Page 263 of Wicked Highland Heroes

She had thought she might escape the nausea with this pregnancy. She had been sick within the first month of carrying Dougal. This was her fourth month. If not for missing her flux, she would have thought she wasn’t with child, for she felt no ill effects.

St. Clair stared at her, brows drawn.

“This is what happens when a woman is pregnant,” she said. “Go about your business. I have work to do. Lady Saraid is returning today.”

“I am surprised her father allowed her to return. He is not afraid one of my enemies will attack?”

Rhoslyn snorted. “I wager he wants to say his daughter is under the protection of the Earl of Baliman. Ye will have many new friends, St. Claire.”

“They will be disappointed.” His brow furrowed. “It might be best if Lady Saraid does not return to Castle Glenbarr for a while. I recall that she tried your patience.”

Rhoslyn grimaced. “The girl is irksome. But it isna’ her fault.”

He lifted his brows. “Nay?”

She gave him a recriminating look. “She is a child. Her father allowed her to run wild. It is no wonder she needs training.” He opened his mouth to say something, but she cut him off. “Go away, St. Claire. I want to wash and I must fortify myself for Lady Saraid’s arrival.”

Amusement appeared in his eyes and he surprised her by placing a kiss on her forehead and leaving without argument.

The day wore on, and Rhoslyn began to wonder if St. Claire were right. Perhaps she should have waited to allow Lady Saraid to resume her training. Her stomach was fine—so long as she didn’t smell food—and the girl was trying her patience more than usual. Saraid clearly thought that being sent home meant her training was over, and she snatched every opportunity to demonstrate her displeasure at being forced to return.

They now sat on a bench beneath a tree in the corner of the bailey nearest the castle, studying a list of herbs. Saraid dawdled and stumbled through the list. Rhoslyn sighed. The day had been long. The gate began to open. Rhoslyn tensed before realizing the guards wouldn’t open the gate to Lord Lochland’s men. She had been on edge since St. Claire had sent the earl’s men back to him with the message that he wouldn’t leave Castle Glenbarr until his brother had been apprehended.

St. Claire emerged from the stairs leading up to the wall. Rhoslyn’s heart warmed with the memory of how he had tended her this morning at the jakes. Three riders entered and Rhoslyn stiffened at sight of the figure in the lead.

* * *

Talbot often thought that women had second sight when it came to female matters. Lady Isobel’s visit confirmed that suspicion. He also couldn’t help wondering how she timed her arrival to catch him as he exited the wall. He would have melted back into the stairway but, of course, she’d seen him.

“Poor Rhoslyn suffered terribly during her first pregnancy,” she said as he escorted her across the bailey. She slipped a hand into the crook of his arm and turned her head against the wind that whipped at her cloak. “I will be happy to help in any way I can.”

His mind snapped to attention. Was that an offer to warm his bed?

“I am but a twenty minute ride away, Sir Talbot. Ye can call upon me anytime.”

Yes, she was letting him know she would bed him. He hadn’t forgotten her open appraisal of him during the games.

“I will keep that in mind,” he said.

She slowed, forcing him to slow with her. “Rhoslyn had nausea for three months,” Isobel went on. “Poor thing. Alec was at a loss as what to do with her.”

Talbot wondered if Isobel had made the same offer to Harper she had made to him.

“She did continue with her duties, however,” Isobel said. “But that is Lady Rhoslyn, she canna’ stay still for more than five minutes.” Isobel laughed, and he noticed the sultry note in her voice—for his benefit, no doubt.

She confirmed the suspicion by leaning in close. The side of her breast brushed his arm. The woman had no shame.

“It is kind of you to ride all the way here to visit my wife,” Talbot said.

She looked up at him through her lashes. “We have known one another since childhood. I would do anything for Rhoslyn. This is an especially difficult time for a woman. She needs much rest and should no’ be overexcited.”

The way he had overexcited her last night? Since she had returned to his bed, she had been insatiable. Her belly had yet to show signs of the babe growing inside, but her breasts were heavier and her nipples had turned a darker rose. Talbot felt himself rousing with the memory of her hard peaks in his mouth. Maybe tonight—No. He cut off the thought. She was ill this morning, and wouldn’t be in the mood for lovemaking. Lady Isobel was right. Rhoslyn was entering a difficult time. He would have to curb his desire until...until when, after the babe was born? Months after the babe was born. He glanced down at Lady Isobel. She was a shrewd woman.

* * *

Talbot watched as, for the third time since they’d sat down to the evening meal, Rhoslyn excused herself and hurried to the kitchen.

“Lady Rhoslyn is no’ quite herself this evening,” Isobel said. She sat to Rhoslyn’s left. “Perhaps it would be best if I stay the night. I can attend to her if she does no’ feel well.”