Catherine gave a halfhearted protest as she unclasped her own necklace and handed it to Alesandra. Jade held on to Catherine’s dance card while her sister-in-law put on the necklace, then made her turn around so that she could make certain the clasp was secure.
“You be careful with this,” she ordered her.
Colin didn’t notice the switch in jewelry for a good hour. Sir Richards came hurrying over to greet the family, and when Caine was occupied answering a question from his father, the director gave Colin the signal that he wanted to speak in private to him. The look on Richards’s face indicated the matter was serious.
The opportunity for a quick conference arose when Colin’s father requested a dance with Alesandra. As soon as they walked toward the center of the ballroom, Colin went over to the director. Richards stood at the entrance of a triangular alcove, watching the crowd.
The two men stood side by side without speaking for several minutes. Colin noticed Neil Perry across the floor and immediately frowned with displeasure. He hoped Alesandra wouldn’t notice the man. She was bound to try to corner him as soon as she spotted him and demand answers about his sister. Neil would turn insulting, of course, and Colin would probably have to smash his face in.
That possibility made Colin smile.
His sister drew his attention then. She was partnered with Morgan. Colin clasped his hands behind his back and watched the pair. Morgan spotted Colin and nodded to him. Colin nodded back.
Sir Richards also nodded to the new recruit. He smiled, too. For that reason Colin was surprised by his angry tone of voice when he spoke. “I shouldn’t have given the assignment to Morgan,” he whispered. “He made a muck of it. Do you remember Devins?”
Colin nodded. The man Richards referred to was an agent who was occasionally used to transfer information for the government.
“He’s dead now. From what I can sort out, he got caught in the middle of what turned into a bloody fight. Morgan said Devins panicked. They were waiting for their contact when Devins’s daughter came along. It was a bad piece of luck. The girl was killed in the cross fire. Damn it all, Colin, it should have gone as smooth as ice, but Morgan’s eagerness and inexperience turned a simple, uncomplicated mission into a fiasco. Bad luck or not, the man doesn’t have the instincts for this line of work,” he added with a nod.
“Don’t use him again.” Colin’s voice shook with anger. “Devins wasn’t the type to panic. He had a temper, yes, but he could always be relied on to use sound judgment.”
“Yes, under usual circumstances I would agree with your evaluation. However, he was also a protective father, Colin. I can imagine he did panic if he thought she was in danger.”
“I would think a father would react in just the opposite manner. He had more reasons not to panic.”
Richards nodded. “I’ve told Morgan he’s out. He felt bad about my decision, of course. He was sorry it went sour and admitted he’d overreacted. He blamed you too, son, because you didn’t go along and show him the ropes, so to speak.”
Colin shook his head. He wasn’t buying that excuse. From the look on the director’s face, he wasn’t buying it either.
“You’re right, Richards. He doesn’t have the instincts.”
“It’s a pity,” the director remarked. “He’s eager to please and he needs the money. I imagine he’ll marry well. He’s quite a charmer with the ladies.”
Colin looked back at the dance floor. He found Morgan right away. He was smiling down at Catherine as he whirled her around the floor. His sister was laughing and obviously having the time of her life.
Colin noticed the necklace Catherine was wearing then. He immediately turned to find Alesandra in the crowd. He spotted his father first, then saw Alesandra. She was now wearing Catherine’s pearls. Colin frowned with concern. The switch in jewelry wasn’t the cause, however. His wife’s complexion had turned as white as her gown. She looked ready to faint.
Colin excused himself from the director and went to his wife. He tapped his father on his shoulder and took Alesandra into his arms. She forced a smile and leaned into her husband’s side.
The waltz ended just as Colin turned to take his wife out on the front terrace.
“You’re really ill, aren’t you, sweetheart?”
Caine was standing with his wife next to the doors leading outside. He took one look at Alesandra’s complexion and immediately backed up a step. His sister-in-law’s face was turning green. He hoped to God whatever was ailing her wasn’t the catching kind.
Alesandra couldn’t make up her mind whether she wanted to swoon or throw up. She prayed she wouldn’t do either until she was home. The fresh air seemed to help, however, and after a minute or two, her head quit spinning.
“It was all that twirling around and around,” she told her husband.
Caine let out a loud sigh of relief and stepped forward to offer his assistance. Colin left Alesandra leaning against his brother while he said their good-byes, then came back to collect her. She hadn’t worn a cloak, so he took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders on the way down the steps to their waiting carriage.
Feeling better was short-lived. The rocking motion of the carriage made her stomach start acting up again. She gripped her hands together in her lap and took several deep breaths to calm herself.
Colin reached over and hauled her onto his lap. He tucked her head under his chin and held her tight.
He carried her inside the town house and up to her bedroom. He left her sitting on the side of the bed while he went to fetch a drink of cool water she’d requested.
Alesandra stretched out on top of the covers and closed her eyes. She was sound asleep a minute later.
Colin undressed her. Flannaghan was pacing with worry outside the door, but Colin wasn’t about to let him help. He stripped his wife out of her garments and put her under the covers. She really was exhausted, for she slept like a baby now and didn’t even open her eyes when he lifted her up so he could pull the blankets back.
He decided to spend the full night with her. If she became ill he wanted to be close by in case she needed his help. And, Lord, he was suddenly feeling exhausted, too. He stripped out of his own clothes and got into bed beside her. She instinctively rolled into his arms. Colin kissed her forehead, wrapped his arms around her, and closed his eyes. He, too, was asleep less than a minute later.
He awakened a little before dawn when his wife rubbed her backside against him. She was still asleep. Colin was barely awake enough to think about what he was doing. He made love to her, and when they’d both found fulfillment, he fell asleep again still joined to her.
Alesandra was feeling as fit as ever the next day. Catherine arrived on her doorstep at two that afternoon to personally return the necklace. She was full of news, too.
She was having a grand time with her season and wanted to tell Alesandra all about the offers for her hand in marriage her father had already received.
Catherine linked her arm through Alesandra’s and pulled her along into the salon.
“Where is my brother on this fine Sunday afternoon?”
“He’s working,” Alesandra answered. “He should be home by dinner.”
Catherine sat down in the chair adjacent to the settee. Flannaghan stood near the entrance, waiting to find out if he was needed.
“I can barely keep all the gentlemen straight in my mind,” Catherine exaggerated.
“You must make a list of the gentlemen you’re interested in,” Alesandra advised. “Then you wouldn’t be confused.”
Catherine thought that was a sound plan of action. Alesandra immediately asked Flannaghan to fetch her paper and pen.
“I’ve already asked father to decline several gentlemen and he’s been very accommodating. He isn’t in any hurry to get me settled.”
“You should probably start a list of your rejections, too,” Alesandra suggested. “With your reasons by each name, of course, in the event you change your mind or forget w
hy you discarded them.”
“Yes, that’s a wonderful idea,” Catherine claimed. “It’s so thoughtful of you to help.”
Alesandra was thrilled to be of assistance. “Organization is the key, Catherine,” she announced.
“The key to what?”
Alesandra opened her mouth to answer, then realized she wasn’t exactly sure. “To a well-structured, happy life,” she decided aloud.
Flannaghan returned with the items she’d requested. Alesandra thanked him and then turned back to Catherine.
“Shall we begin with the rejections?”
“Yes,” Catherine agreed. “Put Neil Perry at the top of the list. He offered for me yesterday. I don’t like him at all.”
Alesandra titled the list, then put Perry’s name down. “I don’t particularly like him either,” she announced. “You’ve shown sound judgment in rejecting him.”
“Thank you,” Catherine replied.
“What specific reason should I put next to his name?”
“Disgusting.”
Alesandra laughed. “He is that,” she remarked. “He’s the complete opposite of his sister. Victoria’s a dear lady.”
Catherine didn’t know Victoria and therefore couldn’t agree or disagree. She continued with the names of men she found unacceptable. She hurried through the task since she was anxious to concentrate on the appealing candidates. She also had additional news she was dying to share with Alesandra.
“All right, then, let’s begin with the second list.”
Catherine gave her four names. The last was Morgan. “He hasn’t offered for me, of course, and I only just met him last night, but, Alesandra, he’s so handsome and charming. When he smiles, I declare, my heart feels like it’s going to stop beating. I doubt I’ll stand a chance with him, though. He’s extremely popular with the ladies. Still, he did mention he was going to ask father if he could call.”
“I’ve met Morgan,” Alesandra replied. “And I do agree he’s charming. I believe Colin likes him, too.”
“He would be a fine catch,” Catherine decided. “Still . . . there is one other I would like to consider as well.”
“What is his name and I’ll add him to your list.”
Catherine started blushing. “It’s the most romantic thing,” she whispered. “But Father wouldn’t think so. You must promise not to tell anyone.”
“Tell what?”
“Just promise me first, then I’ll explain. Put your hand over your heart. That makes your promise more binding.”
Alesandra didn’t dare laugh. Catherine sounded so sincere. She didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She did as she was instructed and placed her hand over her heart while she gave her pledge.
“Now will you explain?”
“I don’t know the gentleman’s name yet,” Catherine said. “He was at the ball last night. I’m certain of it. I’m certain he’s wonderful, too.”
“How can you know he’s wonderful if you’ve never met him? Or did you meet him? That’s it, isn’t it? You just don’t know his name. Tell me what he looks like. Perhaps I’ve met the man.”
“Oh, I haven’t seen him yet.”
“You’re confusing me.”
Catherine laughed. “He has a name we can put on the list for now.”
Alesandra dipped her pen into the inkwell. Catherine waited until she’d completed that task, then whispered, “My Secret Admirer.”
She let out a long happy sigh after whispering the name. Alesandra gasped at the very same time. She dropped her pen into her lap. Ink blotted her pink dress.
“Good heavens, look what you’ve done,” Catherine cried out. “Your dress . . .”
Alesandra shook her head. “Forget the dress,” she countered. Her voice shook with worry. “I want to hear about this secret admirer.”
Catherine frowned. “I haven’t done anything wrong, Alesandra. Why are you so upset with me?”
“I’m not upset . . . at least not with you,” Alesandra said.
“You shouted at me.”
“I didn’t mean to shout.”
She saw the tears in Catherine’s eyes then. Her sister-in-law was high-strung, and her feelings were easily hurt. She was still more child than woman, Alesandra realized, and she made up her mind then and there not to tell her about her worries. She would talk to Colin first. He would know what to do about the secret admirer.
“I’m sorry I upset you. Please forgive me.” She forced a mild tone of voice when she added, “I’m very interested in hearing all about this secret admirer. Will you explain?”
Catherine blinked away her tears. “There isn’t much to explain,” she said. “I received a lovely posey this morning with a notecard attached. There wasn’t a message—just the signature.”
“Which was?”
“Your Secret Admirer. I thought it was very romantic. I don’t understand why you’re acting so strange.”
“Dear God.” Alesandra whispered those words and collapsed against the back of the settee. Her mind raced with her fears. Colin would have to listen to her, she decided, even if she had to tie the man up while he slept to get her way.
“You’re shivering, Alesandra,” Catherine said.
“I’m just a little chilled.”
“Mother told Jade she thinks you’re carrying.”
“I’m what?”
She hadn’t meant to shout, of course, but Catherine’s blurted-out remark did surprise a near scream out of her.
“They think you might be carrying Colin’s baby,” Catherine explained. “Are you?”
“No, of course not. It isn’t possible. It’s too soon.”
“You’ve been married over three months now,” Catherine reminded her. “Mother told Jade your nausea could be a symptom. She’s going to be disappointed if you’re not carrying. Are you sure, Alesandra?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
She wasn’t telling Catherine the truth. She really wasn’t sure at all. Good Lord, she could be pregnant. It had been quite a long time since her last monthly—over three months ago. She counted back just to be certain. Yes, that was right. She had had cramps two weeks before she got married . . . and none since. Was it possible the stomach upset wasn’t due to exhaustion? She’d never napped before, she thought to herself, but now she could barely get through a day without an afternoon rest. Of course, she and Colin had had to go out every night, and she really believed the late hours they were keeping made the afternoon naps necessary.
Her hand dropped to her stomach in a protective gesture. “I would like to have Colin’s children,” she said. “But he has an important schedule and I promised not to interfere.”
“What does a schedule have to do with babies?”
Alesandra tried to pull herself together. She felt as though she were in a daze. She couldn’t seem to organize her thoughts. Why hadn’t she realized . . . the possibility . . . the only logical answer . . . Oh, yes, she was pregnant.
“Alesandra, do explain,” Catherine demanded.
“It’s a five-year schedule,” Alesandra blurted out. “I’ll have children then.”
Catherine thought she was jesting with her. She burst into laughter. Alesandra was able to maintain her composure until her sister-in-law took her leave a few minutes later. Then she hurried up to her bedroom, shut the door behind her, and promptly burst into tears.
She was filled with the most conflicting emotions. She was thrilled she was carrying Colin’s son or daughter. A precious life growing inside her seemed a true miracle to her and she was fairly overwhelmed with her joy—and her guilt.
Colin might not be happy about the baby at all. Alesandra didn’t have any concerns about his ability to be a good father, but wouldn’t a child now be an added burden? Oh, God, she wished he loved her. She wished he wasn’t so stubborn about her inheritance, too.
She didn’t want to feel guilty, and how in heaven’s name could she feel so euphoric and frightened at the same time?
Flannag
han came upstairs with a cup of hot tea for his mistress. He was about to knock on her door when he heard her crying. He stood there, uncertain what to do. He wanted to find out what was wrong, of course, so that he could try to help, but she had closed the door, indicating she wanted privacy.
He heard the front door open and immediately turned back to the steps. He’d reached the landing when Colin walked inside. He wasn’t alone. His partner, Nathan, followed behind him. The man was so tall, he had to duck his head under the arch of the doorway.
Flannaghan knew better than to blurt out his worry about his mistress in front of company. He hurried down the steps, bowed to his employer, and then turned to greet his partner.
“We’ll go into the salon,” Colin said. “Caine and his wife are going to be joining us shortly. Where’s Alesandra?”
“Your princess is above the stairs resting,” Flannaghan answered. He was trying to act like a dignified man of the house. He had met Nathan before, of course, yet was still a bit intimidated by the man.
“Let her rest until my brother gets here.” He turned to his partner and said, “We’ve had to go out every damn night. Alesandra is exhausted.”
“Does she like going out every night?” Nathan asked.
Colin smiled. “No.”
A knock sounded at the door just as Colin and his partner walked into the salon. Flannaghan assumed the callers were Colin’s family. He hurried to open the door and was in the process of bowing low when he realized it was just a messenger boy standing on the stoop. The messenger held a white gift box tied with a red ribbon. He thrust the package at Flannaghan.
“I’ve been given a coin to see Princess Alesandra gets this,” he announced.
Flannaghan took the box, nodded, and then shut the door. He turned to go up the stairs, smiling now, for he had a good reason to interrupt his princess and hopefully, once he was inside her room, he could nag out of her the reason why she was so upset.
The door knocker sounded again. Flannaghan put the box down on the side table and went back to the front door. Less than a minute had passed and he thought the messenger had returned.
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