Page 84 of The Viscount's Unwanted Bride
He nodded. “Excellent.”
She hid another smile. If he thought he was subtle in his hovering over her, he was deluded. She took his arm and they entered together.
Inside, she released him and approached a matronly woman with dark hair and a kind face who she assumed was the seamstress. The woman’s eyes widened, and she sketched a quick curtsey.
“My lady,” she said breathlessly. “It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Mrs. Halt but you can call me Annie. I believe you met my daughter a while ago. How can I help you?”
Kate greeted Annie warmly, confirming that she had indeed met her daughter, before addressing the reason they’d come—other than her intense need to get out of the house. “I’m increasing, and I would like to order new dresses that allow space for growth.”
Annie gasped and clapped her hand to her mouth, obviously delighted to be blessed with this gossip, then seemed to remember herself and cleared her throat. “Whatever you need. Do you have particular fabrics in mind?”
Kate turned to study the display. “I’ve been unwell, so I’d prefer soft or light fabrics. I generally like to wear shades of blue, pink, and green.”
Annie’s forehead crinkled sympathetically. “Is the little one giving you trouble?”
“Only a little.” Absently, she rested her hand on her mostly flat belly. “Some sickness, and I’m more tired than usual, but nothing to worry about.”
Dr. Hanson had been summoned to reassure Theo of this fact several times. One night, when she’d been particularly ill, he’d even stayed at Blackwell Hall to monitor her and had reported that while she was dehydrated, her symptoms truly were nothing out of the ordinary so far.
“Have you tried eating ginger or drinking it with hot water and honey?” Annie asked, reaching for a pale green fabric that Kate had already decided she liked.
“I haven’t.”
“Worked wonders for me. Ginger settled my pregnancy sickness like magic. Try it and see what you think. If there’s none out at Blackwell, I’m sure the grocer will have some.”
Kate made a mental note to ask the cook about adding ginger to their meals. She’d never had it in a drink before, but if it would help, she was willing to try it.
She and Annie discussed fabrics and what styles of dress she might like. Kate kept it simple, unsure how far Annie’s skills extended, and by the time she left, the seamstress was practically glowing with excitement at the idea of clothing a viscountess.
“Would you like to visit the bakery?” Theo asked as they stepped out onto the street. “I’m hungry, so I’m sure you are too.”
“A bread roll or pastry might be nice,” she allowed, knowing that there was no point resisting. She wasn’t particularly hungry—her stomach was too unsettled for that—but along with keeping her warm and comfortable, Theo had also become obsessed with making sure she had enough to eat.
A snowflake landed on her nose, and she tilted her head back. Another melted on her forehead.
“We’d best be quick,” she said, looping her arm through his. “The snow has come faster than expected, and we want to be back before it starts in earnest.”
Theo dithered, visibly torn between feeding her and their unborn child and the need to get her home and out of the weather as soon as possible. After a moment, he nodded, and they hurried toward the bakery together.
Unfortunately, as they reached the bakery, a couple stepped out of it. Kate recognized them instantly and stiffened, almost tripping over her feet as she stumbled to a halt.
“Mr. and Mrs. Norman,” she breathed, instinctively turning to Theo to see how he was reacting to this unexpected encounter.
He was pale, his lips thin, and he drew her closer to himself. “Good day.”
“Good day?”
To Kate’s surprise, it was the soft-spoken vicar who replied, his chest puffed out, his eyes narrowed, rather than the spiteful wife.
“Good day?” Mr. Norman demanded. “I say not, sir. Since we first made the acquaintance of your poor wife, Mrs. Norman and I have discovered how you came to be married. You compromised an innocent and forced her into a wedding. Had we known earlier, I daresay we’d never have left Blackwell Hall without ensuring her safe passage somewhere away from you.”
Kate eyed them with disbelief. “I beg your pardon?”
Mr. Norman turned to her. “I give you my word, my lady, we won’t stand back and watch this cad ruin another young woman’s life.”
Instinctively, Kate’s hand went to her belly.
Mr. Norman paled, and beside him, Mrs. Norman gasped and looked as though she might be about to pass out.
