I’m sure they expected nothing good would come of it, and so far, little has—except you.” He paused, his fingers sliding lightly down her throat, her breast, her belly. “And perhaps someone else.”
Her mouth dropped open as she grasped his meaning. “No . . .”
“We’ve been married over a month now,” he reminded her. “If you’re not with child yet, you very likely will be soon, given how persistently I think wicked thoughts about you.”
“I was married ten years to Lord Howe without once conceiving,” she said numbly. “It is too much to hope for . . .”
“Perhaps I’m more virile than Howe.” He gave her a naughty smirk.
Kate blushed. “Far, far more. But . . .” Her protest faded as she tried to think when her last bleeding had been. At least a week before they married, she thought, but she couldn’t be certain. “It is surely too soon to know.”
“But not too soon to prepare.” He grinned. “I told you I wished to have children.”
Her hand crept over her belly, wonderingly, protectively. “As did I,” she confessed softly. “But it seemed I never would.”
“My father left me a small estate in Cornwall. If all goes well with Durham, and nothing comes of this damned dilemma, I want to take you there. If you don’t like it, we’ll return to London, or Bath, or find another house suitable for a family.” He folded his arms around her, resting his cheek on her temple. “But I’m not leaving you, either way.”
“Your commission,” she protested.
“I’ve given eight years to His Majesty. That ought to be enough. I never intended to stay in my whole life.”
But he hadn’t meant to sell out yet. Kate bit her lip in worry. “Your brothers,” she said. “Your inheritance.”
“Now that, I do intend to keep. I’ll help Charlie as I can, but he admitted it himself: he’s the only one without a wife now, and utterly free to pursue it. He’s also the eldest, the heir. It’s his battle even more than mine or Edward’s.”
As if summoned, the door opened, and a tall, dark-haired man who looked vaguely like Gerard stepped out, Kate’s mother at his side. “I see you found her,” he said, his dark eyes fixed on Kate.
Gerard laughed, squeezing her tight for a moment before releasing her. “I did indeed. Darling, may I present my brother Charles, the Duke of Durham. Charlie, my bride, Kate.”
“Curtsey, Katherine,” murmured her mother.
Kate flushed. She sank down, but to her astonishment the duke stepped forward and took her hand. “There’s no need for such formality. I am pleased beyond all measure to make your acquaintance at last, my dear.” He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a light kiss to her knuckles. “Welcome to our family.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
His dark eyes gleamed, and his smile was sheer sin. “Call me Durham. We are brother and sister now.”
“His Grace indicated you would be staying only a short while,” said Mama in her mildly reproachful way. “Do assure him you mean to stay a month, Katherine.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned her best smile back on the duke. “Cobham is very pleasant this time of year. We would be honored to have you rusticate with us, sir.”
“No doubt.” The duke’s sharp eyes flickered down to Gerard’s dirty knees, and Kate blushed again as his wicked smile widened. “Alas, I have pressing concerns elsewhere. I must leave on the morrow.”
Disappointment mingled with frustration on Mama’s face for a moment. “As you say, Your Grace.” She glanced at Kate. “Katherine dear, you must help me plan dinner for our guests. And good heavens, what have you done to your hair?”
Charlie tipped his head, and Gerard fell in step beside him, strolling away from the women. He looked over his shoulder twice at Kate before his brother spoke.
“Well done, little brother.”
He grinned. “I know.”
Charlie stopped and turned to study Kate as well. She was nodding patiently at whatever her mother was saying in obvious supplication; but she saw them watching her and gave a small smile. Her face shone, and Gerard thought she’d never looked more beautiful. His heart gave an answering thump as he smiled back at her. Yes, he liked being in love. It was even better than being married.
“I do believe you were right,” murmured Charlie thoughtfully. “Not a beauty . . . until she looks at you.”
“She’s uncommonly lovely,” he replied, although secretly he thought it might be true. Something about her face did