“What on earth are you doing here?” he asked. But then he saw the green-eyed baby in the middle of the bed. “I’ll be damned! He said he’d do it. He said he’d have you, but I thought you’d never marry him!” Paul laughed aloud, turning to look at Christina again, who was still too surprised to find words. “Where is that brother of mine? Congratulations are in order.”
“Your brother is not here, Mr. Caxton, and I did not marry him. Now if you will excuse me, I was just leaving,” she replied coldly, and crossed to the bed to pick up her baby.
“But you have his child. You mean that scoundrel wouldn’t marry you?”
“Your brother kidnapped me and held me captive for four months. He didn’t want to marry me. I gave birth to the son Philip doesn’t want, but I want him and I will raise him myself. Now if you will excuse me, I’m leaving.” She walked past him and down the stairs.
Paul stood watching her, wondering what the hell was going on. He couldn’t believe Philip didn’t want his own son. And why hadn’t he married Christina Wakefield? Had his brother gone daft?
It was obvious he wouldn’t get any answers from Christina. He would have to write to Philip.
Christina had been back at Wakefield Manor for a week when she received a letter from John. He told her that Kareen had agreed to marry him and that he would soon bring his new wife home.
Christina was overjoyed. She had grown to love Kareen and was truly happy that she would be her sister-in-law. She thought they might be home in time for Christmas. What a joyful holiday it would be!
Johnsy and Christina busied themselves redecorating her parents’ old room for John and his new bride. Christina threw herself into the work, for she needed the exercise to firm her sagging middle. She had been disappointed when she didn’t regain her figure immediately and had had to resort to wearing corsets. But she exercised constantly and hoped that she would have her shape back by the time John returned.
The time went by quickly. Christina began riding every day, which benefited both her and Johnsy. It gave Johnsy a chance to play with Philip Junior, and it let Christina get away from Tommy. He hadn’t changed since her trip to Victory. She treated him coldly, but he persisted.
Christina sensed that Tommy hated her child, although he tried to hide it. Every time she left Tommy to tend Philip Junior, he became annoyed. He insisted Johnsy could care for the baby. And it infuriated Tommy that Philip Junior began to cry every time he came near him. Christina kept them apart as much as possible.
And then, two days after Christmas, John brought Kareen home. They arrived early in the morning, and Christina was still sleeping when Johnsy rushed into her room. She had only enough time to slip into her robe before John and Kareen walked in. Christina ran to them and hugged and kissed them both.
“I’m so happy for you, and so glad that you’re finally home!” Christina exclaimed, tears of joy welling in her soft blue eyes.
“I’ll never leave Wakefield again,” John laughed, hugging Christina close to him. “I can assure you of that. But where’s that nephew of mine?”
“Right in ’ere, Master John,” Johnsy answered proudly, opening the door between the two rooms.
Philip Junior was wide awake, a foot in each hand, when they all gathered around the bassinet.
“Oh, he’s beautiful, Christina, absolutely adorable!” Kareen exclaimed. “Can I hold him—would you mind?”
“Of course you may—Philip Junior loves to be cuddled,” Christina answered.
“Philip Junior?” John lifted an eyebrow. “I had thought you would name him after our father, or his own father.”
“The name just struck my fancy. I couldn’t see calling an Englishman Abu.”
“Nor could I,” John laughed. He grasped Philip Junior’s little hand as he lay in Kareen’s arms. “He’s as strong as an ox. But where did he get those unusual eyes, Crissy? We have no green eyes in our family, and I’ve never seen an Arab with eyes like that.”
“You ask such ludicrous questions, John. How would I know?”
He started to say more, but stopped when he caught Kareen’s disapproving look.
“It’s time for this little one to be fed. You get yourself out of ’ere, Master John,” Johnsy chuckled.
John actually blushed at the thought of his sister’s putting the baby to her breast. “Come downstairs when you’re through, Crissy. Estelle is with us, and we can all have breakfast together.”
Christina was glad to hear that Estelle had come with them. Estelle was a beautiful girl, and perhaps Tommy would be attracted to her.
Awhile later, Christina put Philip Junior down for a nap and joined the others in the dining room.
“It’s so good to see you again, Estelle,” Christina said, embracing the other girl. “I hope you intend to stay with us. We have more than enough room in this big house.”
“For a while, but then I must visit my parents.”
“Did you enjoy your journey?” Christina asked.
