Page 91 of When He Was a Rogue
Not long after midnight, the rich American had asked for a meeting with James, where he asked for Lavinia’s hand. Being American, he had no qualms about Lavinia’s lack of wealth or previous scandal. Georgiana couldn’t help but think how freeing that would be. James had given his blessing. Mr. Whitaker and Lavinia would marry soon and then sail across the ocean for America. Her mother was beside herself with glee. So much so that she’d actually acknowledged James and Georgiana’s contribution to this new life for which she would soon embark.
“No, I am delighted for Mother. I do hope she’ll be happy and not trouble Mr. Whitaker with her exuberant personality or love of shopping.”
“From what I hear, Mr. Whitaker has more than his share of wealth,” James said. “I believe they will be very happy together.”
“I have something else to tell you.” Now that the moment was upon her, she suddenly felt apprehensive. What if he was not as overjoyed as she was about the baby?
James set his cufflinks aside, the small click of gold against mahogany loud in the hushed room. “What is it, love?”
She crossed to him slowly, her skirts whispering against the carpet, and brushed her fingers through his dark hair.
He leaned into her touch. “You were the loveliest woman in the room tonight.” He caught her wrist to press a kiss to her palm. “Your skin looked particularly dewy and flushed. In fact, I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”
She smiled. “There may be a reason for that.”
He studied her face. “Is it? Are you…”.
Leave it to James to read her so well that he’d immediately guessed her secret.
She lowered herself onto the bed, the silk of her gown rustling as she turned to face him. Her free hand moved to her stomach. “It is true. I am with child. I did not want to say anything until I was certain.” Her vision blurred with unshed tears. “Please tell me you’re pleased.”
“Georgie, don’t be absurd.” He cupped her face gently, his thumb stroking away a tear that had escaped. “How could I not be pleased? A child? What more could I ask for but to raise a family with you? The woman I love and adore? You’ll be the best mother too. I’ll do my best to be a decent father, but it will be you who will be the center of their world, just as you are mine.”
She drew in a shuddering breath, her hand finding his and pressing it flat against her waist. “Thank goodness you feel that way. I never thought I would have a family and yet here we are. I am ecstatic to think of a child bringing even more joy into our home. James, you’ve made all my dreams come true.”
“You’re sure? You’ve seen a doctor?”
She nodded, happy tears spilling freely now. “I saw the physician while you were in London. He believes the baby will be here in early February.”
“It feels very far away. I will be a wreck until then. Do you want a boy or a girl?”
“It doesn’t matter to me, but it would be advantageous to have a son. Yet, we needn’t worry, since young Edward will inherit his father’s title.”
“I suppose. Furthermore, imagining a little girl who looks just like her mother would be a dream come true. I shall be absolutely besotted with a little girl.”
“Or a little boy,” Georgiana said, smiling up at him. “You will be a fine father, no matter what. That I know without any doubts.”
“My only aim in life is to make you happy. To think, there will now be a child. The blessings you have brought to me, Georgie, are too many to count. Or to describe in words.”
“As are those you’ve brought to me, my love.”
They held each other in the firelight, and Georgiana thought of the desperate widow who had arrived at Ashford Manor with nothing but her sister’s future to bargain with, never dreaming she would find her own salvation within these walls. Now the house breathed with life again, its halls would soon echo with children’s laughter, all proof that love, like hope, could resurrect even the most shattered of dreams.
The End
