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?” The duchess lifted one of the trays, and Naomi rushed forward to lift the second one.
Walking out of the kitchen, Naomi hoped they’d allowed Luke and the duke enough time to settle all the matters that had needed discussing.
Including, probably, the imminent arrival of Arthur’s family. She could hardly believe it. The journey from Sussex wasn’t anoverly long one, 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 thought that he might love her, but it was too soon. Wasn’t it?
What could she possibly say to him that wouldn’t sound false or trite, especially with his family here watching?
She was more grateful than ever for the twins’ excitement as they easily filled the silence. After gushing over the ducal wedding, they proceeded to inform Luke of practically everything they’d done and seen while he’d been away—including the fact that Lady Lucinda was now engaged to be married. Lady Ravensdale had consented to sponsor them last spring, and it sounded as though both girls had thoroughly enjoyed their come outs. Lady Lydia hadn’t had the same good luck as her sister, but she appeared to be genuinely happy for her and told Luke how she looked forward to her next Season.
Come spring, Naomi would be a mother. Her baby would be here, and Lucas would be long gone, fighting for his country somewhere far away.
Blackheart had confirmed that Lord Tempest and his mother might both be traveling to Hull Crossing. Having learned 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.
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 finally 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, and soon enough, the carriage was riding off of the property, carrying Luke’s family towards the village down the road. Luke was expected to follow shortly.
When the vehicle disappeared around the corner, Luke didn’t hesitate, but walked them back into the parlor and swept her into his arms.
If Gil’s family, or even a representative of the family, was on their way here, Luke needed to return to the coaching inn. She shuddered when she thought of 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. It shouldn’t matter, and yet it did.
Naomi buried her face in his shirt. “Your sisters are delightful,” she muttered.
His chest shook with subtle laughter. “I cannot help but agree.” Then he squeezed her tighter. “I can’t believe Black married.”
“And yet the duchess seems perfect for him.”
“She does,” Luke agreed.
Naomi chuckled. “Blackheart isn’t as terrifying as I’d imagined him to be.” But then, growing serious, she leaned back and caught his gaze. “Did you tell him?”
“I will tonight. I can’t remain here long. Black will hire a local woman to come stay here. I suppose it’s best you have a companion in the house when Tempest arrives.”
