Page 31 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“Here. Formal introductions. Miss Cynthia Campbell of Kirden, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Lord Thomas Harding, heir to the dukedom of Foxford, currently drooling on his mother’s best morning dress and with apologies for his ill temperament that made an earlier visit untenable.”

The others laugh around me as Teresa plops him in my arms, complete with a rag to catch his drool, but I find no humor in the situation. I sit there, dumbstruck as the tiny human wriggles in my arms before giving the largest yawn.

“I’m just happy we’re finally here,” I say as I peer down at Thomas’s angelic face.

Teresa sits across from us and engages in more witty wordplay featuring rocks after the triplets tell her all about my intended’s interest. I tune them out as I hold the baby even closer, dragging in his smell. So small, so warm, so very perfect.

Babies. But of course babies happen in marriage. It’s how it’s done. I hadn’t really given it much thought. How would Henhaven be as a father? No doubt he has much practice with his sisters.

Charles would have practice too. Would he be stern but loving? Kind but fair? Would he teach them the way of soldiers? Even now, I can see in my mind’s eye as he parades around our children, making the march like a soldier as they plan their mischief.

Would they have his blue eyes? Would they have my green? Black hair or blond? Maybe some sort of mixture?

Tears form in my eyes as tiny Thomas turns his head to nuzzle my breast. His mouth opens and closes as he roots around, unlocking a maternal instinct in me I didn’t realize was there until that very moment.

A wife. A lover. A mother.

Alone.

Chapter 14

Cynthia

“Many apologies,” Teresa says as she gathers little Thomas in her arms. “I did not realize he’d be so hungry so soon.”

His warmth lingers, as does the emptiness in my arms. Forcing a smile to my lips, I nod.

“Do not fret,” Teresa laughs. “Once I’ve fed him, you can hold him once more.”

“You mean your wet nurse. Right?” Penelope asks.

“Of course not. I am a mother. This is as nature intended.” Turning, she untucks her fichu and positions Thomas before covering him back up and turning around. “Wet nurses are still most often employed, but my studies show there is a kinship when feeding your child yourself.”

I watch her in awe. “Is it not uncomfortable?”

She glances over at the triplets before giving me a sly smile. “Not nearly as much as other things could be. I’m sure once his teeth grow in, we will have to find some other method of giving him nourishment.”

“But does your husband not mind?” Georgiana asks as she leans forward, pressing the matter. “You would be chained to your son.”

“Trust me. Joseph has found this new page in our chapter most… illuminating. He supports my desire to be with my child and feed him as intended.”

“That must be why I haven’t seen you at any of the events,” I muse.

“Quite correct. I could employ a wet nurse so that I may dance about at night, but then I would also leak about. Not exactly the look I’m going for.”

The others chuckle, but I simply watch her, stunned and amazed. I knew Teresa was a bit radical, but this is most certainly illuminating.

The conversation turns easy as she continues to feed Thomas before pulling him away and patting his back. Once he’s settled, she puts him back into my arms and takes her seat again.

“Any time you wish to come and hold him, I would be most grateful. The conversation would be delightful as well. As much as I love Joseph, I do so long for the conversation of a woman.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The minutes go by as Thomas lies asleep in my arms. I want nothing more than to just hold him close and cuddle for a few stolen moments. Unfortunately, all too soon, we must go back.

“Forgive the short visit,” Penelope says. “We are expected for dinner with the Duke of Redleigh and his wife.”

“Please do give them my love,” she says as she takes Thomas from me once more. “I hope to see her soon. It’s been too long since we’ve all come together. Truly.”