Page 82 of Unmasked By a Captivating Lady
Andrew grasped his hand, his eyes shining. “Thank you, brother,” he whispered back, tears still shimmering in his eyes. “I declare that I am the happiest man alive.”
Miles grinned. “Perhaps we can share the title, brother.” He paused. “You are going to love matrimony, Andrew. It is simply the best thing that I have ever done.”
***
After the guests had finally left for the evening, their carriages drawing away into the night, down their long, circular driveway, he turned to Ara, gathering her into his arms.
He nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent. He had never smelt anything like it. It was hers alone, a mixture of her floral perfume and the lavender soap that she used. Even a whiff of lavender reminded him of her, now, and his loins would tighten in desire and anticipation.
“Happy, my love?” he whispered, pulling back and gazing at her. “It is what you have desired for so long, to see your cousin happily wed, to a man who loves her, and who she loves as well.”
Ara smiled. “I am over the moon, husband! I cannot wait to plan Ruth’s wedding with her…and Mama, of course.” She took a deep breath. “She deserves this. As does your brother, as well.”
“He has been searching for that special someone for so long,” said Miles slowly. “He has known what his heart desires and made no secret of it.” He paused. “To think that we both have found our true loves, within the same family!”
Ara’s smile broadened. “It is truly wonderful, is it not? We can bring our children up together…” she bit her lip, her voice trailing away.
Miles frowned. “Dearest, what is wrong?”
Ara pulled away from him, walking across the room. He watched, with curious eyes, as she started to pace the floor.
“I have something to tell you,” she said slowly, frowning slightly. “I have waited until I was very sure…”
Mystified, he frowned, too. His heart tightened in fear. It wasn’t like Ara to let worry consume her, in this manner. Was something wrong with her? Was she suffering an ailment, that he was unaware of?
“What is it?” he asked, gazing at her. “Please, Ara, just tell me!”
She bit her lip, as she turned back to him. “I have news, Miles,” she said faintly. “Ihopeit will be happy news. But I am unsure…”
She resumed her pacing. He strode across the room, grabbing her by the shoulders, forcing her to be still. She gazed up at him, her dark eyes wide, and frightened.
“My love,” he whispered. “What is wrong? You are starting to scare me.”
“I am with child,” she whispered, in a tremulous voice. “I suspected, about a week ago, when my monthly courses did not commence at the usual time…and now, I am feeling a little sick every morning.” She took a deep breath. “It was the reason I had to lie in this morning, Miles, before I could get up…”
Before she could finish her sentence, he had picked her up, twirling her around the room, his heart giddy with happiness.
He had thought that his life with her was simply perfect, the way that it was. Just the two of them, together, in their country idyll. He probably could have stayed that way forever, as well, and never wanted for anything more.
But now his whole world had tilted, in a marvellously wonderful way.
A baby, he thought, in wonder.A child. Their very own child. A mixture of both of them.
“But that is wonderful,” he gasped, placing her back on the floor. “Simply wonderful! Why did you think that it would not be happy news?”
She smiled faintly, looking relieved. “Ihopedthat it would be happy news. But you have told me so often that our life here is perfect, in every way. Just the two of us.” She took a deep breath. “I was scared that you might think it an intrusion….”
He laughed. “An intrusion? Our child?” He gazed at her tenderly. “A child could never be an intrusion, Ara. A child is a gift, and I am so very happy, that we shall be having our own.”
“Really?” she whispered.
“Really,” he said, gathering her in his arms again. “You silly thing. I cannot believe that you were reluctant to tell me, because you thought I would disapprove.” He swallowed a sudden lump that had formed in his throat. “Areyouhappy, my darling?”
She smiled tremulously, placing a hand on her belly. “I think I am,” she whispered. “Already, even though I feel sick, I also feel excited. Just today, I pictured the babe, curled within me. So small! And then, I started to plan which room would be the nursery…”
He laughed, giddy with happiness. “We can decide together, my darling. Just like we can both decide who we will take on as nanny, and where to educate our child…”
“Stop,” she gasped, laughing. “You are thinking too far ahead now, Miles! Let us do things in small stages, shall we?” She paused. “I am so excited now that I know you are happy, my darling. It will be another adventure for us, will it not?”
