She grudgingly listened. “You’re right, but it’s been a long time since he’s been home.”
Gloria rolled her eyes. “My husband would leave for several months at a time. It was actually quite wonderful.”
Sadness filled Rebecca at her friend’s admission. Although she herself had never experienced how it felt to have your love returned, she knew the joys of loving someone.
Deciding a change of subject was necessary, Rebecca fixed her eyes on her friend. “So, what has been occupying your time lately? I’ve missed your frequent visits.”
Red touched Gloria’s cheeks. “Nothing much. I simply had duties I had been neglecting.”
Curiosity ate at Rebecca as she watched Gloria squirm. There definitely was something going on that her friend wasn’t saying. Although not wanting to pry, she felt she had a right to ask, considering some of the questions Gloria had asked of her.
“Care to tell me what’s really going on?” Rebecca brushed down her skirts, trying to hide the true extent of her curiosity.
“It’s just . . . Well—”
“Don’t tell me you’ve met someone,” Rebecca practically squealed.
Gloria nodded, but excitement didn’t cross her face as one would expect. “It’s nothing right now, but I have hope for the future.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Joy for her friend overwhelmed Rebecca.
“Why are we happy for Gloria?” Charles asked, appearing in the doorway.
Rebecca again got to her feet. She couldn’t be sure if it was the child inside her or her love for this man, but she had to work hard from throwing herself into his arms.
“You are here,” she breathed.
He shot her the most beautiful grin she’d ever seen. This was the man she’d married. Now finally returned to her. Unable to stop herself, she moved to his side and threaded her arm through his. After placing his hand over hers, he escorted them to sit on the sofa across from Gloria. Rebecca’s chest shook from happiness.
Over the course of their friendship, Rebecca typically didn’t wish for her friend to leave, but today she did. During their time in London, Charles had been attentive and kind. Although he hadn’t shared her bed, Rebecca felt as if their marriage could be set to right.
Then reality dulled her happiness. She resisted the urge to cover her stomach and instead gripped her fingers tighter around Charles’s arm. The baby would change everything. Exactly like before.
“So,” Charles began, “tell me, Gloria. What is your news?”
The baroness’s face turned a brighter shade of red as she squirmed. Rebecca felt bad for putting her friend in such a position. Although she didn’t see the harm in telling Charles the truth, she wouldn’t betray her friend’s trust.
Rebecca faced her husband. “She was telling me about her new wardrobe. However, unless you’re interested in discussing the intricacies of lace, we can reserve our conversation for another time.”
“Perhaps that would be best.” He looked down at her with a smile that touched her soul.
With only a slight movement, Charles rubbed his fingers across the back of her hand. Her blood pumped wildly at his light touch and his proximity. She breathed in deep, allowing his scent to invade her senses and further envelop her in a cloud.
If they were alone she would— Her thought dropped off as the truth weighed her down. Should he decide to join her in bed, he would notice the slight bump of her stomach. Her excitement at his return faded. She wished she could tell him about the baby. But she couldn’t.
“We are pleased the Prince Regent finally released you,” Gloria said, her voice hinting at annoyance.
Rebecca wondered at it, but didn’t comment. Surely Gloria had no reason to be at odds with their sovereign.
“Me as well. Playing court becomes tiresome.” He turned his attention to Rebecca. “I’m sorry you no longer found London to your liking.”
“I have no doubt my enjoyment of London will return during the Season. Balls and parties almost every night has always appealed to me.”
Gloria’s eyes lit up. “I have a wonderful idea. You should host a ball here. A winter ball. Surely there are enough families in residence who would be pleased to attend.”
“Or we could invite the tenants.” Both Gloria and Rebecca stared at Charles, making him clear his throat. “Well maybe a Christmas party instead of a ball.”
Rebecca couldn’t believe what she was hearing. What had happened to him in London? In all her years in her father’s home, he had treated his tenants like they were only good for filling his coffers. She’d never heard a nobleman who thought differently.
This new side of Charles only made her love him more. For him to care about his tenants . . . Her tears threatened to fall.
“I think that’s a wonderful suggestion.” Her admission brought Gloria’s horrified eyes to her.
“You do?” Charles studied her with eagerness.
“Of course. It will be a grand celebration in the ballroom without the added stress of requiring anyone to overdress. Although we have a lot to do in a short time, it will be manageable.”
Gloria tapped her foot as she crossed her arms. “Am I to understand that the gentry will not be welcome at your event?”
Both Charles and Rebecca looked at one another. He raised his eyebrow as if in a challenge.
“I don’t see any reason to invite them to a celebration for our tenants,” Rebecca explained. “Besides, I imagine that would leave all of our guests ill at ease.”
“This is not what I meant when I suggested a ball,” Gloria asserted. “This is unprecedented and unorthodox. I can’t agree to this.”
“Calm down, Gloria.” Irritation shown in Charles’s voice. “There is no harm in celebrating a holiday. Likely our decision will improve the running of the estate, and our example followed.”
“Charles, I implore you to think about this.”
“We will,” he promised. “Now, I’ve enjoyed our reunion, but I must excuse myself to see to matters.”
He stood, kissed Rebecca’s hand, nodded to Gloria, then left.
“I can’t believe that man.” Gloria stood and began pacing the room. “What is he thinking? And you. Have you no thoughts of your reputation?”
Rebecca resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I hardly think a small house gathering will make a big—”
“Of course it will. People talk. This will damage everything.”
“If my husband’s reputation can endure being accused of murder, I think he can withstand the disapproval of a few members of society for hosting a party.”
“I can’t hear any more of this.” Gloria marched to the door. “I will return when I have some proof to convince you of the error in your thinking.”
Gloria left before Rebecca could respond. Clearly their opinions on this matter differed drastically. Rebecca and her husband, on the other hand, saw exactly the same. If his actions today were any indication of the effects of London on him, she would happily encourage a permanent move there.
She touched her stomach. Her beloved child. At present, this was the main issue she could see that would change Charles back into the man who detested her. How could she keep her pregnancy a secret as a child grew inside her? The next several months would likely be her most difficult yet.
“I don’t care,” Charles bellowed, his voice echoing in the room. “You and I will hand deliver them if we have to.”
Josiah shrank back, and kept his tongue to himself. The opposition to his idea of a holiday celebration from yet another person irritated him to no end. This would be a perfect opportunity for him to be available to everyone on his estate. He hoped the gesture would stop all the happenings in the area.
“We can see to the delivery,” Davins assured. “Mrs
. Callie has a few nephews who can be hired for the job.”
“Thank you,” Charles said. At least some of his staff agreed with him. Not one word of dissension had arisen from the majority of them. “Now, I trust everything can be handled to my satisfaction.”
Having received their orders, everyone filed out of his office. Charles fell down into his chair and let out a long breath. In the fortnight he’d been home, both he and Rebecca spent the majority of their time working on planning this event. It was exhausting.
The thought of Rebecca brought a smile to his lips. His time in London had been a good lesson for him. As he watched the interactions of the couples, he realized he didn’t want his marriage to end up like that. He loved Rebecca too much to allow them to grow bitter toward one another.
In addition, her brother Alex had been invaluable in imparting information about his sister. Within a few conversations, he had learned how difficult her life had been before him. Hearing it had not been easy.
His chest quivered as he thought about what else he’d learned. He still could hardly believe Rebecca was the author of the Unscandal Sheet. Her goodness and desire to help others touched him. The recently written articles Alex had shown him flashed through his mind. She took a chance with her reputation with each stroke of the pen, but that didn’t deter her. He admired her selflessness as she championed the unfortunate. People like him. The article she’d done for him would forever be penned on his heart.
A knock at his door brought him to his feet as Gloria sauntered in. Her presence surprised him, considering he’d not seen her since the day he and Rebecca had decided on the holiday party.
“Please come in and have a seat,” he invited, then reclaimed his seat as she settled in a chair. “What brings you here today?”
“We haven’t spent much time together since London. I wanted to see if you could join me for a ride.”
Charles fought the urge to wince. After Rebecca had returned to Dunmore, leaving him alone in London, he’d been surprised to see Gloria. They had shared daily rides, and he had provided her an escort for a time. Then the whispers began. Honestly, he was happy Rebecca didn’t want to return to the city for the next few months.
“Considering what happened in London, I don’t think that’s wise.”
She rolled her eyes. “You of all people should have learned to ignore the rumors. They seem to attract you like a magnet.”
“If I recall correctly, the whispers were centered on you.”
“It doesn’t matter what other people are saying. Nothing happened between us, and we know it. No harm came from our walks or conversations.”
“Gloria, you are my friend, and I don’t want to lose that, but I refuse to do anything to hurt my wife.”
She gritted her teeth as she crossed her arms. “That I don’t believe. Even now, you are putting her at risk.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”
“This little gathering of yours. First of all, I can’t see it doing much for her reputation. And second, I certainly don’t think any of this is good for her in her current condition.”
“And what condition is that?”
Rebecca was in perfect health. Madam Hershal had remained at Dunmore to keep an eye on her after the miscarriage, and Charles had ordered the doctor to stop in regularly for the few weeks after she fell down the stairs. She also had a glow about her that he noticed had been missing since her accident.
At this moment, his life verged on providing him with a large amount of happiness, and he refused to allow Gloria to ruin it for him. Or for Rebecca.
“She hasn’t told you?” Gloria covered her hand over her mouth. “Then I shouldn’t be the one to say anything.”
“Told me what? What you talking about?”
She pressed her lips closed, looking away from him, as if unable to maintain eye contact. He didn’t like it.
“Gloria. Tell me,” he demanded.
“How can I? It isn’t right for me to come between a husband and a wife. Particularly at a time like this.”
Blood pounded in Charles’s temples. If something had happened to Rebecca while he had been away, he’d never forgive himself. He had promised to always protect her. Had he failed again?
“If you don’t tell me what you are talking about, I swear I shall ban you from entering my house again.”
“Very well. I shall tell you. However, you must remember it was you who pressured me to do so.”
He glared at her. “Agreed.”
“Your wife is with child.” Gloria’s smug smile didn’t match her words.
Stunned, he simply stared at her. “That’s not possible.”
Her eyes widened a fraction as her smile deepened. “If that’s the case, you may not have sired the spawn, but she does carry one.”
Charles stood up so fast, his chair almost toppled over. “I’ll not have you speak of my wife like that again. You will show both of us respect while you’re in my house.”
“Calm down, Charles. You are the one who said you weren’t the father.”
“I said no such thing,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Well, you don’t act like a well-pleasured man, and with your comment I thought—”
“Enough.” His voice emerged menacingly low. “Leave right now.”
For the first time, Gloria truly appeared afraid. She rose to her feet and stumbled to the door, constantly checking behind her. He didn’t remove his gaze until the door closed behind her.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned back in his chair. Could it be true? Since Rebecca’s accident, he only had one moment of weakness. Although he knew a child could be conceived in so little time, he didn’t see it very probable. However, if Gloria was correct, he had defied the odds. After all, Rebecca would never lie with another man.
Needing verification, he got up and moved toward the door. He felt numb, as if in a trance, as he walked to the drawing room. The desire for Gloria’s assertion to be false overwhelmed him.
He found Rebecca in the garden with Madam Hershal. Keeping his distance, he watched, trying to determine if a slight difference existed in her body. He detected none.
With a sigh of relief, he turned to leave, then he saw it. She placed her hand on her stomach as if in a protective gesture. His wife was pregnant. And she’d kept it from him.
Rebecca ran her hand down her dress, touching the pleating Anna had added to the gown. “Are you sure this dress is suitable enough?”
“Of course,” Anna assured. “Everyone will dress to their station, so you don’t need to be concerned.”
After putting the last touches on her hair, Anna left to go prepare for the upcoming festivities. No doubt looking forward to spending the time with Paul. That thought made Rebecca smile.
“You look beautiful,” Sylvia said. “You don’t need to concern yourself over that.”
“Thank you.” Rebecca turned her friend. “Do you think anyone will notice I’m increasing?”
Glancing back at the mirror, Rebecca didn’t see a difference in herself except the style of her dress. Would Charles discover the truth? Over the last week or so, she noticed how often he watched her. His eyes never seemed to want to leave her. And he handled her with such care. It was disconcerting.
“Not yet.” Sylvia pinched her lips and narrowed her eyes. “But this can only continue so long. He will notice very soon.”
Rebecca sighed as she turned from the mirror and sank into a chair. The argument had been going on from the moment she learned of her condition. However, the idea she could lose the Charles she fell in love with again filled her with grief. The very thought brought a lump to her throat.
“I believe altering my dresses—”
“Is a temporary solution. One that will onl
y add to his distress when he learns of your deception.”
“There has been no deception. I have not said a word that could be misconstrued as a lie.”
“Of course not, but your failure to tell him about the baby receives the same results.”
Tears pricked the back of her eyes. “I can’t. I just can’t.”
Sylvia patted her shoulder. “Let’s not worry about it today. This is a celebration. In honor of the upcoming holiday, as well as establishing the greatness of the earl’s character.”
A smile tugged at Rebecca’s lips. “Yes. I’m very proud of him.”
“But you are the star pupil today. All eyes will be on you. As the fifth to fill the position of countess, curious eyes will fall upon you. Show them you were the one meant for him. That you love him. That he loves you.”
Shock wound through Rebecca’s body. “But he doesn’t love me. How can I convince anyone of something that isn’t true?”
It was Sylvia’s turn to smile. “If you believe it inside yourself, everyone else will be able to believe it as well.”
Rebecca swallowed. “I—”
“You don’t need to say anything. Come. Let’s go see to your guests.”
As they left the bedchamber, the hum of talking and laughter filled her ears. The joyous sounds made her heart want to burst. Charles had done this. He took a chance and broke through the class lines to offer everyone an enjoyable holiday.
Entering the ballroom, she saw a bustle of activity. Tables had been erected around the space to offer activities for the children as well as hold snacks and beverages for everyone. Charles even had the foresight to offer small gifts to the children. A smile could be seen on every face she encountered.
Many people greeted her with words of gratitude, and either excitement or awe in their eyes. All the whispered words spoke of the generosity of her husband and not one mention of any rumors could be heard. Everyone accepted Charles as they should.
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