Wincing, Andrew nodded. “Of course. I couldn’t help but notice Cousin Daphne already has her own bedchamber, here,” he said.
“Only for the nights she stays here with us,” Diana assured him. “Once the babe is born, it will go back to being a guest bedchamber.”
Noting how his father beamed in delight at the mention of the baby, Andrew rolled his eyes.
“Oh, don’t you roll your eyes at me, son. If you and Lady Danielle do tie the knot soon, you’ll have one of your own not long after.”
Andrew had a moment when he couldn’t seem to breathe. “I suppose so,” he whispered. He glanced over at his mother, who was regarding him with a wistful expression.
“You needn’t look so shocked, darling,” she said as she placed a hand on his arm. “First you’ll have to marry her,” she reminded him.
“Then we’ll be off to the Continent,” he said, his face brightening. “I can’t imagine we’ll have a baby before we return to England, though.”
Diana and Adam exchanged amused glances. “Then you might want to schedule Rome as the last place you visit,” his mother said in a quiet voice.
Color suffused Andrew’s face. “Noted.” He was about to take his leave of the study but turned and said, “Might I make a suggestion regarding the tenant cottages that seem to have you so vexed?”
His parents glanced at one another in surprise. “I’m all ears,” his father replied.
“Just build new ones. Modern cottages. It will probably cost you far less in the long run than what it’s costing you now for all these maintenance issues you and Anthony keep complaining about,” he stated. He nodded to his mother and left the study. He had a certain earl to call on and a garden party for which to dress.
Meanwhile, in the study, Diana and Adam regarded one another with expressions of awe. “Did our youngest twin just say what I think he said?” Adam asked in a quiet voice.
Diana gave her husband a prim grin. “He’s smarter than you think, darling. He remembers everything he’s ever heard. And he has a good point. Build new cottages. You can have your foreman turn the old ones into loafing sheds or barns for the smaller animals.”
Adam’s eyes widened. “Why, that’s a capital idea, my sweet,” he replied happily, kissing her on the forehead.
“And don’t forget, we have a garden party to attend soon. I need to change clothes and have my maid redo my hair.”
Slowly sobering as his eyes darkened, Adam glanced around the study. His attention settled on the desk.
“Oh, if you think you’re going to tup me over that desk, think again, you bounder,” Diana said as she crossed her arms. Her gaze turned to the sofa. “However...”
She was prevented from saying more when her husband lifted her into his arms, took her to the sofa, and had his way with her.
