She took a deep breath and gazed toward the window, which had a fine view over the gentle countryside and the ornamental lake.She would have sacrificed that aspect to keep the peace with Miss Algernon, just not the connecting door to her husband’s room.
Chapter Two
Almost on April’s thought, the connecting door opened, and Piers ambled through it.“This is better,” he said with satisfaction, before his gaze fixed on April and a frown of concern twitched his brow.He came and crouched down by her side, taking both her hands.
“Are you well?”
“Just a little tired,” she said lightly.
“No more running up and down stairs all the time.No one expects it of you, and I forbid it.”
“Oh well, if the viscount forbids it...”
He smiled and dropped a kiss on her hand.“Lady Temperley let us down, leaving so few servants, but it doesn’t matter, you know.The house and grounds are lovely, and everyone is used to looking after themselves.”
“Even Miss Algernon?”
“Claudia?”he said in surprise.“Oh yes.She keeps house for her father, too.He will miss her when she marries Hale.I wonder where they will go?”
“Go?”
“Well, he cannot remain a fellow of the university once he is married, so he must find some other means of support.”
April waited for him to tell her about whatever past he had with Claudia Algernon.But he only rested his head lightly on her lap, seeming perfectly content.Because she couldn’t help it, she stroked his hair, a faint smile on her lips as the sweet, aching love flowed through her to Piers and to their child who was part of her.The tension in her abdomen had already vanished.
“Thank you for this, April.”
“There is nothing to thank me for.I am happy to meet your friends.”
The unmistakable sound of hooves and wheels on gravel penetrated April’s contentment.But when she made to rise, Piers held her to the chair.
“Sit still for a little longer.I will greet the rest of our guests.Mrs.Tilney can tell me which are the assigned rooms.”
“You might need to see if Miss Algernon has upended our plans first.”
“She won’t,” Piers said with certainty.
