The Earl's Stolen Bride (Marriage by Deceit Book 4) by Ruth Ann Nordin Page B

time, gentlemen with titles don’t need encouragement to start on an heir.  But Chloe, from this moment on, you and Orlando must use a sheath when you’re together, just in case you haven’t conceived yet.  If you have, there’s nothing you can do.  People will know you two were together sooner than you let on, especially since there’s no way you could be carrying Lord Hawkins’ child.”
    “At the risk of sounding like a simpleton, what do you mean by Orlando and I using a sheath?”
    Helena glanced at the doors, and instinctively, Chloe followed her gaze.  No one was there.  And better yet, the doors were shut.
    “A sheath is something Orlando will put over his male part,” Helena whispered.
    His male part?  “But isn’t a sheath too big to do that?”
    Helena’s eyes grew wide then she chuckled.  “Are you thinking of a sheath you put a sword into?”
    “Well, it’s the only sheath I know about.”
    “I’m sure some gentlemen would like to think their male parts are so big, but no, the sheath I’m talking about is quite a bit smaller.  It’ll fit over him just fine.”
    “Do you think he’ll know what it is if I ask him about it?”
    “Most likely.  Gentlemen know what they need to do if they don’t want to have illegitimate children.” She paused.  “Though some don’t care.  But yes, I’m sure Orlando knows what they are, and I have no doubt he can get them.  All you need to do is tell him it’s important he does this right away.”
    “All right.  I’ll do that.”
    Chloe wished she’d known about sheaths sooner.  Her parents wouldn’t like it one bit if she had a child.  Surely, there was only a very tiny chance she had anything to worry about right now.  She’d barely been with Orlando for a month.  She knew of ladies who took years to get a child.  Not everyone conceived right away like Regina had.  Helena had been married to her first husband for years and never had a child.  And as far as she knew, Helena wasn’t with child yet.
    To be sure, Chloe asked her friend, “Are you expecting a child?”
    “Not at this time.  My lady’s time started yesterday.  Why?”
    “I was just wondering how likely it is that I’d already be with child, that’s all.”
    “When did you last have your flow?”
    “It was shortly after I married Orlando.”
    “When are you expecting your next one?”
    Chloe counted the days in her mind then said, “Late next week.”
    “Do you feel any different?”
    “No.  Should I?”
    “Your mother had a lot of children.  Do you remember her being more tired or sick to her stomach early on when she was expecting?”
    “She was mostly tired, but then, she was tired all the time until Father could afford more servants.”
    “Just be aware of when you should get your next flow, and be sure to use sheaths to be safe.”
    “I will.”
    “Hopefully, there’s nothing to worry about.  It’s one month.  Chances are you’ll be fine.  Now,” Helena took another sip of tea and smiled, “tell me everything about your elopement.”
    Picking up on her friend’s excitement, Chloe did.
     
    ***
     
    “Oh yes, my daughter is overcome with grief,” Chloe’s mother told Lady Cadwalader later that day.  Turning to Chloe, who was sitting next to her on the settee, she squeezed her hand.  “You had the perfect marriage.”
    “I’d say so,” Lady Cadwalader replied from where she sat across from Chloe and her mother.  “Many gentlemen and ladies wish they had such an arrangement as you and Lord Hawkins did.”
    Since Chloe’s mother looked at her expectantly, Chloe ventured, “I suppose it’s hard to find fault with a husband who isn’t around.”
    Lady Cadwalader laughed.  “I should say so.”
    Chloe’s mother chimed in with her own laughter.  Chloe forced a smile but glanced out the window.  It’d been almost a week since she arrived in London.  Would this be the day Orlando arrived?  She hoped so.  She didn’t think