But these were happy tears. And scared tears. And tears of wonder. She could not believe it. Should she call a physician to verify? Belle would know. “Please. Don’t tease me. What other symptoms would there be?”
“Are your breasts more sensitive or swollen? Any change in appetite or food preferences, like, oh, say, marmalade? I don’t know much more than that, honestly, but I can get my physician here within the hour I suspect.”
Charlotte grinned and nodded through her tears at each question then reached out to clasp her friend’s hand. “Yes, please. Let us do that. I want to be sure—well, as sure as we can be. And to know what to do to ensure I stay healthy.” Her hand remained cupping her stomach, still flat, to protect the life that might just be growing in there.
“Gracious. Could it really be?” Her tears intensified as hope burst within her. She thought she’d had everything she wanted. But she’d felt guilty for robbing the Stantons of their legacy.
“Oh, no. What if it’s a girl?” She’d giggled at the idea of a daughter, but William needed a son.
Belle tsked and Charlotte realized she’d asked that out loud.
“Then nothing will have changed. You will wed the second love of your life just as you’d planned. And maybe in another year, you are blessed with a son. William has made it clear he does not care either way.” Belle reached for her hand and dabbed at Charlotte’s tears with her rose-scented handkerchief. “I am so happy for you, Char. You deserve William. You deserve this. And Charles would have been beyond ecstatic for you.”
“Yes, I believe you are right. I have thought about that a lot these past months and I know he would have wanted all this for me, just as I would have for him.” She took the handkerchief from Belle to wipe her face, then reached for her hand with a solemn look. “I know this goes without saying, but please do not tell anyone until the physician confirms it, I tell William, and we are sure it ’tis going well.”
“Of course. If you do one thing for me.”
Charlotte nodded and, bracing herself, took a deep breath in. “You. Were. Right.”
The women laughed uproariously until they lost their breath, still holding each other’s hand.
Chapter Thirty-Six
William stared at the tree. Charlotte had been acting strange the past week, and then had given him some story about creating anticipation for their wedding night by denying him entrance these past two days.
However, his shoulders had begun to creep up around his ears with concern over what was bothering her. His fears had escalated to worrying that she would leave him standing at the altar. The result was that he needed to see his Mistress tonight.
She knew locked doors had never stopped him, but he admitted that he was glad tonight would be his last night of tree climbing. ’Twas unbecoming for an earl. He snorted a dismissal and began his ascent.
At her window, he found her pacing the length of the room. Concerned at that behavior from his usually serene Mistress, he hastened over the sill.
She turned and he gave her his best innocent puppy grin.
Sighing, she set down the teacup she held.
The cup was also unusual. He’d only ever seen her drink wine or sherry at night. He sniffed, smelling ginger.
“Mistress? Are you quite all right?”
“Puppy. I suppose it was too much to ask for two and a half days? I suppose I should feel flattered.” She was shaking her head.
He could not detect whether she was truly upset at him or simply distracted. Going to her, he tugged her over to the chairs. As she sat, he grabbed a decorative pillow off the bed and knelt on it at her feet.
“Please answer me. Is anything amiss? Are you having doubts about tomorrow?” His throat closed over the last question and his voice was muffled.
Her hand went to his hair, soothing them both with the familiar action. “Oh, no. I am sorry to worry you. No, I have no doubts whatsoever.”
He gusted out a breath.
She smiled at him.
“I am certain you have had something on your mind this past week, though. If we are to be partners, I hope we will share everything—hopes and dreams, yes, but also concerns and worries. I can serve you best when I am informed.”
“You are right.” It was her turn to sigh. “I apologize. I needed time to absorb it myself and then I did not want to…worry you.”
“Well, like it or not, Iamconcerned. I shall fret less if I know what to worry about. Is it bigger than a bread basket?” He asked with a smile.
She giggled.
