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Lady Forrester rushed into Colebourne’s study with urgency, needing to address their current matchmaking scheme. It had escalated past a point where they must take immediate action. “Theo, we must secure Jacqueline’s hand with Kincaid’s immediately. You must put aside your misgivings and think of Jacqueline’s future.”
Colebourne set down his papers, regarding Susanna with amusement. “Calm down. I settled my differences with Kincaid this morning while we fished. Once he has cleaned up, I am allowing him a few private moments with Jacqueline. In a matter of hours, we will have achieved success with another match.”
Susanna twisted her hands. “I fear we are too late. Jacqueline has fled to Charlie’s, and now she is in a delicate condition.”
“Fled? Why the dramatics, my dear? She pays Charlie a visit at her estate every few days.”
Susanna gritted her teeth, trying to keep her patience with her brother-in-law. While she had enjoyed herself these past few months playing matchmaker with him, his schemes for this match went beyond scandalous. Now Jacqueline and Kincaid would suffer repercussions if they didn’t settle this match soon.
She took a deep breath before starting her explanation. “Lord Falcone told Jacqueline about Kincaid’s past. When I followed to console her, I found her emptying the contents of her stomach into a chamber pot. Then she grew tired, a condition I have witnessed recently. She takes naps often.”
Colebourne waved his hand as a show of nothing of importance. “The fish upset her stomach, ‘tis all. And as much as we have entertained, her tiredness is pretty excusable. As for Lord Falcone, I will admit I overstepped with my scheming. I should not have involved him in the matter. But now Kincaid’s secret is out in the open for him to admit to his wrongdoings, and he can prove to Jacqueline how worthy he is of her affections.”
Susanna smiled as serenely as she could before dropping her news. “She is with child, Theodore.”
Colebourne’s eyes widened, and he dropped back into his chair. Once the news settled in, he started laughing and clapping his enjoyment at the wonderful news. “Oh, our most excellent match to date.”
Susanna shook her head, collapsing in a chair. “You are so incorrigible.”
“Ah, Susanna. You must admit this couldn’t be more of a perfect beginning for Jacqueline.”
Susanna sighed. “Yes, I agree. She has been out of sorts without the girls seeking her advice over their troubles. Now she can have her own little one to nurture.”
“And we can have another little bundle to spoil along with Gemma and Ralston’s child.” Theo chuckled.
“All good and well, but we must handle her disappearance to Charlie’s. She packed her valise, and I don’t know how long she will stay away.”
Theo rubbed his hands together. “It is perfect. I will inform Kincaid of her departure and persuade him to win her over by wooing her.”
Susanna raised her brows. “Are we not past the point of courting?”
“Perhaps, but the gesture will only endure Kincaid more to Jacqueline.”
Susanna smirked. “Your schemes are still devious, I see.”
Colebourne nodded. “And they will continue until Jacqueline weds Kincaid.”
“Which will be soon, I believe. Then on to our last match.”
Colebourne smiled. “Which will be our most devious match of all.”
~~~~~
KINCAID NURSED HIS glass of whiskey. As defeated as he felt, one would think he should drink himself into oblivion. But he couldn’t numb his senses with the sweet nectar of alcohol. No, he must have his wits about him for whenever Jacqueline returned.
When Colebourne broke the news to him of how Jacqueline fled to her sister’s house, depression had set in. However, the duke had convinced him it was only a minor setback. To gain her attention, he must woo Jacqueline with a swift courtship. Woo her? How in the hell did you woo someone you’d already seduced? Or when they’d seduced you? He wasn’t sure anymore who did the seducing. And could you even woo someone who’d discovered the depth of your depravity?
Damn Falcone. Why did he have to strike out at Jacqueline with his vengeance? He’d achieved his ultimate revenge by turning her affections away from Kincaid. Was the gentleman satisfied for avenging his sister’s honor now? He hadn’t even gotten the chance to confront Falcone before the marquess took off for parts unknown.
Colebourne admitted he’d brought Falcone here to stir trouble in his matchmaking attempt. The duke loved drama and thought a little jealousy would spur Kincaid into action in securing Jacqueline’s hand. Instead, it’d only sent her running. But not far enough away that he couldn’t catch her.
During dinner, Lady Eden had encouraged him to stay patient. Jacqueline would return, and all would be well. It was the same advice Colebourne had offered him when assuring him Jacqueline only needed to think matters through. Patience? Any other time in his life, he could handle patience, but with Jacqueline, he feared he would lose her if he didn’t act on his impatience.
Dinner had been a quiet affair. The Holbrooke ladies and Abigail Cason had remained at the Sinclair’s for dinner. Evelyn and Gemma arrived back at the manor after everyone had retired to their bedchambers or moved on to other entertainments. Kincaid hadn’t wanted to be alone, so he’d joined the other gentlemen in the billiard room for an evening of gambling and drinking. Except, he did neither, hence why he still held a full glass of whiskey.
Ralston strolled into the room. “Count me in on the next game.”
“Shouldn’t you be catering to your wife’s every need?” Worth quipped.
Ralston smirked. “She is fast asleep and will not wake until dawn. So this allows me plenty of time to wipe away your fortunes.”
“We shall see about that,” Gray answered.
Ralston sat down next to Kincaid, stretching out his legs. He nodded to the full glass. “Troubles?”
Kincaid sighed. “More than I can count.”
“Jacqueline or Colebourne?”
Kincaid scoffed. “Jacqueline. Colebourne finally offered his support.”
Ralston quirked a brow. “Very impressive. Then what troubles you?”
Before Kincaid responded, Gray answered with disgust. “Falcone spewed gossip to Jacqueline about an affair from Kincaid’s past. Then he scurried away like the coward he is.”
Kincaid shook his head. “It was not gossip but the truth of an act I committed in my youth.”
Gray growled. “Speculation. And it wasn’t his place to discuss it. Plus, we all have incidents in our past we are not proud of. Jacqueline is levelheaded and will understand.”
Kincaid remained in doubt at his friend’s encouraging words. Jacqueline may be levelheaded, but she was also a lady with high moral standards. However, she’d abandoned those standards the past three years during their torrid love affair. Would she take her actions into account while she was away? He could only hope.
“Colebourne offered his advice.”
Gray scoffed. “And what was my father’s suggestion?”
“He said I should woo her.”
All the gentlemen laughed at the absurdity of the notion.
“Woo her? You have already ruined her. This is my father’s advice?” Gray shook his head. “The man instigated Falcone into the match and caused Jacqueline to run away. Now he believes if you court her, you will win her over. He is mad, I tell you.”
“Is it madness to want your loved ones settled?” Worthington asked, joining them.
Worth groaned. “Not you, too. I hope you do not plan to follow Colebourne’s lead and try to settle me into a marriage I do not want.”
Worthington shook his head. “I wish for no lady alive to suffer from your attention.”
The room roared with laughter at the insult. Even Worth laughed. “Any lady should hold such luck. I would make a better husband than you, my brother.”
“Keep fooling yourself, Graham.”
“It is madness when he interferes with everyone’s lives like they are his to manipulate. Even now he schemes to bring Jacqueline back home to settle with Kincaid. Then once he accomplishes his goal, he will move on to me, and I refuse to allow him to rule my life,” Gray declared.
“Settle?” Kincaid asked.
Gray cringed. “Sorry, mate. I meant to say to make a match. You and Jacqueline are perfect for one another. I meant every word when I offered my support. I only attempt to point out my father’s matchmaking madness.”
“No. You are trying to convince yourself your father is meddling because you keep denying your feelings for Abigail. Why fight it? You two are meant for each other,” Kincaid asked.
The other gentlemen murmured their agreement.
Gray shook his head. “Because I will not subject her to the ton’s ridicule. She doesn’t deserve their brutal treatment. I observed how they treated her during the season, and I will not be the reason for her misery. No matter how much I care for her.”
Ralston scoffed. “Since Forrester is not here, I will use his objection. Bollocks. Utter bollocks.”
“I shall call him a fool,” Worthington joined in.
“Coward,” Kincaid replied.
“Well, since you refuse to offer for the lovely Abigail, perhaps I should,” Worth baited him.
Gray advanced on Worth, pulling his arm back to land a punch, but Kincaid stepped in front of him. Gray snarled over Kincaid’s shoulder. “Stay away from her,” he threatened.
But Worth only quirked his eyebrow, stating he refused to listen to Gray’s demand.
“Enough,” Worthington demanded. “Graham, stop annoying Gray. Kincaid, you need to decide how to win over Jacqueline. You have upset my wife, and as a member of this family, I will not tolerate my sister-in-law’s unhappiness.”
Kincaid nodded. “I respect your stance. However, I am at a loss.”
Ralston rose from his chair. “Well, then, shall we play a game of billiards and strategize your attempt to court her?”
Since there was one too many of them, Kincaid decided to sit out so he could pay attention to the advice they offered him. Each piece of advice Ralston or Worthington offered, he took to heart, but they were hopeless suggestions. It might work with their wives, but not with Jacqueline. Worth and Gray were no help since neither of them held any experience with a wife, nor did they pay court to any lady. Especially Gray, when he refused to accept the destiny laid before him. Once they had exhausted their advice, their conversation changed to another topic, leaving Kincaid to mull over his next step.
“Gemma’s pregnancy wracks my nerves, between getting sick every morning and falling asleep at the drop of a hat. At least she doesn’t faint anymore like she did at the start of her term. On our honeymoon, I had to catch her half a dozen times because she grew light-headed,” Ralston explained.
Kincaid jerked to attention. “What are Gemma’s symptoms?”
“She gets sick and sleeps all the time, and has the most extraordinary cravings. Even this morning, I made a trip into the village to get her marzipan. No matter how outrageous the request is, I will do anything to offer her comfort,” Ralston explained.
Kincaid downed his drink. His hand shook as he lowered the glass and sat it down before he dropped it. Kincaid sat dumbfounded. The symptoms Jacqueline held were the same as Gemma’s. Jacqueline carried their child. It explained her sickness in the middle of the night and how she fell asleep, taking frequent naps. And how the shade of her skin had changed when the smell of the fish overtook her senses. When the full thought settled, he remembered the changes in her body over the past month when they shared a bed. Her breasts were fuller and more tender. The swell of her stomach had rounded. The glow of her skin brightened, showcasing her inner beauty.
Did Jacqueline know? Of course, she must. The question was, did she plan to inform him or keep it a secret? With the power the duke yielded, she didn’t have to marry. If she so chose, she could raise the child out of wedlock. Jacqueline wasn’t one for London society and preferred a life in the country. So she wouldn’t ever have to subject herself to the ton. No one would dare snub her without having to deal with the consequences of Colebourne’s wrath. Once the child came of age, the powerful gentlemen in her family would offer their protection, too. He wouldn’t even put it past Colebourne to offer a false story to cover the identity of the child’s father.
All that aside, the full impact of their situation overwhelmed Kincaid. He’d compromised her, putting her in a delicate predicament, a place he never wanted for her. Kincaid wanted Jacqueline to accept his offer because she loved him, not because she felt forced to secure a child’s welfare. Why hadn’t he approached a courtship with her differently? She deserved so much more. The full implications of their union placed her in a shameful position. Though he held no shame from her condition. It was a miracle, a gift they would cherish for all their lives.
Every tender emotion he held for Jacqueline multiplied. She held inside her a precious being, a start to a family he had missed more than he thought since his own parents had passed years ago. They could become a family where he offered Jacqueline the security she missed. He understood her fear of losing all those she held dear. However, it was a task out of his control and left to fate.
A smile crept across his face and kept growing wider. He jumped to his feet and rushed for the door. Kincaid could no longer wait for her to return. He must declare his intentions and see where he stood.
Because he refused to abandon Jacqueline and his child.
“Where are you off to in such a rush?” Gray yelled.
“To Sinclair’s place. I must see Jacqueline now.” Kincaid offered no other explanation, considering he was already halfway down the hall.