walked Mrs. Love to the back door, and Christian overheard the midwife promise to check on Constance every day. After goodbyes were exchanged, they came back to his side.
Beth regarded him without any hint of emotion. “Mrs. Love is one of the most talented, not to mention successful, midwives in all of London. Even if she comes through the back entrance, if anyone recognizes her, then the proverbial cat is out of the bag.”
“Meaning?” Christian asked.
Katherine huffed out a shallow breath. “Meaning, neighbors will come calling to find out who is having a baby. Then the talk will start, and we won’t be able to keep quiet about Lord Meriwether’s marriages.” She turned to Beth. “I’ll help you with Constance.”
Beth took her hands in her own. “Concentrate on your winning the Prince Regent’s contract and the duke’s charity. You’ve been so generous already. However, I think we should be better informed of your schedule in case something happens…”
She didn’t finish her thought, as they all knew what she was saying—if something happened to Constance and her babe.
“I’ll also send you mine,” Christian offered. “I could take a turn sitting with her.”
Katherine smiled slightly. “Thank you. But only if it becomes too much for all of us.”
Beth looked toward the stairs. “I should go to her now. I know Aunt Vee is probably worried sick.”
“I’ll be up shortly,” Katherine said.
Beth nodded at Christian, then took the stairs.
“Aunt Vee?” Christian asked after she departed.
Katherine nodded. “That’s Constance’s aunt who traveled with her from Portsmouth. She’s staying with me also.”
“Aha. Venetia. She’s the one who let me into your house yesterday.” He didn’t miss the sudden blush that colored her cheeks at the mention of last night. “Katherine—”
“Your Grace, would you accompany me upstairs to my study?” Her voice was all business. “We must talk.”
With his hands clasped behind his back, he leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I adore it when you take charge.”
She dipped her head, but he still caught the beautiful smile that graced her lips.
“Just like you did yesterday,” Christian murmured.
Without saying a word, Katherine led him upstairs to the second floor. With each step, her delightful backside swung with a perfect rhythm. His palm itched to reach out and touch her. Before his thoughts became too outlandish, they arrived at her study.
As soon as they were inside, she closed the door, then sat behind the Louis XV turquoise and gold gilt desk. “Shall I ask Willa to bring us tea?”
“No. But if you have any whisky, I would appreciate one.” Christian took the chair opposite her desk and inhaled. Her signature violet perfume filled the room unobtrusively. Immediately, he felt himself harden. Last night, the room had smelled differently. Her violet and musky scent of arousal had combined into a mind-altering fragrance that had brought him to his knees—literally.
For all his days, it would be a scent he would never tire of, and one he’d always remember, along with the elegantly appointed room. It suited Katherine.
How would Rand House suit her? Most likely, it would suit her like her business. She’d manage it with an aplomb and grace that would rival any past Duchess of Randford.
From a bottle on the side table, she poured a fingerful of whisky, then brought it to him. Within seconds, she started to pace.
He stood and placed his untouched drink on the drum table, then reached her side. Gently, he held her upper arms to stop her frantic to and fro movements. “What can I do to help? Hire full-time nurses?”
“No. That could be even more damaging. What if they talked?” She blinked, and the worry clouded her beautiful hazel eyes. “We have to keep this quiet for now.”
“I could ask several of the maids over at Rand House to help you and Willa,” he offered. “At least a full-time cook?”
She twisted her hands, then dropped them when she realized he was watching. It was a tell that she was unsettled. “No. I want to keep it contained to just us.”
Christian studied her face. What he wouldn’t do to take this concern from her. “Keeping things quiet is one thing, but eventually the child will be born and people will know what happened,” he said gently. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
“I’m aware of that.” She reached for a small square pillow with a heart embroidered on it and hugged it to her chest. “I’m worried about Constance and Beth. I’m also a little worried about the secretary’s visit.” She shook her