Page 136 of Catching Lady Theo
Having just witnessed a marriage ceremony, Leo knew he couldn’t take Theo’s hand until after her brother allowed it. Finally, the rector asked who would give Theo to him.
“I will.” Worthington glanced at Leo. “Take good care of her.”
He nodded and the rector continued. Gazing into each other’s eyes, he and Theo continued their vows in strong voices. Marrow gave the ring to the clergyman. He blessed it before giving it to Leo. Despite knowing what he’d say, Theo blushed when he promised to worship her body. Then they were pronounced man and wife. He felt as if he’d run a marathon and had won.
After signing the registry, he turned to Theo. “Are you ready, wife?”
“As ready as you are, husband.” Instead of merely placing her hand on his arm, she twined her arm with his. “Let us go.”
They strolled up the aisle, accepting the congratulations of their relatives. Even his mother appeared happy. Hopefully, her attitude toward his wedding had changed.
February 1825 Stallwart Palace, Northamptonshire
“This baby can come anytime.” Theo rubbed her stomach. “I wish I knew what was taking it so long.” She and Leo had arrived back in England in time for the family get-together, then traveled up to their main estate and immediately wrote to the Rollinses. While the master apartments and the nursery and schoolroom were being refreshed and remodeled, they continued on to the rest of their estates. They had returned to Stallwart Palace just after Christmas to await the coming of their first child. But the dratted thing was refusing to make a showing. Theo was almost two weeks late.
“This is quite common with firstborn children,” the midwife said reassuringly.
“No one else in my family has been this late.” Why her?
“Theo.” Grace’s tone was gentle. “Most of your sisters have had twins. They always come early.”
“Yes, but Louisa, Madeline, and Augusta were not this late.” Theo prayed there was nothing wrong.
“That is no indication of your pregnancy and the birth of your child.”
Grace was right. All of her sisters by blood had experienced morning sickness, and she had not. “I suppose you are right.”
Leo knocked on the door and entered. “Is there any news?”
Theo shook her head. “Your son is apparently as stubborn as you are.”
“Oh, no! I think it’s your daughter.” He kissed her. “I so want a girl.”
“You are perverse.” Theo could not not sound a bit crabby. “Most gentlemen want boys.”
A slow smile grew on his handsome face. “More fools they. Having a girl means we will have to keep trying.”
“You are impossible.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “True, but you love me anyway.”
“I do love you.” Theo drew him down for a kiss.
“And I love you.” He searched her eyes before kissing her again.
“How is your mother doing?” The dowager duchess had arrived two weeks ago and made a point of keeping to herself until Grace and Louisa had also arrived.
“She wants a boy.” Leo’s tone was dry and dismissive.
“Everyone will get what God gives them,” Louisa commented. “Come, Theo, you should walk.”
“I know.”
Leo helped her up from the chaise. She took two steps and almost doubled over in pain.
“What is it?” He held on to her until she could stand.
“I believe her grace has got her wish,” the midwife said as she moved around the room gathering her things and going into the birthing room.
