August 1808
On the road to Brighton
It was only midday, but his wife was already exhausted. Unable to hold out against the lulling sway of the well-sprung carriage, Ellen nestled against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Castlefield chuckled as he shifted slightly to allow Ellen to rest more comfortably against him.
She tilted her head to one side and gave him a mock glare. “Don’t you dare laugh at me. It’s your fault I’m in this state.”
He placed a possessive hand against the slight swell of her midsection. “I didn’t hear you complaining when we spent all that time trying to conceive.”
She sighed. “I’m not even four months along. How am I going to last another five months?”
It took only a minute for Ellen’s breathing to deepen, signaling she’d slipped into sleep. He kissed the top of her head before laying his head against the plush seat cushions, reveling in the feel of his wife lying in his arms. The light scent she wore wrapped around him.
He didn’t realize he’d also drifted into sleep until the carriage jerked to a stop and woke him.
“I wondered when you’d wake up,” Ellen said, straightening from where she still rested against him.
She arched a brow in challenge, but he didn’t rise to the bait. They both knew Ellen had just woken as well.
When she lifted a hand to pat at her hair, he shook his head. “You look beautiful, as always.”
Ellen laughed. “You’ve already won me. You needn’t continue to flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery if it’s true.”
Her eyes softened and a fond smile spread across her lips. “And to think I almost let you go.”
“We both know you’re too smart to have let that happen. But you did have me worried for a bit.”
The carriage door opened, and he stepped down first before turning to help his wife. Not that she needed his assistance since she still practiced the moves her brother had taught her for her own defense every day. And heaven knew she was still capable of tossing him to the ground. When he grumbled about it, she told him she was doing her part to keep him sharp. But the truth was he didn’t mind, especially since she normally followed him down and rewarded his patience with her.
Ellen took his arm and together they made their way to his sister’s spacious summer home in Brighton. Fond memories assailed him. Just one short year before, his entire life had changed and he and Ellen had spent an enjoyable month together here after announcing their betrothal. Now they had another announcement.
The door opened just as they reached it, and his sister’s family spilled out to welcome them. Eddings smiled fondly at his son as Henry executed a formal bow in greeting. Castlefield swept the boy into his arms, taking delight in Henry’s squeals of joy as he dangled him upside down for several seconds.
Not to be left out, Hope lifted her arms to him, saying simply, “Up.”
He returned his nephew to his feet, taking a moment to ruffle his hair for good measure, before obliging his niece. A squeal caught his attention, and he turned to see Jane had thrown her arms around Ellen.
“I’m so happy for you,” Jane said, stepping back.
He wasn’t even embarrassed by the besotted grin that spread across his face when Ellen’s gaze met his, joy shining in her expression.
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