Page 93 of The Duke's Sinful Bride

Fiona’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked down at her teacup.

“It’s been…interesting,” she admitted. “There have been a few suitors. It seems I might secure a proposal soon.” Fiona’s own words embarrassed her, if the color on her cheeks was anything to go by.

Georgiana leaned closer.

“That is wonderful!” Georgiana squealed, smiling at Yvette in light of the good news.

“My only advice to you would be, don’t let the Season slip by without making the most of it.”

Fiona clearly appreciated the advice, as she took Georgiana’s hands, thanking her. While they spoke, Yvette looked over to her brother and Killian, who seemed to be having their own hushed conversation in the tent next to theirs, their deep laughter provoking Yvette’s curiosity.

However, as their conversation continued, Maisie approached Killian, tugging on his sleeve. She looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

“Papa, Aaron is so cute,” Maisie declared. “I want a baby brother just like him!”

Killian froze, his expression unreadable as he glanced at Yvette, who was sitting close by. Yvette noticed the tension in his posture and the flicker of unease in his eyes.

“Do you, now?” Killian asked softly, his tone carefully neutral.

“Yes!” Maisie insisted, nodding earnestly. “He would be so fun to play with. Don’t you think so, Duchess?”

Yvette’s lips parted slightly, but she hesitated to respond. Her gaze shifted to Killian, studying his reaction.

“Maisie, why don’t you take Aaron to show him the garden?” Yvette suggested gently.

Maisie brightened. “Oh, yes! Come on, Aaron!” She nodded enthusiastically before returning to Aaron’s side, smiling widely,and telling him that she would have a baby brother just like him soon.

Yvette observed Killian closely, her mind racing. His reaction puzzled her.

Hadn’t he mentioned wanting an heir when they first married? Yet now, he seemed unsettled by the mere suggestion.

Her curiosity piqued as she watched Killian who was staring at the doorway where the children had disappeared, his jaw tight.

“Are you all right?” she asked softly, her voice low enough that only he could hear, with her hand sitting slightly atop his.

Killian’s eyes flickered to her, and he forced a small smile.

“Aye, I’m fine.”

But Yvette wasn’t convinced. Something had shifted in him, and she couldn’t help but wonder what it was.

The rest of the visit went smoothly, with Edward telling them stories of his latest ventures and Georgiana ensuring everyone was well-fed. Yet, Yvette couldn’t shake the feeling that Killian’s earlier reaction had made her feel unsettled.

As they prepared to leave, Edward pulled Yvette aside.

“Thank you for coming. I know I gave you a hard time about it, but it truly means a lot to us.”

Yvette smiled warmly. “You’re my brother, Edward. I’ll always make time for you.”

He squeezed her hand. “Don’t be a stranger.”

With that, they said their goodbyes, and the family climbed back into the carriage. As the journey back to their home began, Yvette couldn’t help but steal another glance at Killian. His expression was unreadable, but she was determined to find out what lay beneath it.

The journey back to Oakbourne Townhouse was a quiet one, though the silence held a tension that only Killian felt.

With Maisie asleep in his arms, her soft breaths warm against his chest, Killian found himself staring out the carriage window, lost in his thoughts. The clatter of hooves on the road seemed to echo the unease in his mind, and he wanted a way to make it stop.

Yvette and Fiona sat across from him, their heads close as they whispered about something, breaking the silence with soft laughter.

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