Page 106 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"It's not worse."

"It's differently awful."

"Fair."

He stayed with her until she fell asleep, then made his way downstairs where the guests had gathered for luncheon. The Duchess immediately cornered him.

"Is Lady Blackthorn well?"

"She's resting."

"And the physician? Was he helpful?"

"Very."

"Good news, I hope?"

Lucien hesitated. It was early to share such news, but the Duchess had been kind.

"The best," he said quietly. "But we'd prefer to keep it private for now."

Her eyes lit with understanding. "Of course. How wonderful. Your first?"

"Yes."

"It changes everything."

"So I'm discovering."

"Lord Blackthorn," a timid voice interrupted. They turned to find Cordelia, looking anxious. "Is... is Cousin Arabella all right?"

"She's fine. Resting."

"Oh good. I was worried. Mother said she was probably being dramatic, but Arabella doesn't seem the dramatic type."

"She's not," he agreed, warming to this cousin who apparently saw his wife clearly.

"Could I... that is, might I visit her later? I have a tonic that might help with... with what ails her."

He studied her more carefully. Cordelia was perhaps twenty, pretty in a quiet way, with intelligent eyes that she usually kept downcast around her mother.

"You know what ails her?"

She blushed. "I suspected. My sister had similar symptoms before... well."

"Before what?"

"Before Mother sent her to the country for her health. She came back without the symptoms. Or the baby."

Lucien's blood chilled. "Your mother..."

"Arranged everything. She said it was for the best. Mary hasn't been the same since."

"How is Mary now?"

"Married to a merchant Mother chose. She never smiles anymore."

"And you?"