Page 34 of Wedding the Widow

Suddenly uncomfortable, Elizabeth sat up on the side of the bed. She had to come to terms with the only option she had left. “I suppose I must under the circumstances.”

“You don’t sound sure at all, my dear.” Her friend’s brows puckered into a deep V. “Do you not love him?”

“That is part of it, I suppose. There has been so much between us since that night.” Oh, that wretched slip of the tongue. “He may be surer of his feelings than I am. But, Charlotte”—she grasped her friend’s hand as though it were a lifeline—“is it possible to love two men at the same time? I do have very great affection and regard for Lord Brack, but I’ve never lost my love for Dickon.” She hung her head. “What if I never do?”

“Will it matter very much? Dickon is gone, my dear. Are you afraid his spirit will haunt you if you are happy once more?”

A shudder rippled down Elizabeth’s spine. “You have no idea. Perhaps it has already been haunting me.”

“Nonsense.” Rising from the bed, Charlotte released Elizabeth’s hand. “Dickon would want you to be happy, not to pine for him for all the rest of your days. He was not a selfish man.”

“No, he was not.” She hadn’t looked at it that way before. “And I don’t believe he would want me to be sad and mourn him forever.”

“Good. I hope that is settled in your mind.” Charlotte nodded and made for the door. “Why don’t you remain in bed this evening? I’ll send a tray up and make your excuses.” She turned back, her hand on the door handle.

“That may be best.” Elizabeth slid her hand over her stomach, flat for now, but not for long. “I will have the evening to practice how I’m going to tell him that I’m carrying his child.”

The door bounded inward, pushing Charlotte and making her stumble backward.

Georgie fell into the room, her face red, her eyes round and wild. “I came to see how you were doing, Elizabeth. Jemmy sent me because he’s been going mad with worry ever since you swooned, but . . .” Georgie halted mid-sentence and stared at Elizabeth’s nightgown clad midsection. “I . . . I . . .”

“Georgie, it is all right.” Charlotte put her arm around the distraught girl. “Elizabeth has just been telling me of her situation. She should tell you as well.”

“I don’t think I want to know, Charlotte. Not if it will break Jemmy’s heart.” Burrowing into Charlotte’s shoulder, Georgie sniffed loudly.

“I truly hope it will not break his heart, Georgie.” Trying not to smile at her friend’s mistaken assumption, Elizabeth eased out of the bed. “Not if I tell him I am almost sure I am carrying his child.”

“Jemmy’s child?” Georgie’s head popped up off Charlotte’s shoulder, her mouth a large O. “But that is impossible. Jemmy told me you and he had had a falling out, that he didn’t know if you’d ever speak to him again.”

“That is only partly true.” Elizabeth took her friend’s arm and led her back to the bed, motioning her to sit. “We did fall out several months ago; however, this happened before that, when we had grown very . . . close.” She eased over toward Georgie, who still stared at her with accusing eyes. “I would never dissemble about such a thing either to you or to Jemmy. I swear to you, I am increasing, and it is Jemmy’s child.”

“Elizabeth!” Georgie launched herself into her friend’s arms. “I am so, so very happy for you. For Jemmy. I knew you couldn’t stay mad at him. He’s too wonderful for anyone to dislike for long.” She continued to hold her in a stranglehold.

“I think I must agree with you, dear.” Disengaging the enthusiastic Georgie and standing her on her feet, Charlotte came to the rescue before Elizabeth came to harm. “Lord Brack has been most charming to me and to Elizabeth all through our acquaintance.”

“Shall I go fetch him, Elizabeth?” Georgie bounded over to the door. “You’ll want to tell him straightaway. He’s downstairs drinking with Lord Lathbury, and neither one looks particularly happy.”

“I am not sure Elizabeth is up to any more excitement this afternoon.” Charlotte put out a restraining hand. “She’s had a most exciting day.”

“As have you, Charlotte. It’s your wedding day, don’t forget.” Elizabeth laughed as she slid back under the covers, thankful she could put off her meeting with Lord Brack just a little while longer.

“I suspect Nash will not let me forget that for one second once I return to Wrotham Park.” Charlotte smiled and blushed. “I have vowed I shall have breakfast in bed tomorrow, as a proper married lady should.”

“I suspect you will need your rest, Charlotte,” Georgie piped up.

“Georgie!” Elizabeth laughed as the girl turned crimson-faced.

“Well, I have been married too, you remember.” Poking the carpet with the toe of her green silk slipper, Georgie seemed to trace the blue and white pattern. “I know what men are like on their wedding night.”

“I, however, do not, although I can make a guess.” Charlotte laughed and opened the door. “Thank you for the warning, Lady Georgina.” She winked at Elizabeth. “In any case, I am quite certain my husband will enlighten me shortly. Good night, Elizabeth. Georgie, I will see you at dinner at Wrotham Park.” Charlotte left, still laughing.

“Do let Jemmy come see you, Elizabeth. He will be so thrilled. And you both will live happily ever after, just like in the fairy stories.” Georgie sighed contentedly, her smile and shining eyes making her look like a character from a fairy tale herself. “I hope I will get another chance at one.”

“If I can, you certainly can, my dear.” Elizabeth hoped that was true. “However, I think I should let my news wait until the morrow. I would not want to overdo and have anything go amiss.”

“Goodness no.” Georgie flew to the bedside. “I agree, you must rest.” Tucking the covers around Elizabeth, she continued to fuss over her. “I’ll make sure they send your tray up immediately. You must keep up your strength. And I’ll insist they send up hot soup. Nanny always gave us hot soup when we were under the weather. It was actually quite nasty stuff, but I daresay Charlotte’s cooks are better than ours.”

Suppressing a grin, Elizabeth bit her lip before replying, “Thank you, Georgie. You are a true friend and a comfort.” She relaxed into the warm sheets. A good long sleep would do her worlds of good.