Page 26 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
Anna nodded and pulled back slightly with a small smile, feeling increasingly motivated to press forward, even when Leah asked.
“I would like to meet the child. May I?”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“He really is quite a precious little boy.”
Anna agreed with her sister, smiling down on Nicholas as he reached out for Leah who cradled him in her arms.
“He is. I cannot imagine how anyone would want to abandon this adorable bundle of delight.” Anna sighed, reaching out to gently run her fingers through the soft curls of his hair. “When he’s not keeping me up at the most ungodly hours.”
Leah chuckled, letting Nicholas hold onto one of her fingers, cooing at the way his entire hand wrapped around it.
“Infants are always like that. When Dahlia was around his age — even younger, there was hardly a moment when she wasn’t crying. I’ve come to simply understand that they’re as lost as we are about their own existence. It will take a while for them to learn how to regulate all their emotions and thoughts intowords but due to their fragile state, the slightest discomfort could lead to tears. Be careful what you feed him. He is big enough for solids but still young enough that anything small could choke him. And bear in mind; they are rather sensitive about temperatures. When the weather is warm, keep us dressed in soft garments made of light materials. If there is even the slightest chill in the air, ensure that he is covered properly, lest he catch his death of cold.
“His room should be warm and quiet. Babies don’t like loud noises, so you should ensure that the surroundings around him are always peaceful. He should also be baptized. I understand that since he is not yours, you might not feel obligated to do this, but since he will be in your care, living under your roof, it would be best if this is done. And you should also hire a wet nurse for him. A child needs to be breastfed properly until he is of the age where he can eat more solids.”
Anna nodded with rapt attention, trying to commit all that her sister had said to memory.
Once Leah had seen him, she had stated that Nicholas looked rather healthy and well, and told Anna that she had done a remarkable job looking after the child.
“How does your husband really feel about this… strange turn of events?” Leah asked carefully, smiling as Nicholas let go of her hand and reached for her face instead. “I’m sure he had been less than thrilled to have an infant of unknown origins within his home.”
Anna hesitated for a moment, thinking of how Julian had denied her accusations each time, annoyed when she recalled how dismissive he had been during breakfast.
“Well… he has been irritated by it all. And rather self-centered, but he has prioritized Nicholas’ care. I thought — I feared the child might be his. He was away for so long and I have no idea what sort of life he lived while we were apart. However, he has been adamant in his claims that he wasn’t unfaithful. However, there is something strange. I feel as though he is not being completely truthful and I don’t know why. It is as though he is hiding something from me. Things are already complicated enough with dealing with a child I didn’t bear. I would simply like to focus on Nicholas.” Anna told her sister, feeling slightly bereft.
Leah lightly ran her fingertips over Nicholas’ cheeks, grinning when he laughed, the garbled sound seemingly resonating around the room.
“Marriage is always a tricky affair. And in a situation as unique as yours, tensions are bound to run high. Just be honest, about how you feel. If he is a gracious and kind man, he will listen to you.” Leah replied gently, handing Nicholas over to her gently.
While Anna might not outright call her husband any of those things, he had shown such sides recently and she knew that perhaps, they could coexist somewhat peacefully.
Although… Anna was not sure what that peace would look like when she still recalled the fiery kiss they had shared and spentfar too much time wanting to do it again. A dangerous idea she couldn’t allow to take root in her head.
“I will keep that in mind. Thank you, sister.” Anna said sincerely.
Leah nodded, smiling proudly when Nicholas nuzzled closer to Anna’s chest when she cradled him towards her.
“Like I said before, I am of the firm belief that you are a wonderful guardian to this child already. He would not cling to you like this otherwise. Trust yourself more. I do have the names of some nursemaids that you could hire to look after him. They have good reputations and can be trusted to be discreet. I believe I do not need to tell you what might happen if anyone with poor intentions gets a wind of this.” Leah pointed out.
“I am aware. I will be careful.” Anna promised.
Shortly after, Leah said her farewell, stating that she needed to return to her daughter and husband, offering some hugs and kisses to Anna and Nicholas on her way out.
“If you need anything — anything at all, do not hesitate to let me know. If you send for me, I will be here as soon as I can.” Leah assured, holding one of her hands.
“I know. Thank you, dear sister.” Anna replied gratefully.
Leah gave her one last smile and left, climbing into her carriage with the help of a footman. Anna waited by the door just untilher sister’s carriage had rolled out of sight and then she turned around to head back into the house.
Only for the sound of hooves along the path that led up to the house to catch her attention. She faced the pathway once more, her breath catching when she spotted her husband’s carriage coming towards the house.
Her feet felt rooted to the spot, and she watched him draw closer and closer, unable to move as the carriage finally came to a stop. Shortly after, her husband stepped out, took two steps towards the house and stopped at the sight of her.
For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Anna moved away from the doorstep, further into the foyer so he could come in. Moments later, he passed the threshold and shut the door behind him.
“Duchess,” Julian nodded, in lieu of greeting.
