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“I’m afraid of dying, Royal,” she whispered.
He frowned. “Ainsley, you arenotgoing to die. You will come through this with flying colors.” He went nose to nose with her. “I won’t have it any other way.”
She swallowed against the hard lump in her throat. “I—I’ll try.”
“Ainsley Matthews, you are the most stubborn, arrogant woman God ever put on this blessed earth,” he said. “It is inconceivable that you would allow anything to go wrong.”
Oh, yes. Until last summer, she’d been arrogant enough to believe that nothing truly bad could ever happen to her. Life since had taught her otherwise.
Royal pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “Do you hear, love? Everything is going to be all right, I promise.”
She curled her fingers into his cravat, demolishing it. “Promise you won’t leave.”
“Of course not. I’ll be close by the entire time,” he said in a voice gruff with emotion.
Mrs. Peters bustled into the room, followed by Betty.
“Now, what’s all this?” the midwife said. “Betty here said young miss fainted, and had to be carried to her bed.”
Annoyed, Ainsley struggled up to a sitting position, Royal helping her. “I never faint. Mr. Kendrick was simply overly cautious.”
“That’s what I get for trying to be gallant,” he teased.
“Well, that’s grand,” said Mrs. Peters. “But it’s time for the fine gentleman to leave the ladies to their business.” She nodded at Royal. “Cook is bringing tea up to the parlor for ye.”
“I’ll be waiting in the hall,” he replied in a tone that brooked no opposition, then gave Ainsley’s hand a little squeeze.
“Suit yerself, but it may be some time, ye ken.”
Ainsley groaned. “Oh, God.” Then she bit down on her lip as another wave of pain came rushing toward her.
When Royal started to reluctantly pull away, she grabbed his arm. “Promise me that you’ll take care of my baby if anything happens to me,” she gritted out.
He blinked. “Uh, what?”
“If I die, you must take my baby. Keep it safe.”
The midwife patted her shoulder. “Och, ye’ll not be dyin’ tonight, my lady. Ye be as strong as a nanny goat, not to mention quite broad in the beam. I ken the wee one will slip right out of ye.”
Ainsley stared at the woman in disbelief, then glared at Royal, who was trying not to laugh.
“Beautifully broad in the beam,” he choked out.
“Bugger—” She couldn’t finish because the contraction hit full force. Grabbing his cravat, she yanked him down so they were again nose to nose.
“Promise you’ll take care of my baby.” Ainsley needed him to do this, and she needed him to agree to itnow, before the pain obliterated her ability to think straight.
He covered her hand with his. “Yes, all right, love.”
“Say it.”
He stared down at her, his gaze troubled. “I promise. I will take care of your baby. You have my word, no matter what.”
Ainsley fell back with relief. Whatever happened next, she could face it. Her baby would be safe.
“Away with ye, sir,” Mrs. Peters ordered, flapping her hands at Royal.
“I’m going,” he said reluctantly.
