Page 81 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
“Not at all,” Philip teased, leaning in to press a kiss to Aurelia’s hand. “She screamed loudly enough to startle the camels. I thought she might cause a stampede.”
Aurelia playfully swatted his chest, but her smile was wide. “It was terrifying! You cannot imagine how tall those beasts are until you are atop one. I am quite certain I was a hundred feet off the ground.”
“Not a hundred feet,” Philip interjected with a grin, “but close enough.”
He nuzzled her cheek.
Their friends burst into laughter and Thomas shook his head in amusement. “I would have paid a small fortune to see that.”
Aurelia blushed slightly but the warmth of her friends’ company made her smile.
“Despite the camel incident, Arabia was beautiful,” she continued. “The bazaars, the desert sunsets, the scent of the spices in the air…it was like stepping into another world. I never thought I would see something so breathtaking.”
“Like the pyramids in Egypt,” Philip added, his arm sliding around her waist. “There is something humbling about standing before them. It is as if time itself stands still.”
Kenneth nodded appreciatively. “I assume you did not have quite the same reaction to riding horses, Duchess?” he teased Aurelia.
She laughed. “Thankfully, no! After the camels, everything else seemed quite tame.”
Catherine smiled, her eyes soft with affection as she regarded the happy couple. “It is wonderful to see you both so well and full of stories. We were worried you might never return from your travels.”
Aurelia’s eyes turned sad as she looked at her friend.
“We did consider it,” Philip admitted with a wink. “There is still so much of the world we have not yet seen.”
“But London called us back,” Aurelia added, her voice softer now, her gaze drifting to Philip. “It is good to be home.”
Their friends nodded in agreement and the conversation continued, until it was time to say goodbye.
“We promise we will visit each one of you.” Aurelia waved at them.
“We shall hold you to that promise,” Catherine called after her.
As they stepped into their bedchamber later that night, the crackling fire casting soft shadows on the walls, Aurelia felt a flutter of nerves in her chest. She glanced over at Philip as he removed his coat, the muscles in his broad shoulders flexing with the movement. But his ever-present aura of strength and care filled the room.
She bit her lip and walked over to him, her hands resting lightly on his chest. “Philip,” she said softly.
He looked down at her, raising a curious eyebrow. “Yes, my love?”
Aurelia smiled nervously and took his hand, leading him over to the sofa. Once seated, she placed his hand on her stomach and gave him a coy smile. “Tell me, Philip, can you feel anything?”
Philip blinked, clearly confused by her request. He tilted his head, a slight smile playing on his lips as he humored her.
“Nothing,” he replied.
“Come, place your head on my stomach,” she urged, and he complied, placing his ear on her stomach. “Hear anything?” she asked.
“I hear…your heartbeat.”
Aurelia’s smile grew, her heart racing in anticipation of his reaction. “Do you…perhaps hear another one?”
For a moment, Philip was silent, and then he froze. He straightened up, his eyes wide with dawning realization. “Aurelia…are you…?”
She nodded, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. “Yes, Philip. We are going to have a baby.”
The astonished look on his face gave way to pure, unbridled joy. He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off the sofa as he spun her around, laughing with joy.
“Aurelia! A child!” His voice was thick with emotion as he set her down, cupping her face in his hands. “You have made me the happiest man alive.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “This was why you wanted us to return home?” he asked, his eyes roaming over her face.
