“I shall have a weekend party myself, and invite everyone and their families. You, of course, will have to bring her to watch the children. But while she’s here, she might see someone who looks familiar or who will spark her memory.”
For the first time in quite a while, his mother actually made sense. Louisa would not really mingle with the guests, but she’d be able to watch them. Hopefully someone would make her remember.
“Mother, I do believe you are brilliant.”
Her cheeks reddened. “You really think it will work?”
“It’s definitely worth a try.
She placed her teacup on the side table. “Oh, I can picture the party now. We shall have the lords playing horseshoe by the pond, and their wives and children will be relaxing on the hillside, sitting on blankets, of course.”
Trevor stared at her as she continued to plot out the upcoming event, but all Trevor could think about was Louisa. Was he making the right decision in having her see these people? What if something dreadful happened in her past and that wasthe reason she couldn’t remember? But more importantly, if she had a dark past, would he still want to pursue his feelings for her? After Gwen’s betrayal, he wondered if he could trust again.
Gwen had ruined his life, to be sure.
When his mother paused with her planning, he quickly stood. “I must be leaving now. I have other things needing to be done today.”
“Of course, my dear.” She stood and walked him to the door. “Give my love to the twins.”
“I shall.” He kissed her cheek then left.
His horse hadn’t been brought around, but then he expected this since he had made such a hasty departure. Instead of staying by the front steps and waiting, he chose to walk toward the stables… a place that only held bad memories. As much as he tried to tell himself remembering didn’t matter any longer, his clenching chest had other plans.
The closer to the stable he came, the more he tightened his hands into fists. This very stable. Nearly sixteen months ago his life had caved in around him. Nothing had been the same since.
As Trevor stopped in front of the stable, his memories rushed upon him as if he had stepped back in time and everything was happening all over again.
*
Trevor sat inthe nursery, holding Adam. The twins were growing so fast, and Trevor feared he wouldn’t get to spend enough time with them once they started walking—which would be very soon. Even now Trevor played with the twins more than most dukes did. Certainly more than his own father had.
Trevor’s eleven-month-old son laughed and clapped his hands. His heart swelled with love as it always did when hewas around his children. Across from him, Amanda sat on her mother’s lap as Gwen cooed to their daughter. Amanda’s eyes gleamed while watching her mother. Her cherubic face lit up.
It surprised Trevor to see Gwen showing so much love since she hadn’t displayed much affection thus far during their marriage. Then again, most arranged marriages were loveless. Even so, Trevor wanted to find love. He wanted what had been missing in his own parents’ marriage.
Gwen’s hesitant gaze met his then quickly dropped back to their daughter. She cleared her throat. “I have decided to let Mrs. Tillborne go.”
Confused, Trevor shook his head. “Why? She’s been a wonderful nursemaid for the children.”
Gwen threw him a scowl. “You are not up here as much as I, so you do not see what goes on.” She heaved a breath. “Do you not trust me in these matters?”
Trevor held his tongue for fear he’d say something irrational. Then again, his wife was the one who had the quick temper, not him. “I didn’t say that, did I?”
“You always act like you do not trust me. I’m fearful of saying anything to you anymore and seeing that judgmental look on your face.”
Holding his breath, he rubbed his forehead as it began to pound. This always happened whenever he and his wife discussed anything. “Fine. Hire another nursemaid. As long as she makes you happy.”
“Augh.” Gwen huffed and placed Amanda on the floor near some toys. “You are impossible!” She stormed out the door as if rabid dogs were nipping at her heels.
Trevor blew out an agitated sigh. He’d prefer playing with the children by himself anyway. After he and Adam joined Amanda on the floor, Trevor forgot about his irritation, and gradually his headache dissipated as well.
Time slipped by when he was with his children. They brought so much joy to his heart and to his life. He couldn’t imagine what his daily routine would be without them. Soon their beautiful eyes drooped with fatigue, which meant playtime was over. A few times he’d sat beside their cribs as they slept, content to watch them. Such angelic children. They were such a blessing.
The door opened and Mrs. Tillborne shuffled in. Her eyes red and swollen. Trevor frowned, anger building inside of him. Gwen must have delivered the bad news to her already. Sometimes his wife never thought of other’s feelings.
“I suppose it’s nap time?” he asked in hushed tones.
She nodded without meeting his eyes.
