She had woken an hour ago, her body still glowing from the passions of the night before, and she was told that Colin was out riding with Nathaniel. She was eager to see him again.
Mrs. Willis walked into her bedchamber, beaming the instant she saw her. “You look very happy, Your Grace.”
“I am!” Anna giggled again.
Mrs. Willis looked warmly at her for a moment, then said, “I wanted to inform you that Dr. Quentin has arrived.”
Anna frowned. “What day is it?”
“Tuesday, Your Grace,” she supplied.
“The physician is not due to examine me for several days.” Anna tilted her head as she waited for Mrs. Willis to explain.
“He is here on His Grace’s summons,” the housekeeper said, and Anna blushed, understanding why.
She had not been hurt, but if it would put his mind to rest, then she would allow the physician to examine her. “His Grace worries too much about me,” she murmured.
“It is his duty to worry about his family, and you are his family now.”
Anna’s blush deepened and something warm enveloped her. “Send Dr. Quentin in, please.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
She felt a sting on the back of her hand, and when she looked down, she found the kitten gnawing at her hand with his tiny fangs. “Oh, you!” she giggled.
Now that she and Colin had consummated their marriage, it would only be a matter of time before she conceived. Anna hoped her first child would be a girl so she could stay with Colin longer. Better yet, she hoped she would be able to change his mind about sending her away, but she would have to understand the reason behind the decision first.
