Page 135 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
Harry followed.
‘You know you are bleeding,’ Harry stated as they climbed up into the curricle.
‘Yes. Did you pick up your handkerchief?’
Harry passed it over. ‘Give the straps to me. I will drive while you stop that bleeding.’
‘The bullet only skimmed me. It is just a nick.’ He pressed the handkerchief against his ear. Yet, if the shot had been a half an inch further over, Rob would have been dead. Kilbride had aimed to kill.
Rob leaned back, pressing the handkerchief hard against his ear.
At least if Kilbride did decide to admit his shame and call for a magistrate, Rob would have evidence that he had been fired upon too, and the position of the wound was evidence that Kilbride had attempted murder.
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Caro’s heart played a wild drumbeat as Drew came into her room. ‘It is time for you to legitimate this child.’ He smiled.
‘Rob would have married me months ago, and our daughter would already have her father’s name, if you had not deterred us.’
There had been no more blood, the child had moved this morning and the heartbeat was strong, so, the doctor had decreed she would be safe to get up from bed as long as she was cautious.
Ellen had helped Caro dress in the ivory gown with Belgium lace that she and Mary had chosen in Maidstone.
‘I will carry you out to the carriage,’ Drew said. ‘You should not take the risk of being on your feet for too long.’
She wrapped her arm about his neck as he lifted her into his arms.
The former Pembroke Dukes stared down at them from the portraits as he carried her along the hall.
‘My lord, my lady.’ Finch stood in the downstairs hall. He opened the front door, so Drew could carry her out to the carriage.
‘Put me down. I can climb the carriage step.’
He did so.
Within the carriage, cushions had been arranged so she could sit with her feet up. Drew climbed in and sat beside her. Rob’s family would already be at the church.
‘You look beautiful,’ Drew told her.
‘Thank you.’
The carriage driver kept the horses at a walk, so the carriage would not rock aggressively as they drove the short distance to St George’s Palladian-fronted church.
When the carriage halted, a footman opened the door. Drew climbed down, turned and helped her.
‘Hold my shoulders,’ he said.
‘You are not carrying me along the aisle. I will walk.’
He hesitated.
‘The doctor did not say I must keep off my feet entirely, only to take care.’
He sighed and offered his arm. ‘I love you, sister, I just do not want you to come to harm.’
She smiled. ‘And I love you, brother, and if I am half as happy in my marriage as you and Mary are, I shall never come to harm.’
‘We will walk slowly,’ he said. ‘Are you ready to face the gossips?’
