The St Nicholas' Day Wager (11 page)
Read The St Nicholas' Day Wager Online
Authors: Em Taylor
Twenty-Fifth December, 1819
Gabriella bounced John, Viscount Marsden, her nephew on her knee and looked over to the window. A smile touched her lips as she noticed her brother’s hand very briefly curl around Edna’s fingers before coming back to rest at his side. She could not quite believe the change that had come over her errant brother since the previous Christmas.
“Ah ah,” cried the infant on her knee as he began to struggle. Edna turned around and came hurrying over as Gabriella readjusted the child.
“I am sorry, Gabriella. I think it is time for his nap.”
“Oh he is fine, Edna,” said Gabriella, a little disappointed that her time with her gorgeous nephew would be so short. Edna chuckled.
“Oh Gabby, he’s tired. I promise you can come up to the nursery and see him after his nap.” Slightly mollified, Gabriella relinquished her charge and muttered an apology.
“No need to apologise. We all feel the same way in the first couple of months when we are increasing.”
Gabriella felt her heart leap into her throat.
“I…I….”
Edna chuckled.
“I take it you have not told Eastden yet.”
“No. I was waiting until tonight. I thought it would be a nice present.”
“In that case, my lips are sealed.”
“Is it so obvious?”
“Only to me.”
“And to Joseph?”
“Oh good God, Gabby, you could be waltzing naked with the Duke of Wellington round the drawing room and Joseph would not notice except to ask if I thought your companion might like a brandy and a game of cards…for pennies of course.”
Gabriella chuckled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Come on, John, time for bed.” With that, the Countess of Thornwich left the room under the watchful and rather lusty gaze of her husband.
Gabriella wandered through the hallway until she came across the earl’s study. There perched on the desk was Nick, a frown on his face.
“Nick?”
“Yes?”
“What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you. Close and lock the door.”
She did as he asked then raised an eyebrow at him.
“What took you so long?”
“I did not know we had an appointment.”
“I thought you would follow.”
“Sorry, I didn’t know you wanted me to follow. I was playing with John.”
“I saw. I could not watch any longer.”
“Why?”
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
“Every time your courses come you seem distant and I feel you withdraw.”
“Well it would be rather messy to couple when I have my courses.”
“But I know you are disappointed and it breaks my heart. And then I see you with John. Your eyes were filled with tears when you were bouncing him on your knee and I…” He let out a roar of frustration. It looked as if Nick was going to have to get his Christmas gift a few hours early.
“Nick?”
“Yes.”
“When did I last have my courses?”
“I don’t know.”
“It was before we went to London. When did we go to London?”
“Mid-October.”
“That is correct.” She waited for him to connect the facts in his head.
“So you have missed your courses twice?” he asked.
She nodded.
“You are increasing?”
She nodded again.
“I am to become a father.” Her lips split into a grin.
“You are.”
“Oh Gabby.” He lifted her up into his arms and swung her round, pressing kisses to her before letting her down, cupping her cheeks and peppering kisses all over her face. “You…wonderful…clever…fantastic…perfect…beautiful…adorable…woman. I love you beyond measure.”
She giggled. “I will take it that you are happy at the news.”
“Deliriously so. Thank you.”
“Merry Christmas, my love.”
“Merry Christmas.”
His mouth descended on hers as he inched her skirts up. It was time for Gabby to receive her gift.
© 2014, Em Taylor
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.
Edited by: Em Petrova
Cover Art: Samantha Holt