Page 56 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

When she awakened, Nash knelt by her side, his face a picture of concern. He reached for a cold cloth from someone’s hand that he patted her forehead with. “Are you all right, sweeting?”

She tried to sit up, but his hand on her chest stopped her. “No, don’t rise just yet. Give yourself a chance to recover from your swoon.”

A circle of curiosity-seekers surrounded her, making her heart pound. She’d never wanted to be the center of attention, and it seemed ever since she’d met this man she was right there. “I never swoon.” She huffed.

His grin annoyed her. She’d always been a stalwart sort, chafing at women who collapsed at every occasion. Why, she operated on animals and tended to cuts and gouges that would turn the stomach of some men. She closed her eyes, wishing herself back home in her bedchamber.

“I will escort Lady Clarendon to the retiring room, my lord. A slight rest will do her well. Unless, of course, you wish to take her home.” Lady Millerton, an older outspoken harridan of the ton leaned over her, directing her comments to Nash.

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sp; Wait just a minute. Why was the old biddy speaking about her as if she weren’t there? “I feel fine now. Please allow me to get up.” Her cheeks burned, and she wanted more than anything to gain her feet and forget this entire incident. Would there never be any peace in her life? Was she to be forever the subject of gossip and speculation?

Nash stood and helped her to her feet. For a moment, she felt as though she might faint again, but clutched his hand until the feeling passed. “I think we should go home, my dear.”

Nothing would have made her happier, but she was determined to stay, at least for a little while more. She certainly did not want to give the gossips more fodder for their nastiness. “I am fine. Truly. Perhaps a drink of some sort would help.”

Nash studied her. “Are you sure?”

He still had that ridiculous grin on his face, and she failed to see the humor in the situation. “Yes. I am sure.”

After leading her to a chair and seeing her settled, he left her to make his way through the crowd to find her a drink. She waved her fan in her face, wishing she had asked him to escort her to the patio outside. An old friend, Lady Voss, who had provided needed but unwanted advice since Arabella’s coming out, placed her impressive bottom on the chair alongside her. “Breeding already, eh?”

“What? Oh no—” Arabella stopped and counted in her head. Heavens, she hadn’t had her courses since before she and Nash had married. Could that be the explanation for her swooning, increased appetite, and unsettled stomach at the breakfast table?

A baby. A soft smile settled on her lips.

“Ah, I see I am correct.” Lady Voss patted her hand.

Was that why Nash kept grinning at her? It rankled that her husband had arrived at that conclusion before she had. Then she drew in a breath as another thought crossed her mind. After the way they’d married, most likely there would be many who would be counting months. Hopefully, the babe would not come early.

Nash returned with a glass of lemonade. “It is not very cold, but it might refresh you, anyway.” She wanted to question him then on what she’d just discovered, but kept silent as Lady Voss continued to chatter away.

The older woman seemed to be settled in for the night. Nash touched Arabella’s shoulder. “I see Mr. Dennison over there, and I need to speak with him. Will you be all right while I am gone?”

“I will see to your wife.” Lady Voss waved him on. “Just do what you need to do, and we will be right here when you return.”

Arabella sighed. So now she was a captive. As her companion prattled on, Arabella thought about a baby. She hadn’t had time to adjust to marriage, and now she would be faced with a little baby. Oh, how she wished they could return to the country now. The thought of nourishing food, fresh air, and mild exercise in the way of long walks, away from the foul smells of London and the even more constant appraising by the ton, left her anxious to speak with her husband.

It seemed an eternity, but actually only about thirty minutes, before Nash returned. “Are you ready to go home?”

All of a sudden, she felt very, very tired. “Yes, I believe I am.” Arabella stood and shook out her skirts, bidding Lady Voss a good evening. She took Nash’s arm, and they wended their way through the throng.

Since they were leaving as other guests were just arriving, it took a bit of time for their carriage to be brought around. Nash spent the time talking to Lord and Lady Dumont, who were also awaiting their carriage. They were leaving early, Lady Dumont said, because their young son was down with a fever, and even though Nurse was a careful guardian, Lady Dumont felt better returning home.

Another issue that brought concern to Arabella. Children got sick. They fell and injured themselves. Sometimes they died. She shuddered.

“Are you chilled, my dear?” Nash eyed her.

“A bit. I am eager to return home. The crowds and noise are starting to wear on me.”

Just then the butler announced their carriage was ready. Nash helped her down the steps and assisted her into the carriage. He sat across from her and tapped on the ceiling to alert the driver to proceed.

Arabella was not quite ready to discuss the possibility of a baby with Nash just yet. Even if he did seem to be aware of her condition—before herself, in fact—she still felt more time needed to pass before she could be assured that she was, indeed, increasing. Once she was certain, she would ask for them to return to the country.

“Arabella, I am sorry you fell ill this evening. I had hoped to talk to you about hosting a dinner party in the near future.”

“A dinner party?”