Before he left, Alan’s gaze locked on Anne’s, his sad smile joining hers in commiseration.
Once again, Anne squeezed her husband’s shoulder and hoped she gave him the strength he needed to defy his demons.
“It was even closer than first reported,” Colin said, reading further. “I lost by three votes.”
Anne had to ask, more than willing to take the burden upon her own shoulders. “It’s my fault, isn’t it? Those questions people asked when we met with them regarding whatThe Muckrakersaid about me.”
He placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “Put those thoughts from your mind. Those were a few troublemakers, most likely supporters of Jefferson. The people loved you, especially the men. If anything, yougainedvotes for me.”
Two blows in one day. Her poor dear Grump. “If you need to stew in your disappointment, I’ll understand. Just don’t avoid me entirely. I will do my best to listen.”
“Thank you, my love. I plan to throw my support behind Jefferson. Whether he accepts it is another matter.”
He pushed away from his desk and pulled her onto his lap. “Now, where were we when Alan interrupted?”
After several luscious—and heated—kisses, she pushed against his chest. “I have something to tell you, and I can’t think straight when you kiss me like that.”
His chuckle rumbled against her palm. “If it’s more bad news, can’t it wait? I’ve had my fill for one day, and my resolve for a new lease on life can only be stretched so far.”
She grinned at him. “Oh, I’m certain you’ll like this news.”
If Colin had hadto face a day like the present one before Anne stormed into his life, he wasn’t certain his belief in himself would have remained intact.
But Anne eased all his failures and made them bearable.
“Very well. I’m ready. What isthis news of yours?”
Although she had insisted he would be pleased, a solemn expression replaced her grin. His muscles tensed in warning. “Anne? You’re worrying me.”
“Itisgood news, I promise. I’m just a little frightened about it. I mean, I’ve never done this before. And what if it doesn’t turn out as you hoped? Will you be angry with me and?—”
“Anne. Your news?”
“Well, you’re so worried about failing, and in this case you succeeded.”
He tamped down his impatience and reminded himself this was Anne, who babbled when nervous. “Please tell me what I accomplished before I wither away from old age. Remember, I’m not as young as you.”
“We have been making love quite a bit. And...”
He rose so quickly, he almost dumped her from his lap onto the floor. “You’re pregnant!”
She had the audacity to pout. “You didn’t let me tell you!”
He laughed, lifted her up, and spun her around. “Are you certain? We should send for the doctor.”
She shook her head. “Not that horrid man. I want Ashton or one of the other doctors from Hope Clinic.”
With so much love filling his heart, he worried he might explode. He pulled her close, cradling her head against his chest, and vowed to do whatever he could, whatever she wanted, to keep her safe, healthy, and with him for as long as he lived. “Whatever you wish. A trip to London it is. You will need new gowns for your expanding girth. We’ll go to the finest modiste and shop to your heart’s content. How does that sound?”
With a smile that said she’d forgiven him for guessing her surprise, she kissed him. “May the girls come, too?”
“But of course. New dresses for them as well. Hell, I’ll outfit the entiretonif that makes you happy.”
“Let’s not go that far. There are some people I don’t like. Lydia Whyte for example. I still think she’s responsible forThe Muckrakeror at least has some hand in it.”
“No gowns for Lydia Whyte then. But you said you werefrightened. Is it about the birth?” He kept to himself that he, too, worried. Could her small frame withstand the ordeal?
“I understand it will hurt.”
