The thought of sharing this victory with her husband made her glow with anticipation, and beneath that, the secret knowledge of what she might be carrying made everything seem bright with possibility.
If I am pregnant, our child will have a mother who stands up for what’s right. A mother who isn’t afraid to use her position to help others.
The carriage pulled up in front of their townhouse, and Sybil practically floated up the front steps. She found Hugo in his study, reviewing correspondence with his steward.
“How did the committee meeting go?” he asked, looking up with a smile that faded when he saw her expression. “What happened? You look…”
“Triumphant?”
“That’s one word for it. What did you do?”
So she told him. Everything, from Lady Hartwell’s snide implications to her own firm response. Hugo listened without interruption, his expression growing more approving with each detail.
“And then she left in a huff,” Sybil finished, “and Lady Worthington said I was magnificent.”
“You were magnificent,” Hugo said, rising from his chair to cross to her. “Absolutely magnificent. That’s exactly how a duchess should handle such situations.”
“You’re not concerned that I was too confrontational? Too direct?”
“I’m concerned that you might doubt yourself after such a perfect display of authority.” Hugo’s hands came up to frame her face. “Sybil, you stood up for yourself, for the project, and for the children you’re trying to help. You used your position exactly as it should be used. I couldn’t be prouder.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“For giving me the position that allowed me to stand up to her. For supporting my work. For believing in me.”
For giving me a life where I can be more than I ever dreamed possible.
Hugo’s thumb traced her cheek with devastating gentleness. “You gave yourself the strength to stand up to her. I just gave you the title to make it official.”
The title, yes. But also so much more. Love, partnership, the possibility of family.
Her hand drifted unconsciously to her stomach again, and this time, Hugo noticed.
“Are you feeling well? You’ve been touching your stomach rather frequently today.”
Now. Should I tell him now?
But even as the words formed, caution held her tongue. Too early. Too uncertain. Too precious to risk disappointment.
“Just excited, I think. About the fundraiser, about everything we’re building together.”
Everything we might be building together.
“Good,” Hugo said, pulling her closer. “Because this is just the beginning. You’re going to change things, Sybil. Make a real difference in the world.”
We’re going to change things. Together.
And as Hugo kissed her in the afternoon sunlight streaming through his study windows, Sybil allowed herself to believe that their future was as bright as it seemed.
Their future. And possibly their child’s future too.
Chapter Thirty-One
The sharp cramp that seized Sybil’s lower abdomen as she fastened her emerald earrings felt like a dagger through her heart.
No. Please, not tonight.
