A Timeless Romance Anthology: European Collection by Annette Lyon, G. G. Vandagriff, Michele Paige Holmes, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Nancy Campbell Allen Page A

aired.”
    “Mrs. Abernathy is all that is capable, my lord. She knows well how to ready a room. You are working yourself into an unnecessary lather.”
    As he packed, he added further instructions. “And ask her to see to it that the most beautiful flowers in the garden be cut and arranged throughout the house, but particularly in the countess’s suite.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    “Have her tell Cook that we shall be returned, hopefully in four days, but that she is not to prepare anything rich. The countess is ill, remember.”
    “Yes, my lord. I remember.”
    Finally, with the aid of his staff, Thomas was off on his stallion, glad he had left his carriage in London so he could travel post haste. Galloping through the countryside, he wondered why Lord Kent had not told him of Melissa’s illness. Thomas would have gone straight to her side, regardless. His mind went back to one of its favorite dwelling places: the memory of the carriage journey from Gretna Green to London. Three perfect days and nights.
    He recalled Melissa’s vitality, her passion, her playfulness. And her soft, soft skin. He remembered seeing her with her glorious fair hair down across her shoulders. And the sparkle of delight in those cornflower blue eyes. Thomas prayed they would have a chance to make new memories and that his beloved would not shortly be consigned to the cold earth as his parents had been.
    Upon his arrival in London, he went directly to Oaksey House. Going straight in, he informed the astonished butler, “I’m Oaksey. Is my wife abed?”
    “Uh, yes, your lordship. I understand the countess to be in her dressing room.”
    Galloping up the stairs, Thomas scarcely noticed the new look and fresh smell of his home. He raced through the countess’s bedroom into her dressing room.
    Melissa was asleep. His heart froze for a moment as he looked at her wan face and the dark circles under her eyes. He didn’t remember her cheekbones being so sharp. Kneeling at the side of her bed, he placed his hand gently on her forehead. No fever. Nevertheless, he pulled up her blanket so it covered the hands which lay over each other on her waist.
    Drawing a small stool away from the dressing table, he set it by the daybed and sat down, intending to wait until she woke. Almost immediately, her eyes flickered open.
    To his surprise, she gave him a radiant smile, “Oh, Thomas, I am so glad you are here! I have such news.”
    “You are pale, and you have lost weight...”
    “Thomas, we are to be parents! I am increasing.”
    For a moment, he was breathless. He could not take it in. “Then why are you so ill?” he asked. “Is there a chance you may lose the baby?”
    “I do not believe so. Some women get very ill, is all. I have decided that the sicker you are, the more likely you will be to have a successful confinement.”
    For a few moments, Thomas remained silent, confused by contradictory feelings. “I have always wanted children, darling. But not at the cost of your health. Not if I may lose you .” Kneeling by her side, he ran the back of his hand down her smooth cheek.
    “I am taking very good care of myself. Presently, I shall walk about the house for some mild exercise. And Papa has found me the best physician in Harley Street.”
    Oaksey grinned. “He would. We are agreed that you are the most precious of women. Please, please forgive me.” He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.
    “Of what do I have to forgive you?” she asked.
    “For staying away my first day in London. I was eager to pay my debts to my faithful friends. But if I had been here, I do not think you would have mustered up such fury. I would have been on hand to convince you of my love.”
    She brought a hand up and ran it through his hair. Her eyes were earnest as she said, “I am so sorry for my dreadful temper. It is fitting that I should be struck so low. It has given me time to think. Thank you for coming so quickly.”
    “I want you to know that