Before he could say anything, the woman spoke. “Mariel, you are unwell.” She rose from her seat and strode over, kneeling before his wife.
This time Mariel didn’t try to smile. “It’s something I ate.”
He’d risen when the duchess stood, so he moved, allowing her to take his place on the settee. “That’s what she’s been saying for at least a fortnight now.”
The duchess’ gaze snapped to him before returning to Mariel.
That look froze him to the spot.
“Do you need me to ask for anything?” Lady Sommerset, who also stood, took the few steps to aid her sister.
“I do not think so.” The duchess took his wife’s hand. “Mariel, I want you to think back on the last few weeks. Have you felt uncomfortable mainly in the evening or mornings?”
“Mornings, but occasionally after our evening repast like now.” She glanced at him, clearly worried now that her sister was concerned.
“And has it always been after you have eaten?” The duchess set her hand against Mariel’s forehead.
Mariel looked to him before shaking her head.
His heart started to thunder in his chest and the need to protect her rose like a wild bear inside him. He fisted his hands to remain where he stood.
The duchess then leaned in and whispered something in Mariel’s ear.
Again his wife shook her head, but her cheeks turned rosy and she clasped the garnet about her neck.
Rising, the duchess patted Mariel’s hand, a wide smile on her face. “You are going to be just fine in about three months.”
“Three months?” The exclamation escaped before he could think about it. “Why must she suffer for so long?”
His sister-in-law smirked at him. “Because of you.”
“Me?” Whatever it was, he’d never do it again.
She nodded, then looked at her Mariel. “You’re with child. What you have is pregnancy vomiting, which usually, though not always, occurs in the morning. It should go away in about three months’ time.”
Child? He looked at his wife then dropped to one knee at her feet.
Her eyes rounded filling with unshed tears. “A baby.” She gazed unbelievingly at him. “We’re going to have a child.”
He could feel himself grinning, but he had no control over it. Grasping both her hands in his, he looked into her beautiful eyes. “All that you wished for.” His heart filled with happiness to know that he’d fulfilled her dream, even though he’d thought he couldn’t.
Before he could fully comprehend it all, Lady Sommerset dropped onto the settee and hugged Mariel.
He rose from his knee and the duke clapped him on the shoulder. “Well done, Blackmore.”
Sommerset strode for the parlor door. “I’ll alert Gibson. We need to celebrate.”
Among the hugs of her sisters, Mariel looked at him with such love in her eyes that it almost buckled his knees.
He rubbed his thigh before the duke’s hand pressed on his shoulder. “Sit, before you fall.”
He did as instructed, the wonder of becoming a father now filling him. Would it be a boy or girl? Did it matter? In his heart, he found the truth. Not at all. Either way, he’d teach her or him all about horses.
The next hour went by in a haze, his only anchor, his wife, who he eventually was seated next to. There were toasts and questions about names and education and who would tell the parents, but all he could think about was that he wanted to have his wife to himself.
Finally, everyone left, and he found himself alone with her. Taking her hand as Gibson closed the door, he silently led her back into the parlor, closing the doors behind them. Guiding her back to the settee, he sat with her, taking both her hands. “You are happy?” For some strange reason, he needed her reassurance, which made no sense.
She squeezed his hands in hers and sighed. “I am very happy. I’m also surprised.”
