Page 70 of The Earl Next Door
“Can you feel it move?”
“Not yet. It will take a little longer for that to happen.”
He let go of her arms and placed his hand against her lower stomach as if he were in awe of a precious stone he was touching.
“Yes,” he said, looking up at her with joy beaming on his face. “I feel it. The small swell of life is there.”
“I knew all the signs to watch for indicating I was with child. They were drilled into me. I’ve waited extra time to be sure.”
His eyes narrowed. “You waited to tell me I’m going to be a father?”
“I had to be sure. Lyon, I love you with all my heart, but I couldn’t get past the ugliness of my first marriage. The torture, the feelings of failure. I can’t explain it.”
He placed a finger on her lips. “Shh, my love. You don’t have to think about that ever again.”
“All I can do is say again that I love you and I’ll marry you if you still love me and want me.”
“Love you? Want you?” He caught her up in his strong embrace. “I wake every morning wondering what I can do or say to make you change your mind about marriage. Adeline, it was always only you that I wanted. I understood your reasons for wanting to remain a widow. I had to respect your wishes.”
“Thank you. I love you for that, Lyon, but now will you marry me?”
“I was beginning to think this day would never come and I never could have dreamed it would be a babe that brought you back to me.”
He kissed her long, hard. “I didn’t know how it would happen or when, but I had faith that if I gave you enough time you would realize love conquers everything and you would want to be my wife.” Lyon squeezed her tightly and whispered, “I love you so much.”
“And I love you.”
Suddenly he leaned away from her and asked, “Do you know if you will have a son?”
Adeline breathed a soft laugh. “Of course not. Many try, but no one can predict son or daughter.”
“Good. I want to be surprised by you one more time.”
Lyon captured her lips with his again.
Adeline thrilled to his touch.
Epilogue
Lyon stood before the fire. They were all trying not to stare at him, but at various times during the night they all had. It was as if they expected something from him other than the calm he was presenting. Adeline had assured him she would have no problems delivering the babe and that after it arrived, Lyon would be sent for. He had no choice but to take her at her word and let her handle this very important matter of giving birth without his assistance or pressure. It wasn’t that he didn’t have concerns.
He was filled with them.
Everyone was gathered in the drawing room with him at his London home. He and Adeline decided to winter there rather than Lyonwood. She would be nearthe midwife she wanted to attend her. There would be time for them to enjoy the last of winter at Lyonwood, after she delivered.
Marksworth and his bride had returned to London and were on one settee. Mrs. Brina Feld and Cordelia were on the other. Lady Kitson Fairbright was also present, but she was the only one who had the honor of being above stairs and in the room with Adeline—because she’d had a child and might in some way be of service to her during delivery.
Lyon would have rather this be a private time, but Marksworth had made Lyon promise, as had the others, to let him know when the time was close for the baby to be born. They all wanted to be at Lyon’s house for the joyous occasion.
The midwife had been sent for early in the afternoon, and she confirmed the time was near. But that was several hours ago. Lyon was told to vacate their room and find a way to keep himself busy. He’d written the notes that brought the others rushing to his house and then tried to concentrate on some of his account books before they arrived. That proved impossible to do. Every little sound had him looking up at the door and losing his place.
“It’s been long enough,” Marksworth said, rising from the settee. “I think it’s time someone went up there to check on what’s taking so long.”
“Why don’t you go?” Cordelia said dryly.
“Me?” He exclaimed, giving Aunt Delia a hard look. “I have no business going up there. It’s no place for a man.”
“Neither is it for the rest of us,” she answered. “She has a midwife and Lady Kitson. She doesn’t need anyone else interfering.”
