Page 32 of Redemption

“And I am not implying otherwise, my lord. I am firmly convinced that your wife is your first and foremost concern,” Dr. Hopkins said in a soothing voice. “However from simply a cursory look at your wife’s complexion, I think perhaps the only thing to worry about is that Lady Sherrington might be a bit anemic. However, I need to examine her before I can say for certain.”

Blake still appeared annoyed by the doctor’s amusement, but nodded his agreement. The viscount turned back to Arianna and kissed her hand again in a loving fashion. He murmured something to his wife, and Rhea saw her sister flinched. Her gaze left her husband’s face as Arianna dragged in an audible breath and looked at the stocky physician.

“If I may, Dr. Hopkins, might I have a private word with my husband, please.”

“But of course, Lady Sherrington,” the physician said with a smile.

Startled by her sister’s request, Rhea studied Arianna’s pale features with concern. Surely her sister wasn’t going to argue with Blake about the doctor, was she? She took a step toward her, but Aunt Beatrice caught her arm.

“Come, Rhea, let’s leave these two alone for a few minutes. We’ll entertain Dr. Hopkins in the morning room.”

Still confused by her sister’s behavior, Rhea nodded absently as she allowed her aunt to pull her toward the salon door while she kept her gaze on Arianna. The last thing she saw as Aunt Beatrice pushed her gently out the door was Arianna’s expression of panic and fear.

§ § §

Arianna watched the door close behind her sister with a rising panic. What in the name of heaven had she been thinking to choose this moment to tell Blake about Lucy? She shivered as she looked at her husband. A frown of concern creasing his brow, he took a step toward her. Startled she uttered an unintelligible cry and took a quick step backward. Blake’s frown darkened as he eyed her with puzzlement.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“I… I have to tell you…” Arianna drew in a deep breath of air as she fought back the tears threatening to overwhelm her. The concern on Blake’s features changed to one of deepening alarm.

“Christ Jesus, Arianna. What’s wrong?” The harshness of his voice scraped along her senses.

She should have asked Rhea to stay. The moment the thought fluttered through her head, she tossed it aside. Too often in the past she’d leaned on her sister for moral support. It was time she relied on her own inner strength. Swallowing the fear threatening to paralyze her, Arianna met her husband’s worried gaze. He took a small step toward her, while still respecting her desire to keep distance between them.

“If this is about the doctor, my love—”

“No, it’s not about the doctor,” she said hurriedly. Arianna shook her head as with great effort she held back her tears.

“Damn it to hell, Arianna. Just tell me what’s wrong,” Blake demanded. A tremor shook through her as she pressed one hand to her throat.

“I’ve lied to you.”

“Lied to me?” Puzzlement immediately replaced the frustrated concern on Blake’s face.

“Yes,” she choked out. “I told you… I said I told you everything.”

“It’s all right, sweetheart. I love you. Whatever is troubling you, we’ll work through it. Simply tell me what’s wrong.” Blake took a step toward her, but she sprang backward.

“Don’t. Don’t touch me.”

“What?” Blake’s amazement evolved quickly into indignation. As he straightened to his full height she winced at the offended expression on his face.

“I can’t tell you what I need to if you’re holding me,” she whispered.

“Damn it, Arianna, just tell me what I need to know.” Blake shook his head angrily.

“Before we were married you asked me if I had any other secrets in my past, and I told you no.”

“Is that what this is all about? Your past?” His face darkened with a fierce anger. “Has that bastard you refuse to name been here and threatened you with some piece of information?”

“No…no one has threatened me.”

She shook her head as her tongue tripped over Ruckley’s name, and she caught herself before speaking it out loud. There was no doubt in her mind that Blake would go after Ruckley, and she refused to send her husband into the viper’s nest.

“Then I don’t understand what’s wrong.” Shoving his hand through his golden hair, Blake blew out a breath of exasperation as he studied her. As she watched frustration, worry, and confusion cross his handsome features, Arianna drew in a deep breath. Her trembling eased slightly as she imitated the calm composure Rhea always exhibited when facing a difficult situation.

“I have a daughter.”