Jacquie ’Alessandro - Whirlwind Wedding

Laughter distracted his thoughts and he walked to the opened window. His entire family, minus Caroline and Miles who were honeymooning in Brighton, sat around the round table on the terrace. His mother was beaming at William, who bounced a squealing Josette on his knee. Claudine and Lady Penbroke were engaged in an animated discussion, and Robert was occupied removing the end of Lady Penbroke's boa from his teacup. Under the table, Gadzooks and his cohorts frolicked with the small white puppy Austin had recently purchased. He'd had to search nearly all of England to find a dog that looked exactly like the sketch of Patch Elizabeth had drawn, but he'd finally succeeded.

Elizabeth had laughed and cried at the same time when he'd placed the squirming furry bundle in her arms. The delight shining from her eyes had touched him… in that place deep inside him only she could reach.

A knock sounded on the door.

Turning from the window, he called, "Come in."

Elizabeth entered.

He reached her in two strides. "Are you all right?"

She smiled. "The doctor said I am fine."

A relieved breath whooshed from his lungs. "Thank God." He drew her into his arms and kissed her brow. Leaning back, he noticed she held a letter. "Is that from Caroline?"

"No. It's from my friend in America. Alberta."'

"The young woman you warned not to marry?"

"Yes. Unfortunately my premonitions proved correct." She looked at him through sad eyes. "David was unfaithful to her. He was killed in a duel by his lover's husband."

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth."

"As am I. In her letter she begs for my forgiveness, which I shall gladly give her, along with an invitation to come visit us."

The sound of laughter drew their attention and Austin walked with her to the window. He watched a smile curve her lips when Robert spied them at the window and waved. She returned the greeting, then stilled her gaze alternating between the letter she held and Robert's laughing face.

"Oh, no," Austin said. "What are you seeing now?"

She hesitated, then smiled. "I'm just thinking that I shall make it a point to write to Alberta today. I think a trip to England is exactly what she needs. And, um, Robert might enjoy it as well."

The significance of her words hit him and a smile tugged his lips. "I see. Should I warn my dear brother?"

Her dimples winked at him. "Oh, I don't think a warning will help." She slipped her letter into her pocket, then drew a deep breath. "1 haven't told you everything the doctor said Austin."

His smile collapsed. "You said you're fine-"

"Oh, I am. Most robust. I may resume my normal schedule, but he cautioned me against activities that he feels are too rigorous for one in my… delicate condition."

"Delicate?"

She nodded her eyes shining with joy. "Yes. It is an American word that means 'I'm going to have a baby'"

His heart skidded to a halt, then thumped back to life. She was going to have a baby. His child. Their child. He squeezed his eyes shut, absorbing the joy, savoring the miracle.

"Give me your hand" she whispered.

Opening his eyes, he held out his hand. She clasped it and brought it to her stomach, gently pressing his palm against her gown.

"Do you see anything?" he asked watching her closely.

A slow smile lit her beautiful face. "Hmmm… you appear to have some plans that include you, me, and that sofa by the fire."

He laughed. "You're a difficult woman to surprise, my love."

Her eyes widened and his amusement instantly vanished. "What do you see now?"

"I see a baby… a beautiful baby boy," she said her voice filled with wonder. "He's going to be just like you… with your dark hair, strong chin, and noble bearing."

"You're wrong," Austin corrected quietly. He looked into her eyes, eyes so full of love and warmth and goodness, and his heart, quite simply, rolled over. "He'll be just like you… just like his mother… a vision. A vision of love."