Page 41 of A Love to Remember
He missed her more than he’d missed any of his previous lovers, but then he’d never stayed with any other woman as long as he had stayed with Rose.
While he missed their physical union, it was her smile, the way she always greeted him as though he were the most important man on earth, and the way he could converse with her about anything. She had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and was not afraid to share her opinions on his estate business and politics. She was also tenderhearted and understood his inner worries and thoughts.
And she was just down the corridor.
In a bed.
Alone.
His body throbbed with need—the need to simply hold her. To sleep with her in his arms. To wake up to her smile and…And what, then? At the end of this week he would only have to go through the pain of walking away all over again.
On a growl of frustration, he rolled over and closed his eyes. With Rose not far away he hoped he’d have sensual dreams tonight, instead of his normal nightmares.
—
“Mother, wake up. It’s light outside. May I have your permission to go riding with Lord Coldhurst and Henry? Please?”
Rose had been having the loveliest dream. She and Drake were breakfasting at Flagstaff Castle with Philip, who was crooning to her big fat stomach. One happy family. She didn’t want to wake up.
“Mother, please wake up.”
She cracked open one eye. A very excited Drake hopped up and down next to her bed, holding hands with Elaine.
“Sorry, Your Grace,” Elaine murmured. “Lord Coldhurst would only take him on his new horse if you said it was all right.”
On a sigh, Rose rolled onto her back and tried to pull her arm from under the covers only to find it caught up in her robe. Why was she still wearing her robe? And then a memory, like a dream, flashed into her head—strong, familiar arms carrying her and laying her in bed.
Philip had come to see her last night. She shivered from the warmth that he’d come to her so soon.
“Please, Mother,” Drake begged. “Lord Cumberland is riding, too. I have to show him how well I can ride Crusoe.”
She pushed up and managed to disentangle herself enough to sit up. “As long as you don’t try to show off. And you must follow Lord Coldhurst’s instructions to the letter.”
“I will. I promise.” He jumped up and down excitedly. “Thank you, Mama!” He leaped on the bed and gave her a smacking kiss before racing out the door.
Rose flopped back onto the bed as a wave of nausea engulfed her. She battled the bile but it was going to win.
She rolled over just as Elaine slipped in beside her with a basin. Then she threw up what little she had in her stomach until all she could do was dry retch until the spasm passed.
“I’ll get you some tea and toast,” Elaine said practically. “You need something in your stomach.”
Rose nodded through her misery. “If I recall, I was sick with Drake for almost two months.”
Elaine pursed her lips before saying, “That’s not too bad. Some women are sick the whole way through.”
The very idea exhausted her. “I think I’ll rest today. Please tell Lord Kirkwood I’m exhausted from the journey.”
Elaine handed the basin to the maid who had entered to see to the fire, and asked her to empty it, clean it, and return with two more. “I’ll personally see to your breakfast, Your Grace. I remember what you could manage.”
Once the women had gone, Rose lay back and closed her eyes. Her stomach rolled and pitched as though she were on a ship—and now all she could think about was how to tell Philip.
He’d come to her rooms last night. What did that signify? What had Kirkwood said to get him to come for the week? Or had he come for her? She wondered if he would hate her for getting with child. It was hardly her fault, and as far as she was concerned it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
—
Portia stopped the maid in the corridor. She could smell the sour odor of vomit from the basin the girl carried as she drew near. “Is someone ill?”
The maid curtseyed. “Yes, your ladyship. Her Grace has been sick all morning.”
