A Most Noble Heir

by Susan Anne Mason

  Nolan lifted the veil from her face before he winked at the minister. “If it’s all the same to you, Reverend, I intend to kiss my bride.” He cupped Hannah’s face with both hands and laid his lips on hers.

  Hannah’s heart filled with such love that she feared it would soar past the roof and up to the sky.

  When Nolan released her, a round of applause broke out, and everyone stepped up to embrace them. Even the earl appeared moved, gripping Nolan’s hand and kissing Hannah on the cheek. Nolan introduced her to his Aunt Ophelia, a dignified woman who welcomed Hannah into the family.

  And Nolan’s sister Victoria beamed with happiness as she embraced Hannah in a tight hug. “I’m so happy to have another sister. I truly hope we can become friends.”

  “I’d like that very much.”

  Victoria turned to Nolan. “I’m afraid I couldn’t get Evelyn to change her mind and attend the ceremony. But don’t worry. She’ll come around in time.”

  Nolan simply smiled. “I hope so. But I don’t intend to let her ruin this happy moment.”

  A beaming Iris turned to her butler, hovering in the doorway. “Carstairs, please bring us a bottle of our best champagne and enough glasses for everyone. This is indeed a cause for celebration.”

  Nolan’s hand sought Hannah’s, entwining their fingers together. “I fear I may become a nuisance, Mrs. Price. I don’t intend to let you out of my sight for the foreseeable future.” He rested his free hand on her abdomen. “I also intend to spoil you until this wee one is born.” He leaned over to kiss her soundly.

  “Oh, Nolan. I am so happy. I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real. Thank you for this beautiful day. It’s exactly what I needed.”

  “You are most welcome.” He gave her a tender smile. “I thank God for allowing me come to my senses in time. I love you more than anything, Hannah Price, and I plan to spend the rest of my days making sure you never doubt that again.”

  Hannah opened her eyes to find her husband leaning on one elbow, studying her features, and couldn’t keep the smile from her face. In the days since their marriage renewal, life had settled into a comfortable routine at Hartford. Their wedding guests had long since departed, all except Edward, who opted to stay on. Hannah’s mother had wanted to stay as well to be here for her grandchild’s birth, but she didn’t wish to upset her husband by staying away longer than agreed. Hannah had assured her she could come for a visit whenever she was able to get away again.

  Hannah and Nolan existed in a cocoon of joy, using the time to get reacquainted, talking about all that had happened over the last months. Nolan was wonderfully attentive and spoiled Hannah with his doting, as though trying to atone for his absence. Hannah was relieved to learn he had no intention of returning to Stainsby without her, which meant he would have to stay until their child made its appearance.

  “I’ve forgotten how nice it is,” she said, “waking up with someone in the same bed. Not to mention having someone to keep me warm during the night.”

  “And I don’t even mind those cold feet against my legs.” Nolan grinned, reminding her of the mischievous youth he’d been when they first met.

  Warmth from the newly-stoked fire had begun to spread through the room, easing the morning chill.

  Hannah fingered the quilted coverlet. “I’m sorry we haven’t been able to repeat our honeymoon. But I don’t wish to jeopardize the baby.”

  Nolan shook his head slightly, lifting a strand of her hair and running it between his fingers. “Nor do I, especially when I think about the scare you had. I couldn’t bear it if I lost you, Hannah.”

  “You won’t lose me. It’s the baby I’m worried about.”

  Concern darkened his blue eyes. “You’ve felt fine since then? No more pains?”

  “Not a twinge.” She patted Nolan’s warm arm lying across her belly. “It shouldn’t be too much longer. Another two weeks or so according to the doctor. I can hardly wait to hold our child.”

  “Speaking of which,” he said, lightly caressing her abdomen, “shouldn’t we discuss names for the baby?”

  “I suppose we should. Do you have any preferences?”

  His hand found hers on top of the blanket. “If it’s a girl, I’d like to include my mother’s name.” His voice faltered for a moment, giving evidence to the grief he still suffered.

  “I was thinking the same thing. How about Elizabeth Ann, after both our mothers?”

  His eyes softened. “I like that. We could call her Lizzie.”

  “What about a boy? Will the earl want a say in his name?” Hannah presumed that as a member of the nobility, Edward would have certain stipulations for naming his grandson and future heir.

  “He’s already hinted about it. What would you think of Edward Nolan Price-Fairchild?”

  “That is an honorable name.” She paused. “However, I’d like to add George, after my father too.”

  “Edward George Nolan Price-Fairchild. That’s quite a name for such a tiny creature.” Laughter rumbled in his chest. “I think it’s perfect.”

  “Maybe a nickname would be a good idea. Teddy perhaps?”

  “Teddy? I like the sound of that.” His face broke into a grin. “But I bet my father will hate it.”

  She laughed with him, and he kissed her, then jumped up from the bed.

  “Speaking of my father, he plans to leave for Stainsby today. I’d best go and see him off.” Nolan pulled on his trousers and shot her a rueful look. “He’s not happy that I’m staying here. He wanted me to return for a week or so and come back closer to the expected birth date.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m not sure. Some business matter he feels I need to be privy to. However, I have much more pressing business here.” He dropped a light kiss on her nose and snatched his jacket off the chair.

  Hannah shifted on the bed. “Wait a moment and I’ll come with you.” Good manners dictated that she should go down and see Edward off as well. Besides, she didn’t want to risk harming their tentative truce.

  As she reached for her robe, a strange sensation rippled through her abdomen, followed by a gush of liquid. She gave a loud cry and clutched her belly.

  Nolan rushed to her side. “Hannah, what is it?”

  She bit her lip hard and clutched his arm. “I think the baby may be coming sooner than we planned.”

  Chapter

  32

  Edward stood in the foyer of Hartford Hall, awaiting the appearance of Lady Hartford and his son. His bags had been stowed in the boot of the carriage. Now all that remained was to say good-bye.

  Why was he so reluctant to take his leave? He’d already stayed far longer than he’d ever anticipated. Yet somehow he couldn’t seem to tear himself away from Iris’s intoxicating presence. Being around her, the void in his life disappeared. He felt young again, vital, a man worthy of her respect and admiration.

  The clip of nails on the tile floor alerted him to the dog’s arrival. Iris came into view, leading Daisy on a leash, apparently ready for their usual morning stroll. A wave of regret moved through him that he would no longer be here to share that pleasant ritual with her.

  “There you are, Edward.” Her lovely face was wreathed with unusual lines of worry. “Have you looked at the weather? My groundskeeper told Carstairs that a severe snowstorm is expected. Perhaps you should put off your departure for another day.”

  Warmth tumbled through his chest that she cared so much about his welfare. Or perhaps she merely wanted a reason for him to stay longer. “It’s only a few flurries right now,” he said. “I’ll be fine. I have complete confidence in my driver.”

  She patted Daisy’s head in an almost unconscious manner. “I suppose you could always stop at Derby if the roads become impassible. Stay at the inn overnight until the worst of it passes.”

  “My dear Iris. I have been traveling the roads in this area for years and have fared just fine. I’m not worried.”

  Her anxious eyes told him that she wasn’t convince
d. “You must think me overly fretful. I’m not normally one to fuss so. It’s just that I had a strange dream last night that’s left me out of sorts this morning.”

  For some unfathomable reason, he almost bent down to kiss her, to distract her from her troubling thoughts. But with the butler lingering in the shadows, and Nolan likely to appear at any moment, he held himself in check. “I’ll be back in time for the birth of my grandchild. I look forward to seeing you again then.”

  A lovely blush stole into her cheeks. “And I you as well.”

  A moment of awkwardness descended. How would he take his leave? With a handshake? Too formal. A hug? Not his style. A kiss on the cheek would have to do.

  The swirl of her lavender scent surrounded him as he brushed her silky cheek with his lips. He lingered, perhaps a moment too long, for he heard her sharp intake of breath.

  She pulled back an inch, her mouth close to his. “Edward,” she whispered.

  His pulse thundered in his ears, and his breath went shallow. If he didn’t take a chance now, when would he have another opportunity? He moved toward her lips, hovering there for an instant—

  The pounding of feet on the stairs brought reality crashing back. He jerked upright and took a step back.

  Nolan rushed toward them, a look of panic on his face. “Send for the midwife. Hannah has gone into labor.”

  Pain like a hot knife ripped through Hannah’s abdomen. She tried to inhale, but the air clogged in her lungs. How long had this misery been going on? It felt like days, not just hours.

  When at last she was able to draw a breath, it did nothing to lessen her misery. Something had to be wrong. Giving birth should not be this horrific.

  Someone wiped her face with a wet cloth. She writhed, trying to ease the tightness across her abdomen, but no matter how she turned, the pressure would not lessen. Another wave of pain began, mounting in intensity until Hannah could not bear it. Sweat poured from every pore in her body, her chemise clinging to her damp skin. The pain eased up only long enough for her to grab one or two normal breaths, before the fire took hold again.

  Dear God, help me. Please.

  With the burning pain so all-consuming, she couldn’t even form a proper prayer. On the periphery of her consciousness, she heard voices arguing, rising and falling. Where was Nolan? Shouldn’t her husband be with her at this dire time?

  “Let the midwife do her job, Nolan.” Her aunt’s voice seemed to come from a distance.

  Sounds of a scuffle followed, then the slam of a door.

  Hannah had no time to wonder what was happening. Another contraction started, and a blister of pain seared through her. She opened her mouth to scream, to call for help, but a surge of blackness swept her away.

  The opening of a door snapped Edward to attention. He pushed away from the corridor wall where he, Nolan, and Iris had been keeping vigil. Molly had grown impatient and had gone to her room to study. Just as well since she didn’t need to hear her sister’s screams.

  The midwife emerged from the room, wiping her hands on a towel, her face grim. “The babe should have come by now. You’d best send for the doctor.”

  Edward’s insides clenched. Surely God wouldn’t punish him for his selfish ways by taking Hannah’s life and his grandchild with her?

  Nolan shot a worried glance at Iris. “Will your doctor travel in this weather?”

  “I don’t know. The roads may not be passable.”

  Edward stiffened, his resolve firming. He’d do whatever necessary to get the man here, even if it meant trudging on foot through miles of snow. “We have to try. I won’t sit around and allow my grandchild to die.” He strode to the staircase. “My carriage is still here. I’ll go for the doctor. Just give my man the directions to his house.”

  Iris followed him. “I’ll go with you. Dr. Greenley will be more likely to come if I’m there.”

  Edward looked down into her anxious face and weighed his options. “I’m sure if you send a note—”

  “I’ll only worry if I’m not with you. Besides, it will make me feel useful instead of just pacing the floors.”

  Though he was loath to risk her safety, arguing with the stubborn woman would prove futile, as well as a waste of valuable time. “Very well, let’s be off.” He turned back to meet his son’s tortured gaze. “Hannah needs you to be strong now, Nolan. Go and tell her everything will be all right. We’ll be back with the doctor as soon as we can.”

  Within minutes, they had donned their outerwear and ventured outside to the waiting carriage. The chill of the winter wind sliced through Edward’s greatcoat. He shuddered and pulled up the collar with gloved fingers. Inside the carriage, warm bricks at their feet would serve to keep away the cold, for part of the journey at least.

  He scanned the sky, frowning at the darkening clouds in the distance, and prayed that the weather wouldn’t worsen so they could reach their destination without undue trouble.

  Edward helped Iris into the carriage. Propriety dictated that he sit across from her, but as he moved to take a seat, she patted the bench beside her.

  “Edward, you must sit here so we can share the warmth of the blanket.”

  Nerves swirled in Edward’s stomach. Much too intimate for his liking. After the moment earlier when he’d almost succumbed to the temptation to kiss her, Edward wasn’t sure he trusted himself. “I’ll be fine over here.”

  She shrugged one shoulder under her fur-trimmed pelisse. “Suit yourself.”

  The first leg of the journey passed with agonizing slowness. Too chilled to relax, Edward rubbed his hands on his legs to keep the circulation going. The warmth from the brick at his feet did little to help. The panes of glass in the carriage had frosted over, making it impossible to see outside. He reached over to scratch a hole in the ice with his thumbnail, affording him a tiny opening. A vortex of white surrounded them. It appeared they were traveling into the heart of the storm.

  Though not usually a praying man, he sent a plea heavenward to grant them safe passage.

  Iris leaned forward. “Edward, your lips are blue. I insist you move over here and share this blanket.”

  Despite his near-frozen state, he gave a fierce shake of his head.

  “You can come here, or I will go there. Your choice.” She began to move the covers aside.

  He exhaled loudly, creating a blast of steam in the enclosure. “You are the most stubborn woman I have ever encountered.” Begrudgingly, he unfolded his cold-stiffened limbs and crossed the carriage to take a seat beside her. When she wrapped the blankets about him, her lavender scent mixed with the lingering warmth from the covers to envelop him.

  Her hands gripped his under the blankets, and she swiftly stripped off his gloves.

  With surprisingly warm hands, she began to knead his fingers, urging the blood to flow again. Her haughty gray eyes flicked to his face as she worked. “Is it so distasteful to sit near me that you would rather suffer such discomfort?”

  He huffed. “It’s not distasteful. Just the opposite in fact. I find it too . . . distracting.”

  Iris continued her massage, a slow smile tipping her lips. She arched a brow at him. “You find me distracting?”

  Edward scowled. “I believe that is what I said.” Could the woman not take a compliment and remain silent?

  Still smiling, she slid a hand to his wrist. A pleasant warmth worked its way up his arm and invaded his chilled torso. When at last she stopped, she kept her hand resting in his, and he made no move to disengage his fingers.

  “For the record, Edward,” she said softly, “I find you distracting as well.”

  She looked up at him, and the air seized in his lungs. Eyes locked on hers, he lowered his face toward her—

  The carriage lurched to a sudden halt, tilting at a precarious angle that sent Iris slamming into him. He steadied her, then moved the blanket aside.

  “Wait here,” he said. “I’ll go and see what the trouble is.”

  He pushed out the door an
d landed shin-deep in a snowdrift. The driver had jumped down and was at the horses’ heads, trying to pull them back onto the road. If he could even tell where the road was.

  Edward motioned to his man to help him push the back of the carriage. With their combined efforts, they finally managed to get the vehicle back onto level ground.

  The driver blew on his hands. “Shouldn’t be much farther, my lord. Get back inside and stay warm.” Tiny icicles had formed on the man’s eyebrows.

  Edward frowned. He pulled off his overcoat and handed it to him. “Here, take this.”

  “No, sir. I couldn’t.”

  Edward draped the cloak over the driver’s shoulders. “I have a blanket inside. I’ll be fine.” He opened the carriage door and pulled himself up, relieved to find that Iris appeared no worse for their ordeal.

  “Goodness, where is your coat?” She sidled toward him on the bench, tucking the blanket around him.

  Edward shivered. “The driver needed it more than I.”

  “That was most thoughtful of you.” Her lips curved in a smile. “If you’re not careful, Edward, you’ll lose your reputation as an ogre.”

  As the carriage jerked into motion, Iris lifted a corner of the blanket and began to wipe the moisture from his face. She dabbed at his forehead and cheeks, then reached up to brush the snowflakes from the hair on his brow.

  His breathing grew shallow at her nearness. He brought his hand over hers to still her fingers, and when her eyes met his, all coherent thought left his brain. He dipped his head to capture her lips with his. The warmth of her mouth melted the coldness of his, shooting heat straight through his system. His heart bucked like a runaway stallion. She lifted a warm palm to his cheek, and he pulled her closer, intensifying the kiss.

  This is what he’d missed, what he’d craved since the loss of his beloved Mary so long ago. He’d forgotten what it was like to be so in tune with another human being.