Page 103 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“I know you and Tobias wanted some time alone.” Martha’s fingers twitched. “We really tried to convince them to go elsewhere.”
“I am sure you did.” Rowen stiffened and forced herself to relax.
Warner appeared a moment later, carrying his youngest child, Elizabeth, in his arms. He had a cloth draped over his shoulder, and when he saw the children climbing over his cousin, his face split into a grin.
“You get him.” He gestured to Tobias, who laughed.
Rowen realized that Martha was still standing, hovering by the door. Their eyes met, and she gestured to an armchair. “Have a seat. Please.”
“Yes, sit down, Martha. Otherwise, you will be left without one.” Adele beamed at the woman.
Rowen was always impressed by the way Adele readily accepted the woman who had nearly ruined her life. The two of them had become unlikely friends, and their children were obsessed with each other.
If Adele can manage it, then I certainly can.
Rowen smiled wider and poured Martha, Adele, and Warner each a cup of tea. She was drinking warm milk with honey.
“Are you still having trouble with your stomach?” Warner asked.
“Just a little. It is getting better. I expect it will improve over the next few months.”
“Peppermint tea was a lifesaver for me.” Adele gave Rowen an overly innocent look. “I am surprised Cook has not already recommended it.”
“She has, actually. But for some reason, it turns my stomach.” Rowen shrugged, knowing that her cheeks were reddening.
“My turn! Throw me next!” Georgie cried, holding her arms out towards Tobias.
“As you wish.”
Rowen watched as he scooped Georgie up and threw her into the air, catching her easily and making her clap her hands in delight.
“Ow!”
David had been jumping up and down in his excitement, but unfortunately, he had been darting between Tobias’s legs when he had done it, and from the way Tobias’s face was turning a delicate shade of green, Rowen suspected he had collided with something rather fragile.
Warner handed Elizabeth to Adele and darted towards his cousin, steadying him as he tried very hard not to collapse onto the gaggle of very excited children.
“I think Uncle Toby needs a break.” Warner helped Tobias to the sofa.
“Uncle Toby ow?” David pointed to Tobias, who was breathing heavily. “Sowwy.”
“It’s all right, Davey. I know it was an accident.” Tobias’s eyes were closed.
“It easily happens when you have so many children around.” Warner clapped Tobias on the back. “It’s the danger of having so much chaos concentrated in one place.”
“Tobias likes a little danger.” Rowen kissed Tobias’s cheek.
“No man likes that kind of danger,” Warner said meaningfully.
“Besides, Tobias will need to get used to such chaos.” Rowen placed a hand on her belly. “Our family is growing.”
“I knew it!” Adele exclaimed. “I told you so, Warner. Oooh, Verity will be furious—she owes both Cora and me a guinea.”
“What do you mean, our family is growing?” Alistair frowned and looked between the adults.
Tobias opened his eyes and gestured to Rowen. “Well, your mother is going to have a baby soon. Which means you will get another brother or sister.”
“Really?” Georgie’s eyes went wide, and she moved closer, her eyes flicking to Rowen’s stomach and then to Tobias and back to Rowen.
