“I suppose not,” Proctor agreed. “I just wish there were something we could do to see justice served on his behalf.”
Keith nodded. “As do I. But with no useful details to add, we’re more likely to hinder the investigation than aid it. Don’t you think?”
“You’re probably right. We know nothing besides the fact that Stewart didn’t deserve this.”
“True.” Keith raised his tankard. “To Stewart. And to Howard as well. May they both rest in peace.”
3
Sunshine danced across the rime-coated trees, surrounding Samantha in sparkling light. The crunch of her feet against the frozen ground accompanied her as she strolled. It was especially cold today with clear skies baring the world to the elements. Plumes of white drifted upward each time she exhaled, and icy air burned the exposed skin on her face. Her cheeks would be bright red when she returned indoors.
Soon.
For now, she meant to enjoy the freshness and what little exercise she could acquire without Adrian’s “spies” informing him of her actions. Though the servants who constantly watched her undoubtedly meant well, they made her feel like a child who couldn’t be trusted.
With a sigh, she started along the path that would take her toward the edge of the garden. Spotting Isak, who was having an early outdoor lesson with his tutor, Samantha waved to the boy. Bringing him here had worked wonders. With the grounds to explore, horses to ride, and the realization that there was a world beyond London, he’d transformed. He was no longer the skeptical street-urchin she and Adrian had saved from the slums last year, but rather an inquisitive youth who sought knowledge.
Samantha recalled the cozy evenings they’d all spent together in front of the fire. Isak had been captivated by Adrian’s stories. And Adrian himself had proven he had a fatherly instinct, reassuring her that they would work well together as parents once the baby arrived.
But why couldn’t her husband accept that she didn’t need coddling? That she too wanted to keep both herself and the child she carried safe from harm? That she wouldn’t do anything foolish?
When she’d spoken with Doctor Wolf last, he’d told her she could keep riding until her last trimester, provided she felt capable and strong, and applied common sense. But would Adrian listen?
No. He’d made his opposition clear. Furious, she’d thwarted him and as a result, she’d had to face his censure. He’d been ill-tempered for a full week after, and when she’d gone to the stable, the grooms had denied her access. Adrian’s orders.
The only forgivable reason for this was the fear he’d revealed when they’d argued, that she would injure herself or worse. She understood his concern, though she thought it irrational. It was rooted in the loss he’d suffered as a boy when his mother had perished in childbirth. He’d not rest easy until the child had been born without issue. And because she loved him, she would respect his wishes, even if it kept her from the freedom she craved.
She reached the low stone wall at the edge of the garden and looked out across the Channel. Staring straight ahead, she could easily fool herself into thinking the water was calm, but when she dropped her gaze, the waves that broke against rocks below were anything but.
A gust of wind rushed past her face, and she hugged herself to ward off the increased chilliness found in this spot. Just a little while longer, she told herself, already dreading having to go back inside. The only thing that awaited her there was a great deal of sitting.
As someone who’d been accustomed to regular sparring and sprinting across London rooftops, she found her inactive state exasperated her to no end. It made her feel like a useless lump. And with Adrian off dealing with O’Leary’s threat, it seemed even more confining.
The only upside to his absence was the privacy it allowed her late at night after all the servants retired. Alone in her bedchamber, she did what she could to rebuild the strength she’d lost since coming here, to reacquire her flexibility and her overall skill, with a series of carefully structured exercises. Nothing reckless that put her child in danger, though Adrian would no doubt disagree if he had a say.
However, she meant to have her say too, and in her opinion, the greatest threat was not a fall from a horse or the risk of her losing her balance. Considering who she was — who Adrian was — the greatest threat would be other people. Which meant she had to stay on her guard, ready to fight off attackers, kill if need be.
Allowing her body to weaken while putting on weight would be a mistake.
A sudden movement against her abdomen stole her breath and jolted her out of her thoughts. She stiffened, unsure of the unfamiliar feeling. It happened again, more firmly this time, and Samantha bent over, one hand braced against the stone wall for support as concern rippled through her.
Was this normal? Was the baby all right?
She turned for the house. Maybe she needed rest. Perhaps she’d spent too long outside in the cold. Or was she simply in need of more food?
Uncertain, she made her way back slowly and entered through the kitchen. A pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread drifted toward her and the warmth from the stove quickly eased the chill in her veins. She greeted Cook and the maids who were present, then unraveled her scarf and shucked her coat, only to grimace when yet another uncomfortable movement pushed at her belly.
“Are you all right?” Cook asked, her hand at Samantha’s elbow, supporting her as she winced with discomfort.
“I don’t know,” Samantha gasped. “Something doesn’t feel right.”
“Would you like to sit for a bit?”
When Samantha nodded, Cook guided her to a chair while the rest of the maids began fussing. One grabbed Samantha’s coat, another her scarf, while a third brought a stool so she could prop up her feet. A blanket materialized too and was draped across her lap.
“Tell us what’s wrong,” Cook encouraged. “If need be, I’ll have Elks send for the doctor and the midwife.”
Samantha took a deep breath and described her symptoms while the servants paid close attention. When she finished, the maids grinned while Cook produced a calming smile.
