I will not have them add to Vivian’s discomfort.
“I think it’s best if you leave the Marchioness and me for now.”
The maids filed out, leaving him alone with Vivian, whose face was pale as a sheet.
“I had not realized you were capable of such colorful language.” He arched an eyebrow at her, continuing to dab at her brow.
She swallowed, her eyes wide. “I did not mean to offend. I know such behavior is unbecoming.”
Thomas saw her grit her teeth and knew she was trying to keep from swearing again. “I think we can allow propriety to slide in this instance. I know few men who do not curse when they stubtheir toe, and from what my cousins have told me, this sort of thing is considerably more unpleasant.”
Vivian let out another stream of curses so vulgar that Thomas could not help but laugh. “How does someone so innocent know such filthy language?”
“My first governess had a beau who was a sailor. She would sneak him in to visit, and well, I think they assumed I could not hear their chatter.” Vivian grimaced, but whether it was from pain or the memory, Thomas could not be sure. “I did not realize that some of the words were curses until I let one slip at dinner. Father replaced the governess, but it did nothing to remove my knowledge.”
She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture. Then she doubled over as she clutched at her side, her skin turning a delicate shade of green.
“Shall I fetch something for you to be sick in?” Thomas asked, standing up.
Vivian shook her head. “I think I have embarrassed myself more than enough, Thomas, and taken up far too much of your time already. I do not want to be any more in your debt than I already am or for you to think I am a burden.”
“I am not about to leave you while you are in this much pain; I am not heartless.” Thomas gently took her hand in his. “Right now, looking after you is the most important use of my time.”
Vivian’s lip trembled, and she looked away, a tear falling down her face. Thomas’s chest twisted, and he gently wiped the tear away with his thumb. “It is all right; once the tea is here, that will help the pain.”
“I am not crying because of that… It is… it is what my courses mean.” Vivian bit her lip, looking down at her hands, which were clasped together. “I am not with child. I thought perhaps after we kissed the other night, I would be… but clearly not.”
“Why would—” Thomas began, frowning before understanding hit him and his eyes widened.
She really is that innocent.
“Did you think a kiss would be enough for you to get with child?”
“Well, yes. At least everyone kept telling me I had to kiss you so I could get you an heir and secure my future, but… Why are you laughing?” She glared at him.
“I am sorry. I should not laugh. I just… It is sweet, really.” He made an apologetic gesture toward Vivian, who glowered at him. “Child making is considerably more complex than a simple kiss, Vivian.”
“Oh.” Vivian bit her lip. “I suppose that makes sense. If it were simply about kissing, then there would be far more children in the world.”
“Indeed.” Thomas shook his head. “Child making requires significantly fewer clothes and a more… um… intimate sort of connection between those parts that make one a man and make a woman a woman.”
Vivian’s eyes widened, and Thomas felt even his ears turn red as he tried not to think about what he was saying. He decided to change the subject, or at least move away from such racy territory.
Thankfully, a maid re-entered the room, carrying a silver tray with a large teapot and a mug. Thomas took the tray from her and poured Vivian a mug.
“I would drink it while it is hot; it tastes even worse cold.” Thomas handed her the cup.
Vivian nodded and took a sip of the drink, grimacing as she did. “Ugh, this is awful.”
“Add more honey.” He handed her the pot and a spoon. “It will help.”
Vivian did as she was told and heaped several spoonfuls of honey into the tea. Thomas massaged his neck, thinking of what she had just told him.
Why is she so determined to have a child? I told her that such a thing would never happen between us.
“Because it is the only way to guarantee my freedom. If we do not have a child… well, you know, then you could annul the marriage.” Vivian’s words made Thomas realize he had spoken his thoughts aloud. “What if you meet another woman who you prefer to me? A proper lady who can be a proper wife.”
“I think you have ruined me for such a woman, Vivian. Why would I want such a woman when I can have someone who makes cursing an art form?” He smiled at her even as his insides roiled, thinking of the balding form of the viscount who had betrayed her.
