She forced a smile, hoping it would be so.
Chapter Twenty
Later that night, while snuggled together in bed, watching the shadows on the wall dance, Nicola felt Nathaniel’s long sigh. “You must not worry.”
He caressed her thigh lightly, careful not to touch the bandages on her hip. “I cannot help it. That she should come here, to the one place where I am happy, just pains me.”
“If she has never been close to you or Fran, then why does she come?”
“Only my mother can answer that. She delights in playing games. Likely she became bored at home, or perhaps curiosity overcame her when she received my letter containing the news of our engagement. I haven’t written to her since February and I wondered why she didn’t respond. Now I know. Instead of writing she decided to travel here instead and see for herself how Fran and I get on.” He moved his legs restlessly and the thick white blankets rippled in the moonlight streaming through the windows. A small fire glowed in the grate behind the protective screen.
Nicola, her arms wrapped around his waist, marvelled at how one woman could cause this upset to her own children. Her hand strayed to her stomach, which held only the slightest bump. “You and Fran must try to put the past behind you. I’m not suggesting that it’ll be easy, but raking it all up will only continue the hurt. Perhaps your mother has changed. You must at least give her the chance to put things right between you.”
“And if she hasn’t altered, what then?”
A streak of devilment flared within her. “Then send her on the next ship back.”
His hand roamed over her stomach, joining her hand on the swell below her bellybutton. Nathaniel grinned. “All this sitting around has made you grow fat, my love.”
“Indeed I have, but that is not the only reason.”
Yawning, he buried his head into her neck. “Oh?”
She nestled in closer to him, loving the feel of his body against hers. “I believe your son or daughter may have something to do with it.”
He slowly raised his head to stare at her. “Do you mean…”
“A baby.” She smiled, pressing his hand onto her stomach more. “Our baby.”
His face lost all expression. “A baby…”
“It does happen, you know.” She laughed.
“I’m to be a father.” He closed his eyes and pulled her into his arms so tightly she thought he might break her stitches apart. “Oh my darling, wonderful girl.” He kissed her repeatedly. “I love you. Thank you. Thank you.”
She leaned back and threaded her fingers through his dark hair, tears blurring her vision of his wondrous look. Never in her life had she felt more secure and loved as she did at that moment. “I’m glad I make you happy.”
“Happy?” He kissed her again, a long slow kiss full of love. “I’m the happiest man alive. When?”
“Well, I haven’t had my monthly show since before we were married. Dr Armitage estimates around the end of October.”
“October.” Stunned, Nathaniel pulled back the sheet and went down the bed to put his lips on her stomach. “October.”
“Or early November. Babies arrive when they wish to.” She teased his hair, roughing it up.
He plumped up his pillows, laid back and then gathered her into his arms. “I will be a good father, not like my own, I promise.”
“I know you will. I never thought otherwise.” She softly tugged at his sparse chest hair, her head comfortable against his shoulder. “This might not be the best time to bring this up, but I must ask.”
He kissed her hair. “Ask what?”
“Have you heard anything of Lombard?”
“No, not yet. I’ve cast a wide net, but he’s as slippery as an eel. I’ve had reports that he’s gone into hiding, but I’ll bide my time. He’ll show his face one day.”
“You must never put yourself in danger, Nathaniel. We have a lot to be grateful for now, with the baby coming. I will not lose you to the likes of Lombard. He’s not worth it.”
“I know, sweetheart, I know.” He held her close, but she was unable to sleep, her mind dwelling on Lombard and her mother-in-law.
* * *
Gingerly sitting down behind her desk at the Home, Nicola smiled at the women gathered in the room. She’d spent an hour with them in the drawing room, listening to their various pieces of news and now wished to get some work done. “I am perfectly well enough to sit here and check the accounts, ladies.”
Florence, who’d been