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Some of the uglier rumors concerning Tavistoke and this couple whispered at the back of her mind. Looking at Lady Montgomery, she simply couldn’t envision the woman being a party to such immorality. But looks could be deceiving. The handsomest face could conceal a very devil.
Lady Montgomery’s expression turned wry. “Most recalcitrant, I’m afraid. She kept me awake the entire night. Unfortunately, she’s still unhappy with the loss of her wet nurse despite the fact she devours everything put before her until her belly is as round as a cannonball.”
“She’ll settle in time,” said Tavistoke with a laugh. “My mother says girls are difficult as infants and easy as youths.”
Eden doubted her own mother—or stepmother, for that matter—had ever said such a thing.
Lady Montgomery chuckled. “Yes well, Maggie is a dear most of the time, but she can be quite vocal when displeased.” She patted her belly. “I can only hope this one will allow us a bit of peace, at least at night.”
Lord Montgomery bent to kiss her cheek. “If it’s a boy, he shall no doubt behave in a far more dignified and less demanding manner than his sister.”
His wife rapped him on the shoulder with her fan, laughing, and turned to regard Eden with open curiosity. “But Percy, do introduce us to your charming companion.”
Yes, please do, Eden thought, exceedingly annoyed at being made to feel like part of the scenery.
Her escort’s smile broadened. “Lord and Lady Montgomery, I present to you Miss Eden Lowther.”
“A pleasure,” said Lady Montgomery. “You will forgive me for not rising, but I’m not feeling entirely well at the moment.” Her gaze slid to the tea and biscuits at her side.
Immediately, Eden understood she was experiencing the nausea associated with carrying a child. Whose child, I wonder? The unspoken whisper echoed in her mind despite her earlier rejection of the scandalous suspicion. “Please, don’t concern yourself, Lady Montgomery. I should hate to cause you any discomfort.”
“Thank you, my dear. And please call me Sabrina.” She turned to her husband. “I suppose now we’ll have to make some sort of an announcement.”
“Oh, no,” Eden interjected. “Please don’t feel you must do so on my account. I shan’t say a word to anyone.”
Lady Montgomery smiled as one conspirator to another. “I should like to keep it quiet for a little while longer, at least until my mother’s ball. It is only a few days from now. If we can keep it hush until then, I would be most grateful.”
“Think nothing of it, Lady—I mean, Sabrina,” Eden amended, feeling a complete charlatan. Jealousy stung her hard as she looked at the woman, who was remarkably lovely for being in a delicate way. Why couldn’t she have broken out in spots or something?
“I should enjoy your company again, Eden,” said Lady Montgomery, again surprising her. “Would you be able to call on me tomorrow afternoon?”
Such an invitation could not be declined for many reasons, not the least of which was her rabid curiosity. “I would be delighted.”
Tavistoke’s gaze slid between the two women, and Eden knew he was wondering just what would be discussed at such a meeting. What indeed?
“I shall look forward to it,” said Lady Montgomery. Leaning back, she fanned herself. “Your pardon for my impoliteness. Being wit
h child is tiring at best, but I don’t recall ever feeling so exhausted with Maggie.”
“It’s sure to be a boy,” murmured her husband. “Truly, my mother said I gave her far more trouble than my sisters. Rest, my love.”
With a tired smile, his wife passed him her fan, giving him the task of helping keep her cool. “Forgive me but I must close my eyes.”
“Of course you must,” said Tavistoke, bowing before backing out.
Face stinging with a blush she knew must be as bright as a ripe strawberry, Eden allowed him to lead her away. It was all she could do to hold back tears of mortification—and loss. Her dream, which had for one blissful moment seemed within her grasp, had just been crushed. I am such a fool. There was no way she could compete with what she’d just seen. To want a man who loved another would be nothing but misery. I must get away from him as quickly as possible and never speak to him again.
Mind awhirl with conflicting thoughts and emotions, she couldn’t think of a legitimate excuse to part company. Together, they checked the progress of his pavilion’s erection. It wasn’t ready yet. It wasn’t until they were through the orchard gate that she remembered she was not to have left her stepmother’s sight. She pushed down panic as he stopped beneath a tree to examine a low-hanging limb. Tiny nubs were beginning to form all along the twigs. A sure sign spring wasn’t far off.
He spoke without turning. “I’m not sure what you’re playing at, but I don’t much care for it.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“This silence of yours.” He faced her. “I’m no fool, Eden. I would know your thoughts in the plainest possible speech.”
She clamped her lips together, not daring to open her mouth or she would voice her honest opinion of his having behaved like a lovesick puppy over a married, pregnant woman—a woman she now suspected of bearing his child.
“Come now,” he murmured, reaching out to tilt her face up with a gentle fingertip. “Where is the fierce little hellcat I met at the ball? I liked her far better than this shy and retiring maiden with whom I now seem to find myself.”
