twenty-six
Anthony hadn’t stayed with Isabella the entire night.
When she’d woken up, his side of the bed had been warm but empty. She’d hoped he would have stayed and lain in bed with her properly, so that her nightmare would be over. Her belly didn’t attract attention, but it would soon do. Premature babies weren’t rare, but she couldn’t delay the consummation for long.
“Do not fret, Your Grace.” Lawson helped her dress. “The duke will do his deed. Every husband does it. Are you ready to go to the dining room?”
“No, I’m not. The mornings are always the worst, and I’m afraid to feel sick in front of everyone.”
Lawson nodded. “I’ll have your breakfast brought up here.”
A bitter taste filled her mouth when Lawson came back with a tray loaded with food. Her stomach categorically refused the kipper, bacon, and eggs. She had a bit of buttered toast and a cup of tea, which didn’t last. The nausea hit her with the usual strength. No matter how deeply she breathed, or how much peppermint and lemon tea she drank, the nausea always won.
After her stomach was empty, she lay exhausted in the bed. “Is this normal?”
“I’m afraid it is, madam.” Lawson handed her yet another herbal tea. “It’ll go away in a few weeks.”
“A few weeks? Great.”
“The Dowager and His Grace asked about you when I met them on my way here.”
“I’ll go and see Anthony in a moment when I feel human again.”
He’d been so sweet last night her guilt had increased tenfold. She’d believed he would have taken her immediately. She hadn’t been ready for his kindness. But his kindness posed a problem at the moment.
After she freshened up, she found Anthony at his desk in his study, frowning while reading a letter. The sunlight formed a red-golden halo around him that suited his strong build. He radiated strength and safety, and she couldn’t deny her need for both.
“Good morning,” she said.
He stood up, smiling widely and genuinely. “Good morning. I didn’t hear you.”
“Apologies for not having come to the dining room for breakfast. I was tired.” She cleared her throat. “You woke up early.”
“I hope I didn’t disturb you, but I had a few letters that needed urgent answers.” He walked around the desk, and his expression was so sweet she couldn’t remain still.
She rushed to him and hugged him, nearly jumping on him. He held her by the waist and made her twirl around. They both laughed for no reason.
She rested her cheek on his chest, finding the steady beat of his heart comforting. He kissed the top of her head.
“Thank you for your kindness,” she whispered, feeling safe in his arms.
He gave her another kiss that melted her heart, also because he didn’t let her go until she was ready to release him.
“I’ve just received a wire from Patrick,” he said.
She stiffened. Had Patrick told the truth?
“He sends us his felicitations.”
She hoped the relief didn’t show on her face. “You seem worried.”
He folded the piece of paper. “I’m always worried about Patrick. He gets easily in trouble and sometimes has little consideration for his actions although he has changed as of late.”
No, Patrick got other people easily in trouble.
“Do you need anything?” he asked with a boyish smile she adored.
“I was just wondering…”Why didn’t you take me last night? Could we do the deed now?“When we could spend some time together.”
