by Glenda Diana
Lucas spun around and glared at Lance and Alan. “Coming with us?”
Alan took a step backward. “We have mounts.”
“Then get the hell out of our way.”
Blake climbed into the carriage and adjusted Thorton on his lap. Gently, he brushed a kiss across her forehead ... then began to pray.
Chapter Twenty-three
Milly was coming from upstairs in the townhouse when Blake pushed his way past Saul. Her startled cry brought Blake to an instant stop. “Lord, is she hurt?” she asked, eyeing the still-unconscious Thorton in his arms.
Blake started up the staircase. “Show me to her chamber!”
“The first door on the right, Milord.” Milly followed Blake. “Saul, send a message to the doctor's house, and hurry!”
Blake waited until Milly had turned down the bed, then gently laid Thorton upon it. His father, Griggs, and Lucas entered the room. Lance and Alan were right behind. He was grateful to each of them.
As soon as Blake had reached London, he had sent a message to Lance. Even though they had only somewhat mended their friendship, he still wasn't sure if Lance would come. But he had. Lance had even brought along the ever-infuriating Alan. Blake's stomach clenched when he thought of what might have happened if Lance had not appeared. He could have lost Thorton.
“Milord, I'll need your help removing her clothing,” Milly said as she began undressing Thorton.
Blake's words of acceptance faltered when his eyes rested on Thorton's swollen stomach. She had felt so light in his arms. Never would he have guessed that beneath the layers of cloth lay his child, nestled in her womb. But the note had said...
Memories flashed through his head. Every minute of their time together. Her words, her touches, her love. Holding her when the sickness came upon her in the mornings. The first signs of her breasts growing larger, more tender. How had he forgotten these things? Had she been right about him? Had he been too busy trying to condemn her that he didn't see what had clearly been in front of him?
For six months, instead of asking her about the note, or listening to his heart the day she had left Stonecrest, he'd let his temper and old hate consume him. He had lost six months with Thorton, six months of watching his child grow inside her.
The pain, the hurt, the knowledge that she had married the biggest ass in all the world filled him. Still, she had not given up. Instead, she had searched for answers he was too blind to see.
“Oh, God.” His groan filled the quiet room.
Lucas stepped up beside Milly. “What's wrong, Baron? Does the truth make you ill? I think you should leave my house, like you made Thorton leave yours!”
“No,” Milly declared. “Only if Thorton says she wants him to leave. For now he stays.”
Lucas glared at Blake, as if his anger was ready to explode. “Be grateful for my wife. If not for her, I'd beat the hell out of you and throw out your rotten carcass.”
“I'm most grateful to your wife,” Blake replied. “But that would've been the only way you could've gotten me to leave.”
* * * *
Thorton tried to reach the aching muscles in her legs, but someone kept pushing away her hands. She heard moans and wondered who else was in pain. The moans seemed to fill the room and increase the tempo of her throbbing head.
Bits and pieces of the evening floated back to her. She wanted to cry when recalling how she'd disgraced herself. And she had killed a man.
Roger. She could vaguely remember Blake saying he had to check on Roger. Had he been hurt? Fighting against her pain, she tried to rise. From the sound of Roger's groans the man had to be in agony. She was to blame. If he had not been trying to help, he wouldn't have been hurt. It was her duty to see to his care, to give him comfort, no matter how wretched she felt.
Blake attempted to hold her down when she tried to leave the bed.
She muttered a few unladylike words as she opened her eyes. Tears instantly overflowed when she saw him leaning over her. She touched his face. “I thought I had dreamt you.”
“I'm more nightmare than dream,” he said with a smile.
She closed her eyes and also smiled. This had to be a dream, she reasoned, to see his face, to hear his voice, and to see his smile. “Blake.”
“I'm right here,” he said, giving her forehead a light kiss.
“Roger's in pain. I hear his moans. I have to go to him. I can ease his pain.”
Blake smoothed back her hair. “Roger is fine.”
“Do you always have to argue with me? All I want is to help your father.”
“I'm not arguing. He's fine.”
There was the moaning again. Her temper rose. Did Blake think her deaf? Grinding her teeth, she again tried to get up, only to have him push her down. Her anger turned to fury. She slapped at his hands.
“Thor, I'm telling you, Roger is fine.”
“I hear him. Please, Blake, let me see to his care.”
Roger rested his hand on her shoulder. “I'm fine, girl. Stop your fussing.”
Thorton's eyes ran over him. Other than the bandage on his arm, he appeared to be all right. She scowled. If he was in fine shape, why was he making a racket? “Then stop your moaning. You're giving me a headache.”
Blake smiled. “Thor, you're the one moaning.”
Thorton again slapped his hand. The man blamed her for everything. “Why would I be moaning? I've had a trying day and all you can think to do is be mean. I won't stand for it!”
Roger gently touched her cheek. “'Tis the baby.”
Thorton's ire quieted. What about the baby? Her gaze went from Blake to Roger.
Milly came into view over Blake's shoulder. “Don't worry. The doctor's on his way. You get some rest.”
At any other time Thorton would have appreciated Milly's motherly advice. Now wasn't one of those times. “I don't understand.” She desperately tried to follow the conversation, but her legs were hurting and her head felt like it was three times larger than its normal size.
“You're having the baby,” Blake clarified.
“Of course I'm having a baby.” Tears rolled down her cheeks; she angrily wiped at them. “You knew that before I left Stonecrest. Stop pushing at my hands! I need to rub my legs, they're hurting something fierce.”
“Thor, you are having the babe ... now.”
Her hands stopped slapping at his; her eyes widened. He began massaging her legs.
Saul entered to inform them Dr. Halworth was out on an emergency. Lucas ranted and raved. When he grew tired, Roger took over, cursing and threatening the life of every descendant in the doctor's line. Lance paced from right to left, while Alan paced from left to right; occasionally they would throw in their opinions.
Only one of them had so far remained quiet ... too quiet. Griggs. Blake thought the old man would be joining the others, cursing all who shared the doctor's profession. But Griggs stood beside Blake, staring at Thorton, looking as though he was fighting some inner battle.
Was he thinking about the night Lady Ann gave birth to Blake? Was he remembering how she had suffered years later trying to bring forth another child and how she and the baby died? Blake's eyes watered. What if he were to lose Thorton? Blake thrust away the fearful thought. He would not lose her. Not after everything he had put her through. He had so much to make up to her, so much to tell her.
It was a bitter pill, he raged silently. He was only human; he had no magical powers. How could he protect her from the dark figure called Death? He would hold tight to her, give her the strength that flowed through him. He would give his very life to keep her and their child safe. Without her, he had nothing.
Thorton could see Blake's fear for her. She, too, was scared. She had never really thought about the actual labor, only of the joy. Her heart throbbed at the knowledge that this giant man could be frightened of anything. He was all strength and power, a solid rock of hardness, but now she saw only his fear.
Why had he rushed to London? What was he doing w
orrying over her, his enemy? She had to see his scowl, the hard glint in his eyes, even a smile would be better to see than his fear. She would most likely regret it, but she had to bring back her fearsome warrior.
Lance unwittingly gave her the opportunity.
“Lady Bradley, I was greatly relieved Blake got to you before Waldom did. I must confess, you did give Alan and I a scare when we saw Blake lay you out on the ground.”
“I don't remember,” she said, then smiled impishly. “I see all of you have put your differences aside. I'm glad. Blake can't afford to lose many more friends.”
“He can't?”
“Heaven's, no.” Thorton stiffened as a pain gripped her. When it eased, she took several deep breaths. “Blake doesn't make friends easily. It's his overly arrogant ways, you know?”
“You think he's arrogant?” Lance whispered.
“Of course. It's a bloody nuisance.”
“Madame,” Blake hissed.
Thorton saw his faint smile. “What?”
“If you want to speak of arrogance, speak of yours. That is only one of the areas in which we are well-matched.”
“I'm not at all arrogant.” Thorton's cheeks flamed to life at the purely evil way he had said ‘one.’ They were more than well-matched in that particular area. She had to clear her throat before she could continue. “I pretend to be arrogant in order to deflect yours.”
“Deflect mine?” Blake laughed. “No one is that good an actor.”
Thorton smiled. She had gotten him to scowl and to laugh. Now all she had to do was keep his mind off what she was going through. Ironic, she thought, her being more worried about him than she was for herself. Part of her wanted to curl up in his arms and cry out her fear. She knew the pain would only be growing worse. Could she take it?
Then came the unbidden thought of Blake's mother. What if she also died while birthing their child? What if she never got to see the baby they had created? What if she never got to see his handsome face again? So many questions and not enough time.
Lifting her hand, Lance brushed his mouth over the back of it. “As always, it's a pleasure to see you, Madame. We shall await outside in the hall.” He gave her a sly wink.
Thorton tried to smile, but a contraction came on hard and fast. She gripped Lance's hand, her eyes squeezed shut, and her lips clamped tight, but still the sound escaped. She held Lance's hand in a painful death grip. As the contraction came to an end, her tense body slowly relaxed.
Blake picked up a damp cloth and gently began wiping the sweat from her brow.
Thorton gave him a weak smile and ran her hand over her swollen stomach. “This is all your fault.”
“My fault?” he said, with only a hint of laughter. “Behave yourself.”
Lance laughed. “Madame, you are a treasure.” Again he kissed her hand, gave her a slight bow, and turned away. “Come along, Garrick. Let's get out of here.”
“Mr. Wellsbrough, Mr. Garrick,” Thorton called out. “Thank you for your assistance tonight.”
Lance offered her a charming smile. “It was over before we crossed the field. Your family was most impressive. But Alan was slightly disappointed in not being able to help.”
“We'll make sure to invite him to our next scrimmage,” Roger stated dryly, as he watched the two men leave.
Thorton turned to smile at Roger, but her focus went no further than Griggs. As he drew nearer, she held out her hand, which he immediately grasped. “How are you?” she whispered.
“Fine, Madame,” he managed to say after a few minutes.
“I missed you and Roger.”
Griggs cleared his throat, but still his voice came out raspy. “We missed you, too.”
“Has Roger been behaving himself and practicing chess?”
“He's been practicing. But to be honest, he's been as testy as an impotent bull. I fear he's been thinking overlong on a certain elderly woman who had written him a few weeks ago.”
“Just one minute, you old buzzard,” Roger sputtered.
Thorton smiled. “A certain woman? That's interesting.”
“If you say so, Madame. Personally, I found the message rather boring. Lady Martha had written only to see how the cranky old soul was doing.”
Roger gasped. “You read my note? Who the hell do you think you are?”
Griggs gave him a brief glance. “A butler, sir. It was you who left the note on your desk. You know how servants are. We do enjoy a good gossip. Our lives would be dull without the excitement nobility provides.”
“The note might have been on my desk, but was underneath a stack of papers. I remember hiding it there.”
“I had no trouble finding it.”
Lucas stepped forward. “Stop bickering or I'll throw your scrawny arses out the door.”
“I'll help him,” Blake growled.
Griggs locked his gaze with Thorton's. “Now, Madame, we have unfinished business to attend. There is still a question that has never been fully answered.”
Thorton shook her head. “Now is not the time, Griggs.”
“Now is the perfect time.” His scratchy voice gained in strength. “The answer, Madame.”
Thorton glared at the pestering man. Lucas moved up beside Griggs, giving the older man his silent support. Well what had she expected?
“Milady, all of your life you have had a goal, one thing you have wanted beyond all else. Tell me what this goal is.” Griggs kept his voice soft, almost tender, as he squeezed her hand.
Blake stopped massaging her legs. He held his breath, waiting for the answer that had haunted him night and day since the first day he'd met her. He was tempted to order Griggs to stop badgering her, but then he would have to question his motive for doing so. Did he want Griggs to stop for Thorton's sake or his own? Was it out of concern for her or was he just hiding from what he feared she might say?
Tears slipped down her cheeks as her body stiffened with a contraction. She squeezed her eyes closed, hoping it would ease the pain, but it didn't. Why was Griggs doing this? Was he so insensitive that he couldn't see she was going through enough?
When she finally opened her eyes she stared at Blake. Everything seemed to fall together, to fit perfectly in her mind. Now she knew why Griggs was being a pest. He wasn't being insensitive, but just the opposite.
Blake's breath caught painfully in his chest when her molten gold eyes met his. His mind conjured up an erotic picture of her, one where her eyes were heavy with passion, and her chest heaved with every breath of air she drew, her face slightly flushed and glowing softly.
“Milady,” Griggs prompted.
“Blake.”
Griggs raised her hand and kissed the palm, then gave her a nod and a wink before turning toward the door. Stepping into the hallway, he stopped and looked back over his shoulder. He gave an apologetic shrug, then bellowed out his orders. “Damnation, where is the bloody staff? I want plenty of hot water, cold water, every spare sheet! I want candles, lanterns! I want them delivered to this room immediately or I'll have every one of your blasted heads!”
The sound of running feet thundered through the house.
“I believe his lordship would appreciate a few moments alone with his wife,” Griggs announced before moving down the hall.
One by one the others filed out, leaving the couple in total silence. Thorton could feel Blake watching her. Apprehension got the better of her. Slowly, she peeked up at him.
Blake had a ridiculous grin on his face. “Tell me again.”
She swallowed. “I have always dreamt of you. I have always wanted just you.” Tenderly, she traced the scars on his cheeks. “You were my goal, the treasure for which I searched. You are what makes my life whole. I need you to be complete.”
“Please, God, don't let this be a dream. If it is, I don't ever want to wake.” He brushed his mouth against hers. “Tell me, just one more time, so I know this is real.”
“At any other time,” Thorton panted, then moaned, “I'd be m
ore than happy to do so, but your child is demanding my undivided attention and his freedom.”
The last part of her statement sounded as loud as Griggs’ bellow. The feel of her body tensing and tightening beneath Blake's hands brought back the seriousness of the situation.
He hated seeing her going through such agony. He waited until her body relaxed and slowly, carefully, leaned toward her. His mouth grazed her forehead, her eyes, her pert nose, and both damp cheeks before hovering over her lush mouth. His eyes bore into hers.
“I love you, Thor,” he breathed against her lips before claiming them. This was what he had been dreaming of. This was what had tormented him-the feel, the taste of this woman, the only woman who had dared him to feel, to live, to be human.
Her eyes filled with tears. How long had she wished to hear those words fall from his lips? A lifetime. Never had she heard anything so beautiful.
Griggs cleared his throat as he entered the room with three servants in tow. He ignored the couple as he ordered the servants as to where he wanted everything placed.
“Good Lord,” Thorton breathed. “You don't think the physician will come.” Of all the consequences that had entered her mind regarding her trip to London, not once had she thought of this problem.
“Just being prepared,” Blake said. “Everything will be fine, I promise.”
She swallowed hard and nodded. After several minutes, she let her eyes drift shut. “Why are you rubbing my legs?”
“Because they ache.”
Thorton yawned. “They've stopped aching. It's my back that hurts now.”
Blake carefully turned her on to her side and began rubbing her lower back. He kissed the crown of her head, at the sound of her soft “thank you.”
He could hear the others moving around the room, but he couldn't take his eyes off Thorton. He feared that if he looked away, he would lose her.
Hours seemed to drag as her pain increased. Sweat dripped from her; her breathing grew shallow. Blake wanted to cry out each time she did. It was a never-ending nightmare.