Determined to prepare herself for whatever that move might be, Samantha had fastened her daggers to her thighs when she’d dressed for this evening’s event. She’d also tucked her small pistol into her reticule and slipped lethal hairpins into her coiffure.
If anyone threatened her in any way, she’d be ready to act.
They reached the refreshment table and Adrian snatched up a plate. The look he directed toward her was teasing, no hint of the weighty concern she’d witnessed moments before. “I don’t suppose you were lured here by the cucumber sandwiches?”
She fixed him with an unamused stare. “I’ll have one strawberry tart, three of the little iced cakes, and a shortbread biscuit please.”
Adrian’s lips twitched but he refrained from laughing. “Of course.”
The plate containing the treats she’d ordered was handed to her at the same time as Viscountess Ottersburg and the Countess of Glendale arrived. They greeted Samantha and Adrian, their attention briefly straying to Samantha’s full plate. A hint of humor stole across both of their faces before their attention swept over Samantha’s belly. Broad smiles followed.
“I wasn’t aware that you’re expecting,” Lady Ottersburg said. “Congratulations to you both.”
Adrian and Samantha barely managed to thank her before Lady Glendale asked, “When are you due?”
Samantha took a deep breath. Had she not just had this conversation with Lady Moorland? It seemed she might have to have it several more times before the evening was done. “End of June.”
“How marvelous,” both ladies exclaimed before Lady Ottersburg added, “The weather will by warming up by then with the onset of summer. Such a pleasant time of year for a new arrival, though London can be a bit tedious regardless of when one is here. Do you plan to remain in Town for the birth or remove yourself to the country? Personally I’d want to be near a decent hospital though the countryside does have its merits. For one thing, there’s far more peace to be found there than here where you’ll likely be overrun by a hoard of busybodies.”
The woman finally quit talking, only to stare at Samantha as though expecting an answer. Samantha stared right back, unable to recall what her question had been.
Adrian, bless him, cleared his throat, drawing attention away from Samantha though it was she who held his complete attention when he said, “I’ve just spotted Marsdale. If you’ve no objection, I’d like to go greet him.”
Samantha was sure the answering look she gave him must have been owlish as she responded with a strained, “Of course.”
Although he was clearly trying to save himself from this conversation, she managed a smile. He leaned in close so only she would hear the words he whispered next to her ear. “I’ll pay my debt to you later when we’re alone.”
He brushed past her, his hand briefly finding the side of her waist before falling away and leaving her feeling bereft. Unsure of what to say or do now, she snatched up the strawberry tart and bit into its flaky crust.
“Town or country?” Lady Glendale prodded, reminding Samantha of Lady Ottersburg’s question.
Samantha gulped down the piece of tart she’d been eating. “I only recently arrived here, precisely for the purpose of being closer to some of England’s most capable physicians and surgeons, so I don’t expect I’ll return to Deerhaven Manor before the birth. Travelling any long distance by carriage can be a chore. I found it especially insufferable in my current condition. Getting comfortable was near impossible.”
“And you’re not even very big yet,” Lady Ottersburg said. “Just wait until your belly doubles in size, as I’m sure it shall in the coming months. The act of climbing into a carriage alone will be made so much harder, never mind the effort to sit on the bench. I recall how each of my children would press up against my ribs unless I was able to lean back enough to give them more space. A challenging time to be sure, though one that led to immeasurable joy as I’ve no doubt it shall for you. In fact…”
The lady continued speaking while Samantha’s thoughts snuck off in other directions. She wondered if she and Adrian should visit a carpenter soon and order a crib. Since the two of them had elected to share a bedchamber, the one meant for her remained mostly unused unless her maid was helping her dress or setting her hair.
Perhaps their child could sleep in there. With a door connecting the rooms, it would make sense. For although she knew Adrian’s nursery had been at the end of the hall, she wanted her child closer. As someone who’d been handed off to a foundling home as an infant, she needed to be involved in her own child’s life from the very beginning.
“I’m sure you’ve already settled on a nanny,” Lady Ottersburg was now saying. “And of course, it’s too soon to hire a wet nurse, but once—”
“I’ve no intention of doing any such thing,” Samantha said, silencing the talkative woman.
Both ladies leaned back, as though needing to study Samantha from a distance. They blinked in rapid succession, then shared a quick look with each other before Lady Glendale asked sotto voce, “Do you mean to nurse the infant yourself?”
“If I’m able,” Samantha confirmed.
There was no questioning their shock. Or perhaps it was horror that widened their eyes. Undeterred, Samantha popped the rest of her tart into her mouth and savored its sweet sticky center.
“But that will tie you to the home long after your confinement is over,” Lady Glendale said.
Samantha thought it best not to mention that she had no intention of staying in bed or even indoors for numerous weeks. Provided all went well and she got through the birth with her health intact, she’d rather return to her daily routine as quickly as possible. While this might be considered progressive by some, Doctor Wolf was thankfully on her side about it.
In response to Lady Glendale, Samantha provided a noncommittal smile and a thoughtful, “Hmm…,” before steering the conversation in an entirely new direction by saying, “Having been away for a while, I wonder if the two of you are able to offer an update on the latest gossip?”
“Oh indeed.” Lady Ottersburg’s eyes sparkled with glee.
Both she and Lady Glendale moved closer to Samantha, making it hard for her to eat the iced cake she’d selected without feeling like a specimen under scrutiny.
