They were nearly to the door when Jillian paused a moment. “Are you all right?” he asked in concern.
She looked up at him, worry evident on her face. “Why do you suppose Case is coming?”
It was the question uppermost on both their minds. They had agreed to limited correspondence when they had parted last, knowing that visits would only increase the risk to Jillian. So, Case had agreed to return to London and keep up the pretense that Justin was in India, and spread word that Jillian had fled to the Continent.
Case’s return could mean a multitude of things. One, that things were all right, or two, that the importance of his getting here outweighed the risk of discovery.
“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “But whatever the reason, it will be wonderful to see him again.” He said the last to try and sway her from her concern. It appeared to work, for her face softened into a wide smile.
“Yes, it will be wonderful to see him.”
###
After they ate, Jillian curled up on the sofa in the front room, positioned so she could see out the large window overlooking the road in front. Justin watched her battle her fatigue and finally succumb, her eyelids fluttering and then closing as she fell asleep. A surge of love overpowered him as he watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
No, he had no regrets. It was hard to remember what his life was even like before she had entered it. The last year had wrought changes in them both. Gone from Jillian’s eyes was the haunted look and sadness that she had worn for so long. And he—well he had become a man of simpler means.
He broke from his thoughts and looked out the window as he heard a carriage pull up. Anticipation and a small amount of dread clenched his chest as he hurried out to greet his brother.
Case climbed down from the carriage and started forward, a broad grin on his face. Justin hugged him tightly, feeling the sting of tears at the corners of his eyelids. “It’s good to see you, little brother.”
“You look well, Justin,” he said, looking intently at him. “I’ve never seen you looking better. Where’s Jilly?”
“She’s inside.” He reached out and grasped Case’s arm before he could walk past. “I don’t want her upset, Case. Whatever you need to say, bear that in mind.”
“I understand.”
“Is there any chance that you were followed?”
Case shook his head. “Penroth was quite occupied when I left. I’ll relay my news when we get inside.”
The two walked back inside where Jillian was still sleeping on the couch. Case looked over at her and then fixed Justin with a startled expression. “You’re to be a father?”
He grinned broadly at Case and then said in a quiet voice, “Now you know why I don’t want her upset.”
Case whistled. “Well, I’ll be damned. Congratulations!” He walked over and knelt in front of Jillian. As if sensing his presence, her eyes came open and then joy spread over her face.
“Case!” She scrambled to sit up, but he put a hand out.
“No, don’t,” he said.
She stared at him, shocked by how much he had changed in the year since she’d last seen him. He looked older, less boyish, and his eyes—was it pain? Before, she would have thrown herself in his arms, but something held her back now.
“No hug?” he asked, flashing her a grin.
She laughed. “Help me up so I can do it properly.” Soon she was enfolded in his embrace, and she squeezed him tightly.
“You look beautiful, Jilly,” he said as he backed away to look at her. “Pregnancy agrees with you.”
“We’ve missed you,” she said as Justin pulled her to his side.
The pain was back in his eyes. “I’ve missed you both as well.”
“Sit, sit,” she said, gesturing down to the sofa. “I’ll go get you a drink. Are you hungry? Justin made the most delicious sandwiches for lunch.”
He chuckled. “God, it’s good to see you again, Jilly.”
Justin watched as she left the room and then turned to see Case regarding him, a peculiar expression on his face. “You really love her,” Case said.
