“We are headed for London. There is no time to waste…” His aunt spoke again, all decisiveness. “…as I’m sure you must perceive.”
He’d expected this. The duke’s servants who had been traveling with the bodies had informed him of her grace’s plans.
“I am here to escort you,” he spoke formally. He would not allow the ladies to undertake such a journey alone. Not in these circumstances. Not as long as he breathed.
And then his aunt touched his sleeve and leaned in to speak to him more privately. “We wish to arrive in a timely fashion, of course, but will stop if Sophia is overtired. A lady in her condition must endure as little discomfort from travel as possible.”
He could not help but widen his eyes at her words.
A lady in her condition?
A lady in hercondition?
Dev glanced over at Sophia. She’d not heard his aunt’s words. She merely stood, looking out at the sea, patiently waiting to move along, it seemed.
If Sophia was in a delicate condition, why then…
He could hardly bear considering…
She was so tiny. Would she bear a child easily?
Suddenly, the only emotion that even bore consideration was a tremendous fear and worry for her health. It was his child she was carrying in her very precious body. Everything in life that mattered to him was embodied in the small woman shrouded before him in black.
Sensing his stare, she glanced at him. For the first time, Dev could see clearly into her eyes, in spite of the black transparent material.
“I love you,”they seemed to say.“It’s hopeless though.”
But he would ignore the despair.
“Ladies, let me assist you into your carriage and let us get off the side of this damn cliff.”
At his words, his aunt actually chuckled. Dev took her arm and led her to the waiting carriage. As a footman opened the door, she released his arm and climbed in. He then turned toward Sophia and took her by the elbow and hand. She wore long black gloves, despite the warmth of the day. He would have kissed her hand, but the duchess watched. So instead, he tipped his head forward and inhaled her fragrance.
“My heart is yours, Sophia” was all he had time to say. But he’d needed to tell her desperately. He’d needed to give her the only thing that he could.
Oh, God, was she truly carrying his child?
Before he knew it, he’d assisted her into the carriage and closed the door.
All around them, servants cautiously crossed the ravaged road with trunks and cases filled with the duchess’ and Sophia’s belongings. Dev recognized Sophia’s lady’s maid as a footman assisted her into a different coach nearby.
It was with an abundance of caution that the long caravan of ducal vehicles rolled down the remainder of the cliffside road.
* * *
He’d toldher that his heart belonged to her, and then he’d said her name. Sophia. It always sounded like a whisper when he said it. She had his heart, but she would never have him. It was impossible now!
Sophia did not sit beside the duchess, instead choosing to ride with her back facing the horses. Peaches was on her best behavior, as though even she realized she must show respect while traveling with a duchess.
Sophia had grown to love her mother-in-law, and yet, she felt more stifled than ever. The duchess had closed the curtains covering all of the windows, casting the interior in darkness.
When one traveled with a duchess, one did not expect explanations. If she had been traveling with Rhoda, or with Emily or Cecily, they would have discussed with each other. Should we close the drapes? Do you mind if I close the drapes? A duchess simply closed them.
Sophia rested her head against the seat-back and closed her eyes.
“My heart is yours, Sophia.”
Oh, his touch, his nearness had been so brief. How could she crave him with such intensity, knowing what the two of them had done? The duchess was not two feet away from her, and all Sophia could think of was how much she desired to be caught up in his arms.
