MOTHERS OF TWINS CONFER
The following day, March 29, 1839, Norwick House parlor
An incessant drizzle had begun sometime early that morning, which had the ringlets at Clarinda’s temples wilting. She might have had her lady’s maid touch them up before she accepted any callers, but she was so surprised when the butler, Belvedere, found her in her salon writing letters, she told him to take Lady Aimsley to the parlor. “Deliver a tea tray, won’t you? I’ll be right there.”
“Of course, my lady,” Belvedere replied before he nodded and disappeared down the corridor.
Clarinda met Diana only a moment after she’d been seated in one of the upholstered chairs near the fireplace. Diana quickly stood.
“I know you weren’t expecting me today—”
“But I’m so glad you’ve come,” Clarinda said as she reached out her hands and took Diana’s in hers. She gave them a squeeze. “Tea is on the way. Whatever has brought you out in this awful weather?”
“Oh, Clare, I’m in a quandary, and I’m hoping you can set my mind at ease.”
Clarinda’s eyes widened. “Whatever is wrong?” She took a seat opposite of Diana. A number of possibilities flitted through her mind—a problem with a servant, a philandering husband, recalcitrant twins—so she was entirely unprepared when Diana replied.
“I’ve just come from my physician.”
Clarinda blinked. “Oh?” she responded, immediately imagining the worst.
“I am with child.”
Blinking again, Clarinda straightened in her chair and a brilliant smile lifted her face. “Why, that’s wonderful!” At the same moment, the gray beyond the parlor windows was replaced with sunshine.
It was Diana’s turn to blink. “How did you do that?” she asked, her gaze going to the only window she could see from her vantage.
Her attention going to the window directly behind Diana, Clarinda’s breath hitched when she saw that David’s ghost was leaning against the wall. He merely shrugged, as if he were the one responsible for the sudden change in weather. “Oh, Diana, you must be thrilled,” she replied, ignoring her friend’s query.
“Aimsley certainly is,” Diana offered. “He’s over the moon with the thought of having a daughter,” she added. “Me? I’m not so sure.”
Clarinda leaned forward, her face taking on a look of concern. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m five-and-forty.”
Waiting, as if she expected Diana to say more, Clarinda finally gave her head a shake. “I’m nine-and-forty.” She finally furrowed a brow. “Are you frightened? Of childbirth?”
Diana inhaled softly. “I’m more frightened of having to go through everything all over again,” she replied. “Not just the delivery, but...” She sighed. “Everything that follows. Tutors. Schooling. Introductions to Society. All alone, should my husband not live that long.” She didn’t add what she had since learned about her boys. That they had been expelled from university and would be home later that day or the next.
Swallowing, Clarinda settled into her chair. “Do you have reason to expect Aimsely—” She still had issues calling Adam Comber by his new title—“willdieanytime soon? His father lived to be—”
“Nine-and-sixty, yes, I know,” Diana said with a nod, relaxing a bit at the reminder. “Which Adam has in his favor. As well as his enthusiasm at the possibility that I’m carrying a girl. He wants a daughter. Desperately.”
Clarinda angled her head to one side, wondering if her own husband was in want of more children. Daniel had never said, apparently satisfied with two of each. Although they enjoyed a spirited round of lovemaking at least a couple of times a week, she had never found herself with child after the birth of her second set of twins. She simply assumed her body had experienced enough of bearing children and was no longer capable of the feat.
Her gaze went briefly to David, who simply arched a brow. Then she remembered the times he had appeared in the past—after his death and before the birth of his daughters—and her hand went to her own belly. She did a quick calculation, attempting to remember when she had last experienced her monthly courses.
“Clare, what’s wrong?” Diana asked, her gaze going to the window behind her. Her hostess’ gaze had been on that very spot for the past few moments, and she wondered what she saw through the window. Only blue sky was apparent beyond the glass.
“I think I may be with child as well,” Clarinda murmured.
“You do?” Diana asked, taken aback by the comment. Her eyes widened.
“Oh, my dear Diana. I perfectly understand your predicament,” Clarinda wailed, grimacing when she noticed David’s expression of delight. He had his head thrown back, as if he was laughing hysterically.
Bastard.
“You do?” Diana repeated, her alarm still evident.
