“Why don’t you go and visit your sister?” he suggested. “I’ve many more men to see. I’ll find you later.”
She pulled back, but he let his hands trail down her neck. “We’re staying with my parents,” she told him. “Now that the house is rebuilt, there will be rooms enough for us.”
“Or we could stay with your sister and Worthingstone.” He didn’t relish confronting her family after the elopement. Even with his title, there would be repercussions from their actions. The idea of sleeping under the same roof was not a welcome one. But neither could they dwell with Bridget. His mother lived in a one-room house, which was even worse.
“I’ve already spoken with my mother,” Juliette said. “She knows of your title. That will help.”
“And your father?”
She sent him a rueful smile. “That may take some time.”
And well he knew it. Paul led her to the door, wiping his hands on a handkerchief. “I’ll be late, so don’t be waiting on me.”
“Would you rather I stayed with you to help?” Though he could see that she was serious, he doubted she’d have the stomach for what he had to do.
“No. I’d rather join you when it’s done.”
“Then I’ll wait.” She reached out and touched his cheek. He touched her hand, wishing he could hold on to this moment. And when she was gone, his mother returned.
A softness edged the corners of Bridget’s mouth. “I ne’er thought I’d see the day when ye’d wed the likes of Juliette Andrews. I’m happy for ye, lad.”
“Why did you never tell me what happened to her?”
Bridget sobered, her gaze fixed upon Juliette until she was out of earshot. “It was her secret to tell, no’ for me to say.” His mother led him away and added, “I’m glad she’s wedded to ye, Paul. Ye’ll be the one to give her the love she needs. Perhaps a child one day.”
He said nothing, uncertain of how much Bridget knew. “No. There willna be children for us.”
“It could happen, lad,” Bridget said. “Och, there’s time yet. It’s only been a few weeks since ye wed her.”
Nearly a month, but he didn’t correct her. She led him inside the next house, and he let himself fall into the familiar routine of treating wounds. It was kinder to agree with his mother than to make her aware that there would never be any grandchildren.
She’d barely seen her husband in three days. Though Juliette had spent the time visiting with her family, Paul had immersed himself in caring for the wounded crofters. On the occasions when she brought him a basket of food, he’d wolfed it down, kissed her, and gone back to his work.
Her father hadn’t spoken a word, pretending the marriage didn’t exist. Her mother had smiled brightly and chattered on, asking questions about London and Aunt Charlotte. But beneath it all, she sensed the tension between her parents.
Henry Andrews kept to himself, offering little in the way of conversation. But sometimes Juliette caught him sneaking glances at her mother. He seemed bewildered, as if he didn’t know her anymore. And Beatrice seemed on edge herself, hardly speaking to him.
For that reason, Juliette had decided to pay her older sister a visit this morning. She hoped Victoria could shed light on what was happening between their parents.
When she reached the duchess’s house, her sister was blossoming in the glow of pregnancy. Juliette smiled as Victoria embraced her, laughing as she turned. “Soon, I’ll have to hug you sideways. I’m getting larger every day.”
“You’re not at all,” Juliette said. Her sister had a thickened waist with a slight bump, but certainly she wasn’t large. “Are you feeling all right?”
“It’s wonderful,” Victoria answered, a softness stealing over her face. “Sometimes when I lie down at night, I feel the baby move inside. You can’t imagine what that’s like.”
A tightness closed up in Juliette’s throat. Yes, she knew exactly what it was like. “Do you know when the baby will be born?”
“I think in November,” Victoria said. She bade Juliette to sit down beside her. “And what of you? Are you enjoying your married life?” There was enough of a blush on her sister’s cheeks to know that she was referring to the most recent letters she’d sent, filled with advice.
Juliette nodded. “Paul is a good husband.”
“I know Amelia was quite disappointed not to see the pair of you wed. She told me so in her letter. But we’re all happy for you.” Victoria reached out and rubbed her swollen middle. “Perhaps you’ll have a child next year as well.”
“No,” Juliette answered automatically. “That is… I don’t think so.”
Her sister glanced over at her. “It only takes once, Juliette. When was the last time you had your monthly?”
Exasperated, she shook her head. “I’m not going to have a child.” The one time she had made love with Paul, he had not finished within her. And since then, they had been careful not to risk it again.
