Page 41 of The New Earl’s Convenient Wife

‘Is there…anything I should be doing? Or not doing?’ She laughed. ‘Which I suppose is a foolish question to ask one intrepid enough to accompany the army on campaign while enceinte.’

‘Actually, I spent most of my pregnancy comfortably tucked away at a house in Lisbon. There’s no need to wrap yourself up in cotton wool. It’s fortunate the current fashion for high-waisted frocks will allow you to purchase new gowns that are loose in the bodice. If you truly are with child, you may find yourself becoming more fatigued than usual the first few months. You should rest if you are and eat sensibly.’

‘Can one ride? I expect you did.’

‘Indeed. If you enjoy riding, you may. Avoid galloping, though it’s unlikely you could harm the child unless you took a particularly bad tumble. Continue to do all the things you enjoy.’ She gave Juliana a naughty glance. ‘There’s no need to discontinue doing the things you enjoy with your husband, either.’

While she waited for the appearance of the little being on whom she could lavish all her love, it was a relief to know she could distract herself with passion. ‘I’m very relieved to hear that,’ she said, making Claire laugh.

The nursery-maid bustled back in. ‘I can take over now, Your Grace.’

‘I suppose you must,’ Claire said, handing the child back with reluctance. ‘I don’t want to disturb nursery routine too much.’

As they walked out, Claire said, ‘Why don’t you rest before dinner? I’ll have Mrs Reynolds ready a bedchamber for you. On another visit, I shall take you to the schoolroom to meet Alex and Arabella. They are walking in the Park now with their Nurse.’

‘I should love to meet them.’ And absorb as many insights about motherhood as she could gather, hoarding them up against the day when she might be able to use them with her own child.

‘Do you know which entertainments you are going to attend?’ Claire asked as they walked back towards the bedchambers.

‘I’ve no idea.’

‘Of course not; you’ve hardly unpacked yet. I’ll speak with Hart before dinner and see if he knows when Rafe intends to make his entrance into the Lords. And check our own invitations, to be sure we attend the same events.’

‘It would be a great comfort to attend those you will be present at.’ Juliana shuddered. ‘So I do not have to face the dragons of Society on my own.’

‘You must remember you are the wife of an earl now; a countess is given much more leeway in her conduct than some lowly unmarried miss. Nor will Society wish to offend a Duchess by slighting her friend.’ Claire made a face. ‘As I can’t escape the title, I might as well make use of it. You should, too.’

‘It would certainly be a change not to have to worry about offending or embarrassing anyone,’ she said ruefully. ‘Fortunately, Mother is not in town this Season. No matter what I did, she would find something to criticize. I’m relieved I won’t have to deal with that.’

‘If she is not supportive, ignore her. You’re a countess now. You no longer need her approval.’

Juliana sighed. ‘That’s what Rafe advises. But it’s still hard not to cringe when I see her coming, always ready with unfavourable comments about my conduct and appearance.’

‘After our visit to my modiste, your appearance will be perfection. And a countess may conduct herself as she chooses.’

‘Following animals in the park, sketchbook in hand? Studying fossils at the British Museum?’ Juliana asked wryly. ‘Don’t worry! I will refrain from both—or at least, be careful not to be observed. At entertainments, I should be relieved to be able to follow in your train and let you do the speaking.’

‘You may do so if you wish. But I hope you will soon feel confident enough to mingle on your own. In the meantime, if you just smile, nod, dance with your husband and his friends, you’ll be fine.’

‘I hope so.’ As the Duchess led her to a chamber to rest, for the first time, Juliana felt less anxious about her upcoming time in Society. With her new friend to guide her, maybe she would weather London without committing any faux pas that could threaten the closeness with Rafe she’d developed at Thornthwaite—the closeness she would do all in her power to preserve.