This is what he liked best, or almost the best. Talking with her, learning what she thought and how she felt, never knowing what new insight she might have. “Why are you surprised?”
She cocked her head and raised her brows, what he’d learned her sisters calledthe face. “Because I didn’t know…I mean I didn’t feel….”
Knowing he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.
She pulled her hands from his. “It’s not a laughing matter.”
He grasped her closest hand, not willing to let her go. “I apologize.”
She frowned, still not happy with him.
Maybe if he explained, she’d see the humor. “After all the time we’ve spentprocreating, as you call it, it was bound to happen, don’t you agree?”
She scrunched up her face. “Well, that’s true. We have been doing it according to the book.”
The book. The wonderful book the duchess had given her. They weren’t halfway through it, and even he’d learned a few new tidbits of information. Though learning what his wife’s favorite positions and caresses were had him completely enchanted. He cupped her face with his free hand. “My beautiful, sweet, kind, and proper Elle.”
“Perhaps not always so proper.”
At the twinkle in her eye, he chuckled. “And glad I am of that. I hope our daughter or son will have all your characteristics.”
She rested her hand against his on her cheek. “And I hope he or she has all your energy and excitement in life.”
He shook his head. “I’m not sure you’ll want that. Best talk to my mother about what it was to raise me.”
She pulled away. “Oh, we must tell your mother as soon as possible. She will be so pleased.”
That was his wife, always thinking of others. “Yes, but let us have tonight to enjoy our wonderful news.”
“I agree. We had best decide on names so we can politely turn down all suggestions.” She smirked. “You really don’t want to know what my father wished to name me.”
“Having spent more time with him of late, I’m going to guess it was Hippocrates.”
She laughed. “You are closer than you think. He wished to call me Medusa.”
He froze like one of the men who gazed upon the hideous Greek legend with snakes for hair. He tried to determine a reason why a father would want to name a child after a monster, but couldn’t fathom it.
“Father said he liked saying the word, but of course my mother was having none of such foolishness. Obviously, if it’s a girl, a name like Andromeda would be more fitting.”
“Andromeda? Why not something like Morgana?”
She widened her eyes. “Oh, my. You realize we are suggesting names like those we use for our horses.”
This time, he laughed. “I guess we aren’t very good at this.”
“No, but we will be. Let us tell everyone that we have decided on names, and we are keeping it a secret until the baby is born. People will try to guess the names and that will give us so many wonderful ideas, but it will still be our decision.”
“Lady Blackmore, you truly are the most intelligent woman I know.” He held up his hand as she opened her mouth to no doubt say her sister was. “The duchess may be the most knowledgeable, but you are the most intelligent. You are also my wife and the mother of my child and the keeper of my heart. You will always be the most everything to me.”
“Oh, Marcus.” Leaning forward, she kissed him.
Wrapping his arms around her, he returned the favor before pulling away a hairsbreadth. “I will forever be grateful for you.”
“And well you should be.” Though the words were said sternly, Mariel couldn’t keep her lips from twitching.
The little minx. Without warning, he leaned back and pulled her on top of him.
She squeaked before raising herself up as best she could, her body stiff. “Marcus.”
