“Why—Christina, you actually sound jealous,” he teased.
“I am not jealous!” she said curtly. “I’m thankful that your attentions have gone elsewhere.”
It didn’t take them long to arrive at the small church near Wakefield. Christina waited in the open carriage while Philip went into the church to find out if the priest was available. He came back soon and helped her down from the carriage.
“Is everything arranged?” she asked as he took Philip Junior from her again.
“Yes. It will only take a minute,” he replied, and escorted her into the small, gloomy church.
A short, ruddy man waited for them at the end of the aisle, and Philip handed the boy to him. Philip Junior didn’t cry when the water was dribbled on his forehead, but Christina gasped when she heard the clear words echoing in the dark room.
“I baptize thee—Philip Caxton, Junior.”
Philip took his son back and grasped Christina’s arm to lead her from the church. She said nothing until they were in the carriage and the driver had started back to Wakefield Manor.
“You had no right to do that, Philip!” she snapped, glowering at him.
“I had every right—I am his father,” Philip grinned.
“You are not his legal father—no vows were spoken between us. Damn it! His name is Philip Junior Wakefield, as it appears on his birth record.”
“That can be changed very easily, Christina.”
“You’d have to find the original document first. He is my son, and he will carry my name, not yours!”
“And when you marry, do you intend giving him your husband’s name?”
“I haven’t really thought about it, but if Tommy wants to adopt him, then yes he will carry his name.”
“I will not have that young fop raising my son,” Philip scowled at her.
“You will have nothing to say in the matter, Philip. Besides, Tommy will make a good father.” But she didn’t really believe her own words.
“We shall see,” Philip murmured, and they said no more as the carriage pulled up in front of Wakefield Manor.
John met them at the door, his face a mask of anger. “Where the hell have you been! I’ve been worried sick!”
“We had Philip Junior baptized, John. There was nothing to be upset about.” Christina replied. She looked quizzically at Philip, who had started laughing.
“Why didn’t you tell someone where you were going? When I came home and found both of you gone, including the baby, I thought—”
“We know what you thought, John,” she laughed. “But, as you can see, you were wrong. I’m sorry you were upset—it won’t happen again.”
Christina went upstairs to put Philip Junior down for a nap. After changing him, she closed the nursery doors so he wouldn’t be disturbed, then went into her own room to remove her bonnet. Through her open door, Christina heard Philip going into his room. His voice drifted clearly to her, causing her to stand motionless.
“What are you doing in here? Your sister would have a fit if she found you in a gentleman’s bedroom.”
“Don’t look so shocked, Philip. You must be used to entertaining ladies in your bedroom,” Estelle said sweetly. “I’ve been waiting here so I could talk to you alone. Why don’t you close the door and come over here where it’s much more comfortable.”
“That won’t be necessary—you won’t be here that long. I have no intention of being asked to leave this house simply because you wish to play games, Estelle.”
Christina didn’t want to listen to any more, but she couldn’t help herself.
“I am not playing games, Philip Caxton! I came here for an answer. Do you still love Christina? I have a right to know!”
“Love! What has love to do with it? I desired her then, just as I desire you now,” Philip said, with very little emotion in his deep voice.
“Then she doesn’t mean anything to you now?” Estelle asked.
