Page 66 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
The clip-clop of a horse’s hooves sounded behind them, and they turned as Uncle Stephen dismounted. “I thought I’d find you here,” he said, approaching the gravesite. Looking down, he shook his head. “I feel such a wash of bitterness, anger, and guilt over Miles’s death.”
“Papa’s death was not your fault, Uncle Stephen,” Bella said, taking his hand. “The baron was determined to get his hands on the property no matter what. Besides, Papa would ask you to put those feelings behind you and live your life in happiness and peace. He always knew what was in your heart.”
“But the drinking and the debt…”
She shook her head as tears came to her eyes. “It was a sickness—as much as the illness that claimed Mama. You had nothing to do with his dying. That was the baron’s plan. He already wanted this property—and my father was in his way.”
“Bella is right,” William said. “For your peace of mind, you must put it behind you.”
Stephen gave a slow nod as he digested the words. “I would like to set my bitterness aside,” he finally admitted. “Your hearts are so generous—both of you, Bella and William…”
“Uncle Stephen, you are Papa’s heir and the rightful earl. You are the head of the Bridgewater family now. And nothing the baron attempted to do damaged or erased that.”
Stephen heaved a deep sigh. “Speaking of the baron, that’s why I came to find you both. I stopped at the house first, before I came to the graveyard. Harlow said this missive had just been delivered from the duke. I offered to bring it to you,” he said, handing the note to William.
William opened the missive and looked from his wife to his brother-in-law. “The Pied Piper was hanged yesterday for the murder of your father. As much as I hate to condone the death of any man, Baron Darkmoor was one of the most evil men I have crossed paths with. Justice has finally been served.”
Bella shivered as the wind picked up and the leaves floated once more above the gravestones. For a long moment, the three of them gazed at the sight in front of them, as Winterborne continued to neigh softly over the graves.
“He misses Papa so much,” Bella said, her voice almost a whisper. “In many ways, Winterborne was my father’s final gift to me. But there’s a gift I’d like to share while we are all here…with Papa and Mama.”
William gave her a curious look. “Is it…?”
She nodded, smiling brightly. “I am with child. I’ve kept it quiet until I knew for sure. Our child will be born in the late spring.”
William gave a cheer and, lifting her in his arms, whirled her around in a circle—then stopped himself. “I must take care. You have to be careful from here on out.” He set her down gently and, keeping his arm around her shoulders, gave her a tender kiss.
Bella giggled. “Winterborne agrees with you.” The horse looked up at them and nickered. “I think he already sensed I was with child. He was most adamant about going slowly this morning. Whenever I tried a light canter, he gave me a most frustrated look and refused to go faster.”
Both men laughed.
“Perhaps we should consult Michael on that. The boy has an uncanny ability to understand animals…and people,” Stephen said.
“What do you think about naming the child after Papa if it’s a boy or Mama if it’s a girl?” Bella asked in a hopeful voice as she gazed up at her husband with love.
“Miles would have loved that,” Stephen said. “But he would never have expected it. All he wanted was what I want… for you to be happy. You’ve both been extremely generous to me, entrusting me with overseeing the mine and its operations and giving me a share. I never expected that. And inviting me to live at Bridgewater Manor. Now I spend all my time at the mine and painting.”
“We are happy, Uncle. Now it’s time for you to follow your dreams and do what makesyouhappy.”
Stephen gave a sheepish smile. “I shall try.”Then, with a sudden spark of excitement, he added, “And to that end, I must be off. Lizzy is expecting me to help choose the flowers and decorations for our wedding.”He let out a small chuckle. “To behonest, I’m enjoying every second of it—because it means I get to spend more time with her.”
Bella couldn’t help but smile, seeing the happiness she had long hoped for finally displayed in his eyes.
After Stephen had left, William turned to her. “I cannot tell you how happy I am about the baby,” he said, reaching out to caress the curve of her cheek. “You are the person I never knew I needed—until you quite literally fell into my arms that day. I have loved you ever since. And now, to think we will have a child… I must confess, I’m a wee bit anxious. I pray I will be a good father.”
Bella’s heart swelled at the vulnerability in his voice. “You will be wonderful,” she assured him. “I see how you are with Michael. You are a natural.”
William exhaled, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. “I promise, I’ll do my best to make sure both you and our child are happy.”
“Speaking of Michael, Mrs. Randal tells me that he hasn’t had any more nightmares—not since we gave him one of Lacey’s puppies,” Bella said.
“Ahh! Another brilliant idea of my lovely wife,” William said, kissing her on the nose. “With a black star on her forehead, I don’t think he could have come up with a better name for his white puppy than Star.”
They both laughed.
William tucked her closer to him.
Bella tilted her head and looked up at him, her face suddenly serious. “You won’t mind if it’s a little girl? I dreamed of a little girl just last night—a golden-haired, green-eyed child laughing as she played with Lacey on the beach.”
