“How is the child?” he demanded sharply.
She inhaled and fought for some composure now. “Fine, I believe.”
He nodded, grinding down his jaw, and it was a long moment before he spoke, as if he had something to say that he was struggling with.
And she prayed.
But she was wrong. He merely said, “I will return in six months, I think. God keep you, Virginia.” And he bowed and turned and left.
She wanted to run after him and tell him to stay safe. But her damnable body simply would not move.
Oh, God. He would go away like this? And what if she never saw him again? What if this was the war that took his life?
Virginia ran to the window. Outside, she saw him striding toward his coach. She struggled to unlatch the panes of heavy glass and heave them open. He was already inside the carriage. Panting from the exertion, she stuck her head outside. The coach began to roll away. “Devlin! God speed,” she cried.
But she had no idea if he heard her.
LATER THAT DAY, VIRGINIAstood in a salon in Harmon House, wringing her hands nervously. Devlin’s departure had been a stunning blow—and she knew what she must do now.
Cliff entered the room, his stride long but unhurried, his manner as indolent. “Virginia? You wish to see me?” he asked with mild surprise.
She nodded, then wet her lips and said, “Could you close the doors?”
More surprise flickered in his sky-blue eyes. Cliff turned and closed the double doors. “This is very odd,” he said, moving toward her. He held out a chair. “Please.”
“I would rather stand,” she whispered, filled with desperation now.
“What is wrong?” he asked, his gaze intent and searching.
She did not avoid it. “I am with child,” she said. He started. “I am with child and I must go home to Sweet Briar, where I was born, and bear my child there.”
His expression was one of astonishment.
“You have a fleet of ships!” she cried. “Surely one of them will disembark for an American port? Please, my lord, I can pay for my fare, and I beg you to let me find a berth on that ship!”
He was clearly shocked. “Are you running away from my brother?”
She stiffened. That was not quite the case, but she had no delusions. She doubted they would ever recover what they had so briefly had. Still, her goal was not to leave her husband. She simply had to go home. Her country was at war, Sweet Briar was being threatened, and she must bear her child there, where she would not be alone.
“Virginia—” his tone became kind “—I cannot aid you in such a feat.” Clearly he had taken her silence for an affirmative.
She inhaled harshly and sat down. Then she covered her face with her hands. “I love your brother,” she whispered, not looking up. “And I always will. But it was one thing for me to bear the brunt of his obsession with the Earl of Eastleigh.” She glanced at Cliff and held his gaze. “I have begged him to give up his revenge for the sake of his child. He will not. I must think about our babe now.Our child comes first.”
Cliff was grim. “Of course I agree with you. I agree that Devlin must end his obsession—but I am doubtful that he can.”
“He can’t,” she whispered, fighting her tears. “He has made that clear. And he is gone now, gone to war against my country, maybe even against my home. I am not staying here, Cliff. If you do not help me, I will find another way, another ship. I am going home to have my child, and if the war dares come near Sweet Briar, I will defend my land, even if I must defend it against Devlin. I have no choice now.”
Cliff stared, his eyes wide and thoughtful. It was a long moment before he spoke. And when he did, he sighed. “I know you will do exactly as you have said. I would rather escort you safely to Sweet Briar than see you on some ship that founders or is attacked. I was setting sail next week for Martinique—I have acquired a sugar plantation there. I will take you home first.”
She cried out in abject relief.
“But I will not keep this a secret,” he warned.
She began to protest.
“No!” His blue eyes flashed. “You are my brother’s wife. He has every right to know where you are—especially as you are with child. I will take you to Sweet Briar, Virginia, but I will also tell Devlin what I have done.”
Virginia knew better than to argue. At least she would be escorted safely to her home. She took his large, rough hands in her own. “Thank you, Cliff. Thank you.”
