Anthony let out his breath slowly, a wide grin curling his lips. “By all means. Will you excuse us, puss?”
Regina jumped up and threw her arms around his neck. “Excuse you? I could clobber you! You never even let on.”
“And spoil the surprise?”
“Oh, itiswonderful, Tony,” she agreed happily. “And I can’t wait to tell Nicholas, so I’ll just run along.” She laughed here. “Before you throw me out.”
Anthony smiled fondly after her, delaying the moment he must face the music. He supposed he shouldn’t have put Roslynn on the spot like that. And her “things to discuss” had sounded too serious by far.
“I hope you’re not always going to be so high-handed?”
Roslynn’s voice could have cut through lead. Anthony spun about, offering a crooked grin.
“Never think so. I can be putty in the hands of the right woman.”
She wasn’t amused. If anything, her expression turned more frigid. “Sit down, Anthony. There are some things you’ll have to agree to before I’ll marry you.”
“Is this going to hurt?” When her eyes began to narrow, he sighed. “Very well, give me the worst of it.”
“I want a child.”
“Only one?”
Hell’s teeth, she wanted to throw something at him! Could he ever treat anything seriously?
“Actually, I would like at least three, but one will do for now,” she bit out.
“Well, this is cause for sitting down, isn’t it?” he said and joined her on the sofa. “Have you a preference for gender too? I mean, if it’s girls you want but we only have boys, I’m willing to keep on trying if you are.”
His tone might be jesting, but she had the feeling he actually meant it. “You don’t mind having children?”
“My dear girl, whatever made you think I would mind? After all, the mode of getting them has always been a favorite practice of mine.”
The blush spread clear to her roots. She glanced down at her hands, held tightly in her lap. She could feel his eyes smiling at her, amused by her embarrassment. Well, he hadn’t heard all of it yet.
Still avoiding his eyes, she said, “I’m glad you’rebeing so reasonable about it, but I have another condition you must agree to that is rather unorthodox, though related in a way. Your mistress, or mistresses, as the case may be—”
His hand on her chin stopped her, turning her face to his. “This isn’t necessary, you know,” he said gently. “A gentleman always gives up his mistresses when he marries.”
“Not always.”
“Be that as it may, in my case—”
“You should have let me finish, Anthony.” Her voice was sharp again, her little chin at a stubborn tilt. “I’m not asking you to give up anything. On the contrary. I insist you keep your mistresses.”
He sat back, shaking his head. “I’ve heard of accommodating wives, but don’t you think you’re overdoing it a touch?”
“I’m serious.”
“The devil you are.” He scowled, infuriated not only that she really seemed to be serious, but also with the suggestion itself. “If you think for one bloody minute I’ll agree to a marriage in name only—”
“No, no, you misunderstand.” She was frankly surprised at this show of anger on his part. She had thought he would be delighted with this arrangement. “How can I get a child if our marriage is in name only?”
“How indeed!” he snapped.
“Anthony.” She sighed, realizing he must be exhibiting wounded pride. He obviously expected a jealous wife, and that he wasn’t getting one was deflating. “I intend to be a wife to you in every way. It’s the least I can do, after you’ve come to my rescue, so to speak. If you’ll just listen to me for a moment.”
“My breath is bated.”
