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Tessa turned at the sound of Jack’s voice from the end of the bed. How had she not noticed him? Dressed in fawn breeches and a brown jacket, he looked as if were also ready for a ride. She hadn’t noticed that his hair had grown slightly longer causing it to curl more. Drat the man, only he could look more handsome with longer hair.
“Lady Stanhope, this is my wife, Georgiana and my son.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Bideford, and my joyous congratulations on your new son.”
“It is lovely to meet you finally, Lady Stanhope. I believe we missed each other by a Season. I had already married this scoun
drel by the time you came out. Please call me Georgiana.”
Does he have a name yet?” Tessa asked as she stared down at the infant.
“Come along, Georgie. Give up little George,” Jack implored. “After all I am five pounds richer all because of my new nephew.” Jack reached out to take the infant from his mother.
Tessa watched as Jack carefully supported the newborn’s neck and head. He cradled little George in his arms as if he had done this hundreds of times, which he probably had based on his caring nature with the girls. “I take it you named him George?”
“Yes, after my father, not me,” Georgiana said with a laugh. “Lady Stanhope, meet George John Neville Raynerson.”
“John after his favorite uncle,” Jack crooned to the baby who stared up at him.
“John after our father,” Bideford corrected.
“Jack, let Lady Stanhope hold him,” Georgiana said with a smile. “You do want to? I couldn’t help but notice the way you looked at him.”
“Of course, but please call me Tessa.”
Jack brought the infant over to her. Tessa glanced down at the baby and then up at Jack. She couldn’t remember holding an infant other than Emma and that was eighteen years ago.
“It is easier if you sit in the chair and then I can place him in your arms,” Jack said softly. “We wouldn’t wish you to drop the little boy.”
“I would never do such a thing,” she replied but moved to the chair.
Jack placed George in her arms. “Just be certain to support his neck.”
“I will.” Tessa was instantly in love as she stared down at the little boy. She picked up a tiny hand and watched in amazement as he clutched her finger. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized she would never have this in her life. Her heart, which had slowly started to mend from Jack’s betrayal, splintered into a million pieces. As if sensing her heartbreak, little George scrunched up his face and let out a small cry. “Oh, I made him cry. I’m so sorry.”
“He’s just hungry,” Georgiana said with a smile.
Jack reached down to take the boy but paused as he noticed the tears in her eyes. “Are you all right?”
“Please just take him.”
“Of course.” Jack picked up George and handed him off to Georgiana.
“Congratulations again, Lady Bideford.” Tessa scrambled out of the chair and then raced out of the room.
“Tessa, wait.”
She heard Jack’s call but had no intention of talking with him when her emotions were out of control. She ran down the stairs to get away from him and his damned lovely family. Why couldn’t they be miserable? Instead, they all looked so happy while she was miserable knowing she would never be a part of a family like theirs.
“Where are you racing off to, Tessa?” Regina demanded as Tessa strode passed her.
“Riding.”
“Be sure to take a footman with you, then.”
Tessa had no intention of taking a footman or anyone else along with her. She walked outside and realized she had no idea where the stables even were located. With a sigh, she headed for the back of the house and then noticed the stables off in the distance. Once she reached the stables, a stable boy brought out a beautiful chestnut mare.
“Lady Stanhope, this is Fiona. She is gentle but enjoys a good ride.” The boy helped her up on the horse. “I shall be ready in a moment to accompany you.”
