Because Naomi was the reason he hadn’t made it home.
But her mind was spinning with what she’d already learned. She hadn’t considered that her child might be an anticipated heir, nor could she dismiss the announcement that Luke’s orders had come. She’d known Luke was going to have to leave but it was becoming all too real…
Fear slid down her spine. He was going to leave the country. He was going to put himself back in the line of fire. Even if he went through with his plans to sell out, he must first fulfill his present duties. It was the quality of man that he was. His honor would require it.
“Shall we?” Mrs. Cromwell lifted one of the trays and Naomi rushed forward to lift the second one.
Walking out of the kitchen, Naomi hoped they’d allowed Blackheart and Luke enough time to settle all the matters that had needed discussing.
Arthur’s family was coming here? Crescent Park, however, sat mostly empty. but she had difficulty imagining his mother and brother going out of their way to come to her assistance.
The possibility that her child could become the heir to the Tempest Earldom had her wanting to cover her belly and hide from the world.
Where would that leave her? She drew on all the training she’d had as her mother’s daughter and lifted her chin as they entered the parlor, which suddenly seemed much smaller than it had before.
Both Luke and Blackheart rose but it was Luke who crossed the room to take the tray from her hands and lower it to a table. He met and held her gaze briefly while doing so. If an expression could hold a thousand words, he somehow managed just that.
I’m sorry we were interrupted.
I’m sorry you had to meet my family this way.
You look beautiful.
I want to be inside of you again.
I’m going to have to leave you.
Naomi merely nodded and turned to pour the first cup with shaking hands. She would imagine that he loved her, but it was too soon. Wasn’t it?
She was more grateful than ever for his sister’s excitement to inform Luke of practically everything they’d done or seen while he’d been away. And most exciting of all was that the duke had given his permission for them to make their come outs that spring. Lady Ravensdale had consented to sponsor them.
While lying in bed, holding one another in the dark of the night, Luke had explained that his next mission would take six months to a year. The duration depended on how quickly he could achieve his objectives.
Come spring, Naomi would be a mother. Her baby would be here. How was it possible for a person to feel so many emotions at the same time? She required all of her dignity to maintain her poise until the duke indicated that he and Luke had business to attend to in the village. He would send a carriage later this afternoon if she would be so kind as to dine with all of them in the private dining room at the inn?
She nodded and somehow made the appropriate responses until the carriage rode off of the property. Luke was expected to follow shortly.
Blackheart had confirmed that Lord Tempest and his mother might both be traveling to Hull Crossing. Learning of Arthur’s death, they’d suddenly located their interest in his wife and the child she was carrying. She wasn’t sure if she ought to be grateful or offended.
When the carriage disappeared around the corner, Luke didn’t hesitate, but walked them back into the parlor and swept her into his arms.
If Lord Tempest was sending someone here, or possibly traveling himself with his mother, Luke needed to return to the coaching inn. She shuddered when she comprehended the repercussions if they discovered she’d been with Luke, alone.
Good lord. They could not know the truth of what she’d been up to.
She buried her face in his shirt. “Your sisters are delightful,” she muttered.
His chest shook with subtle laughter. “I cannot help but agree.” And then he squeezed her tighter.
“And Blackheart isn’t as terrifying as I’d imagined him to be.” She leaned back and caught his gaze. “Did you tell him?”
“I will tonight. I can’t remain here long. Mrs. Cromwell is coming back once she’s collected her belongings from the posting inn. It’s best you have a companion in the house when Tempest arrives.”
“Ester will return soon.” It was disconcerting that the duke, a person she hardly knew, would be so managing in regards to her circumstances.
“He’s also sending a groom for your stable. Ester is a capable housekeeper and maid but can provide little protection otherwise.”
“I don’t need—”
