Page 126 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

“Still no news. It could be months yet before I see a penny.”

“But the ladies used to flock around you,” said Cassandra. “Don’t tell me your injury has stolen all your charm.”

“No amount of charm can take away this,” he said, slapping his injured leg, though it made him wince. “I feel so useless. Like an old man, hobbling along with a wretched stick. I doubt I’ll ever be able to dance again. Just to be free of pain would be something.”

“It may yet improve,” said Cassandra, trying to encourage him.

“Keen to be rid of your lodger? I don’t blame you. Who wants a grumpy brother in the house when they’re going around cooing like a pair of turtle doves?”

Cassandra leaned over and squeezed his hand. “You are welcome to stay with us for as long as you need. And don’t be so quick to dismiss love.” She glanced over at Jethro and smiled to herself. “Love is a strange thing.”

“Huh! I can’t disagree with you. If Hunt can fall in love, anything’s possible.”

“Now, how about a cup of tea?” she asked, rising from her seat.

As she stood up, the room swayed. Lights flickered in front of her eyes. She raised a hand to her forehead. Was she going to…?

Jethro was watching Cassandra, admiring his wife from a distance and wondering how fast he could persuade their guests to leave, so he could have her to himself again. He saw her wobble and rushed forward when she began to fall.

His arms came around her before she hit the ground, and he lifted her onto the chaise longue.

“Ring for her maid. Tell her to bring smelling salts.”

Jethro knelt beside her, stroking her hand, while the others looked on in concern.

A few moments later, Mary Ann hurried into the room with the vinaigrette. As she waved it under Cassandra’s nose, his wife blinked and then opened her eyes.

“Did I swoon? How very odd.”

“You better pour the tea, Jules,” said Xander. “A cup of tea is Cassy’s answer to everything.”

Julia glanced over at Jethro, who nodded his approval. He didn’t want Cassandra to get up and risk fainting again.

He slipped his arm behind his wife’s back and gently eased her into a sitting position. He passed her the cup of tea Julia had poured her, and she took a sip.

She wrinkled her nose in displeasure. “Oh no. I think this batch of tea is bad. It tastes awful.”

Julia filled a cup for Xander, and he drank some.

“Tastes fine to me,” he said.

Jethro trailed his fingers over Cassandra’s forehead. “You must be unwell, my dear. I’ll send for the doctor.”

Her cheeks, which had been rather pale, turned a deep pink. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

Julia glared at Jethro, hands on hips. “I hold you to blame for this.”

His eyes grew wide. What had he done now? He knew she didn’t like him much, but it wasn’t fair to accuse him of making his wife ill.

“Julia! Stop teasing,” his wife said, but she was grinning at her sister, not scowling.

Jethro didn’t understand. Was he missing the joke?

“She’s increasing,” said Julia.

“Increasing?”

“In a delicate condition. In the family way.”