Page 102 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Don't you dare die," he muttered.

"Wasn't planning on it."

"Good. Because I'd be very angry."

"Can't have that."

"I'd probably become a complete beast again."

"You were never a complete beast. Partial at best."

They reached the house, where the Duchess had sent riders ahead to alert the staff. A physician was already waiting, a competent-looking older man who took one look at Arabella and ushered them to their chambers.

"I need to examine her ladyship," he said firmly. "Alone."

"I'm not leaving," Lucien said.

"It's fine," Arabella said. "Go terrify some footmen or something."

"Arabella..."

"Please, Lucien. Just... give us a moment."

He left reluctantly, pacing the hallway like a caged animal. Julian appeared after what felt like hours but was probably twenty minutes.

"Heard your wife swooned dramatically," he said.

"She fainted."

"She swooned. Much more romantic."

"Julian..."

"She's fine, Lucien. Probably just the excitement."

"She's been sick every morning for a few days now."

Julian's eyebrows rose. "Every morning?"

"Yes."

"Just the mornings?"

"Yes."

"And she's tired? Emotional? Perhaps her courses are..."

"How on earth would I know about her courses?"

"You're married. These things are discussed."

"Not in our marriage."

"My goodness, you're both innocents." Julian shook his head. "Lucien, think. Morning sickness, fainting, emotional..."

The realization hit him like a physical blow. "She's... you think she's..."

"With child? Almost certainly."