“Not yet. It’s been over eighteen hours and there has been little progress in the birth.”
Alec sighed, moving to sit beside his father. Now that the initial hostilities and anger were aired, it was easier to focus on the true catastrophe happening within the walls of Blackstone. A marriage, as significant as that was, was nothing compared to the perpetuation of the family line.
“Pauly could be wrong, you know,” he said to his father.
Brian snorted softly, sadly. “Mayhap. But the fact that the child is nearly two months early is another strike against it. Remember last year when she bore a daughter nearly three months early? The child lived naught but a few hours.”
Alec was truly sorrowful for Rachel and for his father. All the man wanted out of life was a grandson, an heir to carry on the powerful Summerlin name.
“Is mother with her?” he asked softly.
Brian nodded dully. “Your mother has not slept since the labor began. She is nearly at her limit and Paul is only capable of wailing and carrying on like an idiot. He is asleep now, thankfully, but I have had my hands full keeping him calm.”
Alec watched his father, the man whom he most wanted to be like when he was a young boy. There was still a portion of that little boy buried deep within, the son who wanted to be a powerful knight like his father, still so desperate to please him.
“I am sorry to cause you so much unrest, Da,” he said quietly. “But I believe my marriage to Peyton will be most favorable and strong. I will make you proud of me, have no doubt.”
Brian turned to look at his son, still in his view the most powerful knight in the realm. God, how he loved him. “You have never disappointed me, Alec. You have been the cause of a good deal of insanity and torment, but you have never shamed me,” he slapped his fair-haired son gently on the cheek. “Yet you will know how displeased I am with your actions. I made it quite clear that Lady Peyton was betrothed to the Warrington boy and it was not your right to act as you did.”
The mood between them was calm and rational and Alec felt a good deal less defiant, simply the need to make his father understand his reasons. “I want her, Da. I have never wanted a woman in my life, but I want her. Is that so difficult to understand? She gives me a peace and comfort I have never known,” he lowered his gaze, studying the cracks in the floor. “I told her of Peter and as I did, I suddenly felt as if some of my pain had been eased. ’Tis difficult to describe, but it was a cleansing experience. I…. I need her. I have never needed anyone in my life as I need her.”
Brian was focused on his son, amazed at his confession. He’d never heard words of such depth come forth from his emotionless son and he was touched. “Then I am glad for you, Alec, truly,” he said quietly. “God only knows the guilt you have harbored these twelve years. If your wife helps ease your anguish, then I could ask for no greater pleasure.”
Somewhat embarrassed at his admission, even if the listener was his father, Alec gazed at the floor pensively for a moment before looking to the burly man with a sheepish grin. “But you are still angry.”
Brian raised a sharp eyebrow and growled. “Had I the strength, I would take you over my knee. You have put me in a very awkward position.”
Alec’s grin faded. “You cannot be serious about marrying Ivy to the Warrington whelp.”
“With Peyton married, Ivy is the logical substitution.”
“Have the Warrington’s already agreed to her?”
“They consented early this morning, which is why they are on their way to Blackstone to complete the contract.”
Alec crossed his massive arms thoughtfully, eyeing his father. “She is no longer a virgin. They will not want her when this becomes knowledge.”
“My God,” Brian’s face twisted as if in great pain. “I knew it. Ali would not tell me, but I suspected as much. Especially after your mother told me of Lady Ivy’s…. er, mark. Damnation!”
“Then you now know it as fact. Surely you cannot promise a compromised woman in marriage.”
Brian opened his mouth to utter a reply when there was a soft rap on the door. He and Alec turned to the door as it opened quietly and Ali poked his head in.
“Alec?” he began hesitantly. “I have brought….”
Alec waved him in. “Come in, all is well.”
The door opened wide and Ali entered, leading Peyton by the hand. Peyton, flushed and nervous, kept her gaze lowered until Alec reached out and took her from his friend.
“It’s all right, sweetheart,” he said softly. “Greet my father.”
Peyton raised her eyes uncertainly to Brian, who merely gave her a weak smile. He could see her doubt and fear and knew for a fact she was an innocent in Alec’s determined scheme. Poor naive child, he thought. Little did he realize the truth.
Brian held out his arms to his newest daughter. “Come here, love, and let me see if you taste as good as I remember,” when she responded to his embrace, he kissed her on the cheek and smacked his lips. “Indeed. Better by the day, like St. Cloven ale.”
Peyton managed an embarrassed grin as Alec pulled her into his gentle embrace. “We cannot age it too long, my lord, else it will be too strong and bitter,” she said.
“Undoubtedly.” Brian rose and went to an ornate wooden table etched in gold leaf. Upon the table were two large pitchers, and he poured amber liquid into four glasses. “I do believe that in the six months you have been managing St. Cloven, the ale has never been better. Do you not agree, Alec?”
