Page 48 of The Earl Takes All
“Allie?”
“Alberta seems a bit grown-up for one so small, don’t you think?”
She smiled softly. “I suppose you’re right. Are you certain you’re not disappointed that she isn’t a boy?”
“I promise you with all my heart that I’m not disappointed in the least.”
“I was just so sure, but then I guess one never truly knows. Next time.”
He swallowed. “Next time, yes.” If she had a next time, it would be because she’d remarried. She would give another lord his heir. He didn’t want to think about Allie going to live on another estate, growing up in the shadow of a different residence. She belonged here. It was the home of her father.
Both he and Albert should have grown up here, but fate had denied them that privilege, those memories. He didn’t want a childhood on these grounds stolen from Allie. Albert wouldn’t want it either.
“What’s wrong?” Julia asked. “Your face is a storm cloud.”
He shook his head, waved off the troubling thoughts. “I’m sorry. I was just thinking about how important it is that she have the opportunity to grow up here, and how it was denied to me and my brother.”
“All of this must be bittersweet. Your childhood memories being stirred, Edward not being here.”
“It’s far more sweet than it is bitter, I promise you. And I haven’t asked how you’re feeling.”
“A little sore, but happy. Dr.Warren ordered me to stay abed for two months, but I’ve already gotten out of bed to see to my toilette and I felt fine.”
“You should listen to your doctor.”
“I don’t think it’s good to stay abed. I won’t be reckless but I don’t see the harm in sitting in a chair. And I want to feel strong enough to go downstairs by Christmas. This will be our first as a family. I want everything to be perfect.”
A perfect Christmas. That would be his gift to her. Then he would tell her the truth.
Chapter 12
Sittingin the parlor, watching as the servants finished trimming the tree, Julia could hardly believe it was Christmas Eve, that three weeks had passed so quickly. Allie slept in a nearby cradle that was decorated with holly and red velvet ribbon. She was such a delight, but still so small. Dr.Warren had decided she needed to be fed formula rather than mother’s milk.
“I feel as though I’m failing her,” she’d told Albert.
“You only fail her if you don’t heed your doctor’s advice,” he’d assured her.
She hadn’t expected her husband to be so attentive or to spend so much time holding his daughter. With winter upon them, there was little need for him to go out and check on his tenants, but she still hadn’t anticipated that much of his day would be spent entertaining her. They played cards. Sometimes he read to her.
He would get a bit miffed when she insisted upon walking through the residence. “I would think your physician has good reason for encouraging you to stay abed.”
“I can think of none when I feel so much better after I walk.”
He always accompanied her, provided an arm, and didn’t harp on his displeasure with her. Their strolls were her favorite moments of the day. Sometimes they were silent. Sometimes they shared memories of their youth and spoke of their plans for Allie, all the things they would show her, teach her. Following in her father’s footsteps, she would travel the world. Their daughter most certainly was going to have a singular upbringing.
Julia had always thought she loved Albert as much as it was possible to love a man. Strange to discover that with each passing day she loved him more deeply.
He stood by the fireplace with its evergreen boughs, his elbow resting on the mantel as he slowly sipped his scotch, his gaze on the activity near the tree. He was so incredibly attractive and masculine, every inch of him calling to her wantonness. From time to time he would glance over at her, smile, then his gaze would dip to the cradle, his eyes would soften. They were a family. They would have so many moments like this. A lifetime’s worth.
“Is it to your liking, m’lady?” Mrs.Bedell asked as the servants who had been assisting her stood at attention, hopeful expressions mirrored on each of their faces.
“Yes, thank you, it’s beautiful.”
The housekeeper ushered out the servants. Albert walked over and took the chair beside hers. “I’m surprised you weren’t in the thick of things, assisting them.”
“I did put up a couple of baubles while you went to retrieve your scotch.”
He laughed. “You are a stubborn wench.”
