Page 45 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

His brow furrowed as he glanced toward the room he shared with Regina. “I have an appointment with Madame Lussier, the late French ambassador’s widow. Will you look in on your sister while I’m away?”

“Yes, of course. Is it about Uncle Charles?”

Xavier nodded. “I was told nothing escapes Madame Lussier’s notice.”

“I hope she can point toward his whereabouts, but I have my doubts.”

Whatever Uncle Charles had discovered about the Black Death, he had gone to great lengths to keep it quiet. No matter how many times she studied his journal, she couldn’t make sense of his entries.

“Regina is queasy,” Xavier said. “I hate to leave her alone.”

“I promise to watch over her. And thank you for looking for Uncle Charles. I know you would rather we were sailing home now.”

“We traveled all this distance. It’s only logical to attempt to find him before we go.” He grabbed his hat on his way to the door. “I will provide a full report when I return.”

As soon as Xavier left, Evangeline rushed to her sister’s bedchamber. The door was ajar. A retching noise came from inside. She barreled into the room and found an empty bed. “Regina?”

Gagging came from behind the dressing screen.

“Regina, do you need help?”

Evangeline’s sister was on her knees, bent over an empty chamber pot. Regina looked up with watery eyes. “Dry heaves.” Her face was too pale, her skin clammy. “It has stopped, I think.”

Evangeline hooked her sister under the arms to haul her to her feet. “Let’s get you into bed.”

Regina’s strength was sapped; she leaned on Evangeline and offered no complaints about being treated as if she were helpless. Once Regina was tucked into bed, Evangeline laid her hand on her sister’s forehead.

“You aren’t feverish, but Dr. Li should examine you again. I will send for him.”

Regina caught her wrist. “I don't need a doctor.”

“You do. You’ve been under the weather for too long. I am afraid you’ve caught a sickness from the locals.”

“I’m not ill.” When Evangeline glowered, Regina chuckled and released her arm. “Well, I feel horrible, but it is bearable and won’t last forever.”

Evangeline loomed over her sister with her fists on her hips. “You are as stubborn as Aunt Beatrice, but you will be reexamined. I want Dr. Li to give you a proper diagnosis this time.”

“He did.”

Regina’s admission lodged a shard of terror into Evangeline’s heart.

“What have you been hiding? What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing. I promise.”

When Evangeline narrowed her eyes, her sister giggled. Her giddiness barely registered before she blurted, “I am with child. Everything is right with me, the world, my life. Xavier and I couldn’t be happier.”

Evangeline gaped, gobsmacked. Her legs trembled as relief rushed through her; she shot her hand toward the bedside table and gripped the edge to steady her balance.

Regina reached for her. “I suspected I might be pregnant, but I wanted to be sure first. Then I promised you two more weeks, and I didn’t want you to insist we leave earlier.”

When Evangeline didn’t respond, her sister patted the counterpane. “Will you sit before you faint? I’m not sure I have the strength to lift you from the floor right now.”

Evangeline plopped onto the side of the mattress. Her sister would be a mother. How hadn’t the possibility crossed her mind?

“How long?”

“Dr. Li estimates I am close to eight weeks along,” Regina said. “Xavier is eager to return home so I can be close to our family doctor and Auntie.”