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She gazed up at him. “But I want to.”
“It’s going well as it is, why change it?” His brow crumpled.
“We’ve blurred the lines long enough, don’t you think?” And rearranged the hair falling on his temple.
“I think we should make our own rules.” He persisted.
Her eyelids closed, and she inhaled deeply. “We’ve been through this before.” Her eyes refocused on him.
His nostrils flared. “Fine, damn it!” One of his thighs came in between hers. “But tell me I can come and visit you.” His head lowered for him to nuzzle her neck.
Her mouth released a sigh. “Certainly.” She breathed. “When I don’t have work to do.”
“You strike a hard bargain.” And his mouth slid down to latch on a full breast, extracting a moan from her.
The conversation suddenly ceased.
Standing in the lit stage, in a theatre full to the brim, Hester curtsied beside Duff, to thank the standing ovation coming from the keen audience. The premiere had been a roaring success. She called all the actors to the stage, and the applause increased. Then, in came Oliver and Eli accompanied by Lord Worcester. More applause. Word of Drake's involvement had run through the ton, which made those nobs curious to see what the marquess was up to. The word-of-mouth made all the difference. Hester felt happy for everyone as the incoming assets would benefit them all.
In the dressing rooms, actors, stagehands, and production staff celebrated with champagne while many patrons came to congratulate them.
Worcester, Oliver, and Eli entered the room, eliciting a wild cheer from those present. The marquess neared Hester with flowers in hand and offered them to her before taking her hand and bowing to kiss it. The cheers became deafening. They also dedicated a special moment to Flynn, who did a superb job as well. Both Duff and Hester said a few words to thank their colleagues.
As people went back to their drinks and chatting, Drake neared her. “Come back with me tonight.” He rasped only for her ears.
Her heart skipped a beat and sped up with eagerness and excitement. It'd been a week since she returned to her home near the theatre. The rush with the premiere meant that they had little time together. Correction, no time together. More than once, she reprimanded herself for insisting on leaving. This past week, the only chance of meeting would be in the night. But they didn't even have that because, exhausted, she headed to her home and he to his.
But all this hustle and rush of the premiere had got her a tad under the weather. She wouldn’t be a good company. “Unfortunately, I believe I must go home and rest.” Her gaze conveyed she regretted it.
“Can I come and rest with you?” He asked. “All this enthusiasm made me very enthusiastic.”
Hester couldn’t refrain a little laugh. “All right, you win.” Obviously, there’d be little rest to be had, but she missed him next to her, his warmth, and his cuddling.
Those amber eyes glittered with satisfaction as he offered his arm, suggesting they leave. In need of a little downtime, she waved to everyone, and they headed to her tiny abode.
But as soon as Hester hit her modest bed only in chemise, she fell asleep. Drake lay beside her in shirt and breeches, cuddling her in slumber.
At first light, Hester jumped from the bed even before being fully awake and ran to the privy where she cast up her accounts, little as she managed to eat of the food Drake had brought from a nearby tavern.
“Hester, what’s the matter?” Drake came behind her as she sat on her feet, head bending over the pot.
As her heaving slowed, she answered. “It’s been going for a few days.”
“Why didn’t you tell me anything?” He held her hair. “We should call the doctor.”
“I thought it was nerves for the premiere.” Though it had never happened before.
He found a washcloth and moistened in in a bowl with clean water. “And now?” He wiped her sweaty, wan cheeks.
She raised her eyes to him in utter bewilderment. “I think I might be with child.” The idea struck her like lightning. How many times had she seen it happening to the women surrounding her?
The expression on Drake's rugged features could only be described as radiant. "Hester." He murmured in awe. His strong arms wrapped her, making her head nest on his shoulder. "That clears one of your misgivings," he said as his hands stroked her dishevelled hair. "We'll head to Worcester House and call a doctor post-haste." He determined.
Too weak to discuss, she allowed him to help her dress before he called a hackney. He didn’t use his own carriage the previous night, as there was no predicting how long he’d stay. He’d not risk stranding the driver and the horses.
Drake observed as Hester reclined in his bed after the doctor had left, the latter having confirmed that she was with child. The colour had returned to her beautiful face, and she looked as healthy as ever.
He, on the other hand, was having a hard time not exploding with self-satisfaction. That Hester was expecting his child caused him to want to rush to the street and shout it on the top of his lungs. “How are you feeling?” he asked, regardless.
