Page 37 of How to Best a Marquess

“Who?”

“Mrs. Henderson is my midwife. I trust her more than any male physician. She said the babe has not turned and can make for a difficult birth.”

“Oh, Grace.” Ellie felt the color drain from her face. Fear flooded her like a strong storm.

“It’s early still. We cannot say what will happen until it is time.”

“And if not?”

“Then I will be in Mrs. Henderson’s capable hands,” Grace said. “I’m telling you this because I need you to do two things for me. First, I need you to keep Ian calm during the birth.”

Ellie’s eyebrows shot upward. “Keep him calm! Do you not know my brother?”

Ian was madly in love with his wife. If he had any idea…

Ellie swallowed. Grace was bedridden. The least Ellie could do was assure her sister-in-law not to worry over her husband. “I shall do all I can. I will also ensure Brooks keeps my brother in the drawing room smoking cigars and drinking whisky when your time comes.”

“Good. I do not wish for Ian to scowl at Mrs. Henderson and chase her away. I know how intimidating my husband can be.”

“What is your second request?”

Something flickered in Grace’s eyes, something distant and disturbing. “If something should happen to me during the birth”—Grace held up a hand when Ellie was about to protest—“and I don’t believe it will, but if it does, I need you to look after Ian.”

“Don’t speak like that.” Her fear increased tenfold. The fact that Grace would even bring up such a horrific ending to her pregnancy made her stomach sink.

“Nonsense. We are women, and we are stronger than men. You are the most responsible. Olivia is fanciful, far too adventurous, and young.” Grace clutched Ellie’s hand. “Promise.”

“I can’t!”

Grace squeezed her fingers, the tightness almost painful. “Yes, you can. Ian has already experienced a lifetime of guilt and worry over Matthew’s death. There’s no need for him to feel guilty over me as well.”

Matthew. Their oldest brother—the brother who was supposed to inherit the earldom. He’d had a fondness for racing horses and had fallen off his horse, struck his head, and died. Ellie knew of the rumors: that Ian had lured Matthew to the treacherous track known as Devil’s Leap in order to murder his brother and seize the title.

Lies. All vicious lies.

No one had loved Matthew more than Ian. For some reason their father, the old earl, had hated Ian, but the brothers’ bond had remained strong. Ian had left home to open the Raven Club, and Matthew had been groomed for the earldom.

“The gossips are nothing but harpies. Ian would never have harmed Matthew. He tried to save him.” Ellie’s voice was hoarse.

“I know. But you need to look after Ian.”

Ellie nodded. “I promise.”

Grace exhaled a shuddering breath. “Good. Meanwhile, Lady Emberly’s garden party is tomorrow. You are attending with Olivia, correct?”

“Yes.” Lady Emberly was a close family friend. She was also one of the few society hostesses who had supported Ian as the Earl of Castleton after Matthew’s death.

“You should know that I also sent word to the dowager,” Grace said.

Ellie blinked. “My mother? She is in Bath with my aunt.”

“She will want to see her grandchild.”

She would. The dowager would be thrilled at the birth of her first grandchild. Ellie’s thoughts suddenly turned. Her mother would also be furious if she learned Ellie was in a contest with the Marquess of Deveril to win the Raven Club. Her mother had wanted Ellie to wed years ago. She’d also wanted Ian to sell the Raven Club before he married Grace.

Thankfully, that had never occurred.

Ellie stood. “I shall return tomorrow with another book.”