Page 62 of Tempting the Highland Captive

“Ye must go and tend tae yer faither’s people. As his heir, ye have new responsibilities and I cannae stand in the way o’ ye doing yer duty.”

“The land was once yer family’s tae claim.”

“And now it is our family,” she reminded him. “Both lands will go tae our children and be one again.”

They left the chapel as one and found Agnes still standing in the great hall waiting for them. “Agnes?”

“I wished tae speak with My Lady alone for a moment.”

“O’ course.” Amelia squeezed Ron’s hand then let go.

“I will go and prepare for my departure,” he informed her, then climbed the stairs to their bedchamber.

Amelia watched him go, then turned back to the midwife. “What can I do for ye, Agnes?”

“Begging yer pardon, my lady, but I must ask. When was the last time that ye had yer courses?”

Amelia opened her mouth to answer, then stopped in surprise. “I dinnae remember.”

The midwife nodded knowingly. “It is as I thought. It is why I thought that ye had summoned me.”

“I am with bairn?” Amelia breathed the words, laying her hands upon her lower abdomen.

“I believe so and I am seldom wrong about such things.”

Amelia felt a warm glow take over her being. She had a child growing within her, she and Ron’s child. She felt suddenly faint and sat down on the nearest bench. “A bairn…” She had been so consumed with everything that had been going on that she had not given heed to anything else. Turning her eyes up to Agnes, she grabbed her hand. “Dinnae tell anyone o’ this. I will tell my husband at the right time. He must tend tae his faither’s people and if ye kens this, he will nae do what is needed. I canne have him staying here just tae care for me.”

“I understand, my lady. Yer secret, both o’ yer secrets, are safe with me.” Agnes squeezed her hand, then let go, and turn to leave the castle. “I will be available tae ye day or night, My Lady. Send word when ye need me.” Then she was gone.

Amelia looked down at her belly and felt her heart flutter in anticipation. I am with bairn!