Page 32 of Sir Durham’s Disarming Asset

Gus felt Inès’s rounded middle. “False labor.”

“Or maybe the real thing?” Amber said. “Have you had it often?”

Inès gulped. “Yes. Yes. But not as frequently.”

“What date did you calculate for delivery of this child, my dear?” Gus knitted her brows.

“Soon.”

Amber inhaled. “How soon?”

Inès looked pensive. “This week. Next?”

Gus gazed at each lady in turn. “Go without me.”

“Is Halsey here?” Amber looked dismayed as she questioned Inès.

“No. Oh!” Inès gasped as a puddle of liquid appeared around her feet. She stared down and said, “That was embarrassing.”

“No.” Amber wrapped her arm around her friend’s shoulders. “That was natural. You are in labor, sweetheart.”

“Davis!” Gus got the full attention of the butler who stood stiff as a wooden soldier, one coat dangling from his long fingers. “We need four footmen. Two here immediately for Lady Halsey right now. Come on, sweetheart, we’ll get you up to your room. Do you know where Lord Halsey is today, Davis?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. You will send two footmen to get him and bring him back here at once.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He got only so far before, of a sudden, he swung around. “Two footmen, ma’am?”

“One to convey the news and the other to catch him if he faints.”

“Ah. Wise.” Then he disappeared down the main stairs to the servants’ quarters, clapping his hands and yelling for Morris and Hays.

Gus and Amber walked Inès slowly to the nightwatchman’s chair.

Inès gave a laugh through her ordeal. “Evan won’t faint.”

Amber stared at her. “Don’t be too sure, my dear.”

“Each of them is unique,” said Gus. “Every man has a little itch that gives him away. Here, turn around, sweetheart; let’s undo your lacing at the back of your gown.”

“That’s not necessary.”

Amber huffed. “It will be.”

As Amber struggled with the gown’s lacings, Inès smiled at Gus. “What do… Oh!” She clamped shut her eyes and clutched her middle.

“Breathe,” Gus urged her. “Slowly. Breathe. Look at me. Yes, yes. Like this. With me.”

Zeph smiled. This was what Rafe had taught her when her mind went to the past…and things she should not dwell upon.

Suddenly, two very tall creatures came running.

Davis strode right behind them, out of breath. “Up, up, up! Pick her up, boys. The master bed! Now!”

Gus swirled toward the others. “I’m staying. I’ve done this three times. All of you go. Find out about Zeph’s inheritance.”

But Inès cried out as one footman simply picked her up in his arms and ran like a fiend up the stairs. The other footman darted beside him.