Page 67 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
She shrugged, sulkily, crossing her arms. “Maybe.”
“Well, I can’t do that.”
“And I can’t let you go there alone.”
“Why? Do you not trust me?”
“Of course, I do!”
“Then why don’t you trust me to be careful?”
“Because I am with child!”
Edward stared, frozen in shock. His gaze raked her frame as if he might see some sign. “H-how do you know?”
She gave him a wry look. “I have been with a child before. And I missed my courses.”
“Oh…” He felt his breath go in and out of his body, and everything around them became sharper. “I see.”
She peered up at him, “Are you not glad?”
“I am…” He shook his head. “I suppose I am… surprised.” He laughed. “I was not expecting this.” He grabbed her arms and stared into her eyes. “What glad tidings! I can barely believe it.”
She smiled with relief. “So, you are pleased?”
“Of course, I am. We are to have another child.” His face fell. “All the more reason, to finish this.”
“You cannot be serious!” she wailed.
“Ava, I promise you, I will be careful, but I have to do this. You know it as well as I do.”
She grasped his arms desperately. “Fine, but let us do it on our territory. Invite the man for tea.”
“He will?—”
“He does not know about the drawing or your suspicions. All he knows is that he invited Margaret for tea. What makes more sense than we would return the favor?”
Edward sighed, his shoulders dropping in defeat. “Fine. I will write him a letter.”
Ava beamed. “Good. Thank you.”
Edward went to his office and sat down, staring at the blank piece of paper in front of him. He had no idea what to writeto this man that would not arouse his suspicion. There was so much at stake, yet his mind could not settle on his task.
She is pregnant with my child.
The words kept reverberating in his mind, and yet, the disbelief did not lessen at all. He had never even dared to dream of this. He had imagined that after his fiancée had spurned him so callously, he would never find someone who could love him, let alone give him a child. While he kept wanting to burst with happiness, he could not help but be convinced that it would all come crashing down on him.
With a sigh, he took up his pen and began to write.
Dear Lord Pemberton,
Although we must have met at my ball, I must confess that I do not remember you. However, my sister-in-law has taken a liking to you and has requested that we further our acquaintance. To that end, I would like to invite you toBarringtonCastle for tea on the Morrow at 4:00 PM. I do hope you can make it as I look forward to formally meeting you.
Yours sincerely,
Barrington.
Edward read through the letter again then nodded to himself and shrugged. “I suppose it will have to do.” He folded it neatlyand stamped it with the family crest on his ring then he rang for a footman to have it delivered at once. “Make sure you wait for a reply.”
