Accidentally Compromising the Duke(60)

Edmond felt bereft, he wanted—no, craved—her gentle touch, which would no doubt anchor him against the tearing rage and guilt stirring in his gut.

“Why did the doctor not make you aware of the dangers?”

He tipped his head against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. “I was in London, arguing reform motions in the House of Lords when Maryann went into labor. I traveled to Rosette Park as soon as I received the news of Sarah’s birth. It was almost eight weeks later before I would see Dr. Greaves again, and when I questioned him as to her melancholy, for some unfathomable reason he did not see fit to mention the warning he gave her. I am not sure if he thought she had already told me, or if he did not want to remind me I must do without an heir, but he said nothing.”

Adel climbed onto the bed, nudging at his legs until he opened them, and then crawled into his lap so that she sat with her back pressed to his chest. He heaved a sigh of relief. Her touching him was highly welcomed. She gripped his arms and tugged them around her front, and brought his knuckles to her lips and pressed kisses on them. Edmond smiled. His duchess was trying to soothe his hurt with kisses. He lowered his nose into her hair and inhaled, wanting to trap her scent into his lungs for a lifetime.

“Then what happened?” she asked softly.

“After Maryann told me, I kept from her bed and watched for her like a hawk. I asked my mother to return to Rosette Park, and we did everything the doctor said for my wife. Maryann displayed no sign of illness, and in fact glowed with health and vitality. Then at seven months into her confinement, she simply woke one morning with blood pooling on the sheets.”

Adeline’s hands tightened on his.

“I can still smell the blood and feel the heat of the chambers as she struggled to give birth. I had never seen so much blood, or felt such despair. She knew the risk, yet she willingly lay with me, because I had not been able to stop blathering about my desire for an heir. I watched the life drain from her eyes, and I saw the deep regret she felt in loving me.”

Adel flinched. “The burden is not yours to carry, Edmond, I would never besmirch—”

“Don’t! Do not try and excuse my burden. It is mine to bear. I should have probed deeper. I should have known something was wrong.”

“You are wrong, Your Grace.” Her voice was soft, but filled with steel. “It is not only your burden to bear, but mine as well. You made it so when you think to deny me the chance of a child.”

The chilled silence was broken only by their breathing.

“I am not foolish enough to believe you will be content with never having a child. But I ask of you to be generous and grant me more time. You are twenty-one. A few more years is all I require.” Then maybe the guilt and torment would be a mere phantom caress, and he would be able to look to the future.

She kissed his knuckles. “I agree, Edmond.”

Relief scythed through him, and he dropped his chin on her head. They stayed like that for the longest time, until he realized she had fallen asleep in his arms. His duchess was generous indeed, and he would endeavour to make himself worthy of her regard. One day he would be ready.





Chapter Twenty-One

It seemed like every set of eyes in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane was upon Wolverton’s box.

“It’s the Duke and Duchess of Wolverton.”

Adel was mightily exhausted of hearing their titles bandied about. But Edmond had been correct in his assessment. They were fawned over and gossiped about in equal measure. They had been in town for almost a week, and she had attended several balls and a number of musicales with her husband. Young ladies and gentlemen who had previously ignored her presence flocked to her. She had even been startled to realize that several of the young ladies and misses had started to copy the styles she wore her hair in, and there were whispers that dresses and ball gowns were being ordered in the daring bright colors she wore. The little season had been rather exciting as she was fast making acquaintances, some of which she could see were genuine and she would come to treasure.

“Upon my word, Wolverton has arrived,” Lady Deerwood said, raising her quizzing glasses to the foyer.

Adel’s heart leaped. She had arrived alone because he’d had some political meeting to attend. She had not been sure if he would arrive before the opening of the second act. Several ladies had dropped by her box to catch her up on the latest gossip. Adel was more interested in discussing the play they were watching, a rousing tale of unrequited love and revenge. Very similar to another play she had watched with Edmond earlier in the week, but just as entertaining.

“The ton is very much atwitter with how many events your duke intends to attend with you,” the marchioness said with a sly wink.