However, the excuse did land them in a spot of good luck, forover therestood Delilah and the unlikely man who had become her husband—the Duke of Ravensworth.
Delilah, a duchess…
Amelia as a duchess aligned with what he only expected of his eldest daughter, but Delilah…
Francis gave his head the subtle shake he always did at the unlikely outcome.
*
From the cornerof his eye, Sebastian noticed Delilah’s parents approaching. But it was Delilah who needed him at this moment. She was a bit of a thoroughbred, his wife—always requiring some shushing and soothing before a performance. “All is under control,” he said. “Would I have it any other way?”
For the dozenth time in as many minutes, she dug her watch from her dress pocket, which was no simple negotiation given that she was presently eight months gone with child. He only just refrained from rubbing his hand across the tight drum of her belly. It wouldn’t be appreciated in this moment. But really, their first child was nearly here. Familiar twin feelings of joy and anxiety streaked through him.
Having checked the time, Delilah settled. “You’re correct, of course.”
“Now, Ravensworth,” said his mother-in-law by way of greeting. “What would you say was the primary influence for this amphitheater? More Roman? Or Elizabethan?”
Sebastian smiled. The Countess wasn’t one to be fobbed off with a shallow answer. That in mind, he said, “You’ll have to ask the architect, who is two rows down.” He pointed toward said gentleman. “Would you like an introduction?”
*
Delilah saw heropportunity to duck out and seized it. Her parents could keep a conversation about ancient structures going until the wee hours of the morning—and she had other fish to fry. Like the fact that she was to take to the stage in fewer than fifteen minutes.
She made her way along the periphery of the seating, and her nerves began to fall away when she joined the other actors and crew. It was an atmosphere that ever enlivened her—even at eight months along with child. If she were being dead honest, she might prefer to be lounging on a cushy settee, feet propped atop an ottoman. But then she would missthis—the energy and chaos in the moments leading up to a performance.
And she wouldn’t miss it for anything.
One happy coincidence about her swollen belly was that it provided a convenient shelf for reading material. She utilized it now as she ran through lines with the talented young actress who would be playing her daughter, Uathach.
“Has anyone in the history of pregnant women ever been as pregnant as I?” she asked, not expecting anyone to answer.
“Me,” came a voice behind her.
She turned and found Juliet approaching, one arm linked with Valentina, who said, “And me.”
It was true. Juliet and Valentina’s bellies might have rivaled even hers. They were, indeed, three of the most pregnant women to ever walk the face of the earth.
Amelia, ever her busy self, approached, paintbrush in hand which she’d been using to touch up the backdrops. “Well, Amelia,” said Delilah, “at least for once you find yourself without child.”
A smile twitched about one corner of Amelia’s mouth. The particular secret smile she’d developed since meeting Ripon.
“Amelia…” began Delilah, a feeling about the root of her sister’s secret smile quickly gaining momentum.
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m without child,” she said, rubbing her palm across her subtly rounded stomach.
“No!” gasped Delilah.
Amelia’s smile broadened, not so secret anymore. “Oh, yes.”
Juliet laughed, and Valentina reached out and squeezed Amelia’s hand in congratulation.
“Your third child in four years, Amelia,” said Delilah. “Are you trying to set a breeding record? You always were competitive.”
“I happen to enjoy babies,” said Amelia, simply, and no one could refute the honesty.
“How many children do you plan on having?” asked Valentina.
Amelia opened her mouth to answer, but it was Ripon who stepped forward and answered. “When we have enough to field a cricket team.”
