Page 82 of The Viscount's Unwanted Bride
Pregnant.
She waspregnant.
Well, they had the answer as to the outcome of their lovemaking. Now there was nothing he could do but keep her as safe and comfortable as possible and pray she wouldn’t miscarry.
“Are you sure?” Kate asked, sneaking a glance at him.
His gut twisted. Under other circumstances, she’d no doubt be thrilled by this news but because of him, she mustn’t know how to react.
Damn, he needed to make it obvious that he would stand by her through everything even if he was fucking terrified of losing both her and their baby. She’d brought so much color to his life. The thought of that ending…
He could scarcely countenance it.
“I can’t be positive until you begin to show or have missed more of your courses, but I’m reasonably confident,” the doctor said. “Do your best to eat and drink even if you aren’t feeling well, and don’t exert yourself too hard. You need to be careful.”
Based on the way Dr. Hanson shot Theo a look, his father had told him exactly what kind of problems Theo and Elizabeth had experienced, and he, too, was concerned about Theo’s frame of mind.
“If you need me, don’t hesitate to call for me any time of day or night,” he continued, smiling at Kate encouragingly. “Ifyou have any general questions about pregnancy, you can have a letter delivered, and I’ll respond promptly.”
“Thank you,” Theo rasped, burying his hands in his pockets so he didn’t wring them. If he gave Kate more cause for anxiety, he wouldn’t forgive himself. He needed to be strong for her.
“I’ll be on my way,” Dr. Hanson said, standing and picking up his medical bag. “There’s no reason for me to stay longer. If the sickness worsens, let me know.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Theo said.
Dr. Hanson nodded and stepped out of the bedchamber. Theo hesitated before following, reluctant to leave Kate. It wouldn’t be for long, though.
As they got farther from Kate, Dr. Hanson spoke.
“Just because pregnancy was difficult with the late viscountess, God rest her soul, doesn’t mean your new viscountess is more likely to suffer the same problem,” he said softly. “Chin up, Lord Blackwell. We’ll do all we can to ensure your heir is brought safely into the world.”
Theo’s hands trembled, and he was glad they were still hidden from view. “Her safety is my priority.” He would cherish a child, especially considering he’d thought he’d never have one, but he wasn’t going to risk Kate to get one. “She comes first.”
Dr. Hanson inclined his head. “Of course. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. Despite her nausea, Lady Blackwell seems to be of strong constitution. I see no reason to worry.”
Theo was grateful to hear that even if it didn’t completely reassure him. There had been no obvious reason for Elizabeth’s difficulties either.
He escorted Dr. Hanson to the door and considered detouring to his illicit whiskey supply before returning to Kate but decided against it. Tempting as the thought might be, he ought to keep his wits about him, the better to protect her.
He made his way down a strangely silent corridor and couldn’t help wondering if the household staff were hiding from him, uncertain whether he was about to lose his mind. He wouldn’t blame them if they were.
He tentatively entered Kate’s bedchamber and crossed over to sit on the edge of her bed.
“I’m sorry,” she said, looking miserable. “I know you didn’t want this.”
He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m not angry. I’ve actually always wanted a child. I’m just… scared that something might happen to you.”
She nodded but didn’t seem convinced.
Sighing, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, then turned it over and pressed his lips to the inside of her wrist, feeling her pulse flutter. “It was my choice to do what we did. This is the consequence. Honestly, it could end up being the best thing to ever happen to us, but I’m likely to be on edge until we come out the other side with both you and the baby healthy and happy.”
Her expression softened, and she laced her fingers with his and tilted her chin up, a gleam of determination in her eyes. “I understand why you’re afraid. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but I’m sure everything will be all right.”
He hoped she was correct.
He sat with her until she drifted back to sleep, and then he did something he hadn’t done in years. He got on his knees and prayed. He prayed for Kate and their baby to be well. For the pregnancy to pass without issue. For his new family to remain whole.
But in the darkest corners of his mind, he couldn’t help wondering, if God hadn’t listened to his prayers before, then why would He now?
