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sigh, she managed to smile.

      ‘Olivia is aware of the services I provide,’ Gabriel said unexpectedly. ‘She was also instrumental in foiling the plot against you. Her quick mind is what saved you last night on two separate occasions.’

      Prinny’s eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. ‘Well done, my dear. I always knew there was something special about you.’ His lips dropped from a smile to a serious line when he addressed Gabriel. ‘You are not to place her in any danger in the future.’

      ‘I have no intention of doing so. Last night was an unusual circumstance that I do not anticipate repeating.’

      ‘Do I not have a say in what it is I am involved in?’ she asked.

      ‘No,’ both insufferable men said in unison.

      Lord Hartwick appeared to study her intently. ‘I imagine it would be difficult to stop her should she decide to involve herself in the future.’

      ‘Ply your charms elsewhere, Hart,’ Gabriel said. ‘And why are you here at this early hour? I would have assumed you would still be abed.’

      ‘I found myself with nothing to occupy my time. An unusual occurrence. So, I decided to see if I could convince Prinny to have a go at a game of cards.’

      ‘Nonsense,’ Prinny said, cutting into the wedge of cheese.

      The gesture stirred up the smell and Olivia held her stomach as it began to roll.

      ‘Hart does not want to admit he was concerned for my wellbeing, but I saw it in his eyes.’

      ‘Of course I am concerned for you. You are our Regent.’

      ‘You think more of me than that and you know it.’ He turned his attention to Olivia. ‘Since you know of the activities surrounding me recently, you should be made aware that the artist will be spared. My understanding is that he was blackmailed. He did what he did to protect his child. I know something of the feeling one has for their offspring, therefore we shall show leniency. He will be sent to live across the ocean in America. We will not have him residing here. This will also spare a trial that might bring attention to you, my dear.’ He patted her hand. ‘I will have none of that.’

      ‘That is very generous of you.’

      ‘Wot, wot, haven’t you heard? I have a rather generous disposition.’

      Olivia raised her cup of chocolate to her lips, hoping the smell from the contents would drown out the horrible smell of the cheese. However, when she inhaled the scent, her throat tightened up and for the first time in many years she thought she might cast up her accounts. Looking up, she caught the narrow gaze of her husband. His attention did not waver from her, even as Prinny and Lord Hartwick continued their conversation. She knew that look. He was trying to puzzle her out. Had he witnessed her queasy moment with her cup? He arched an inquisitive brow and she shook her head to reassure him that all was well.

      But just as she was beginning to feel better Prinny began to slather butter onto a lobster cake and a clammy coolness swept over Olivia’s skin. If she stayed at this table much longer she was certain to make a spectacle of herself all over the floor.

      She stood abruptly, startling the three men at the table. They rose to their feet and their reactions ranged from amusement, to perplexity, to concern.

      ‘Would you excuse me for a moment?’ she managed to say over the lump that had reappeared in her throat.

      Prinny sat back down, eyeing his dish. ‘Of course, my dear, I will be here when you return. This delicious meal will occupy me for at least another half hour.’

      If one could turn green, Olivia was certain she just did. As she reached the grand staircase the rolling of her stomach had stopped and she sucked in the pure air of the entrance hall. She was so focused on inhaling deep breaths that she barely heard Gabriel’s approach.

      Concern was etched across his chiselled features and filled his hazel eyes. ‘Tell me what is troubling you.’

      The caress of his fingers along her cheek gave her comfort and she leaned into his hand. ‘I find my stomach is not pleased with me this morning. All those smells mixed together were too overpowering.’ She closed her eyes and took a few more deep breaths.

      ‘I will make an excuse to our guests. You should not be forced to entertain anyone if you are not well.’

      ‘Even if one of our guests is His Royal Highness?’

      ‘Even then.’ A gentle smile lifted his lips, and he cupped her neck with his large warm palm, seeping relief into her. ‘Go to your room, call for Colette and lie down. I’m certain she can find something to ease your discomfort. I do not recall you suffering so in the past. Is this something I simply have blocked from my memory?’

      She never had the urge to cast up her accounts and always enjoyed the aroma of good food—at least until this morning. Thinking back, she remembered the last time nausea overtook her.

      It was when she was carrying Nicholas.

      Her eyes flew to Gabriel and were met with his concerned expression.

      ‘Tell me, Livy.’

      Her legs wobbled under her and she dropped down to sit on a step of the staircase. Gabriel carefully lowered himself next to her and grabbed her hand.

      ‘You are frightening me. Tell me.’

      Excitement and fear mixed together inside of her. Only time would tell if she was correct. Taking a deep breath, she looked into the eyes of the man she loved. ‘I think I know what it is that has affected me so.’

      ‘Do I need to call for a physician?’

      She shook her head and traced his wrinkled brow with her finger, smoothing out his worry lines. ‘There is no need as of yet.’ From the silence of the entrance hall it felt as if they were completely alone in the house. This wasn’t the ideal place and time to tell him, but it was also not something she would be able to hide from him for very long, especially if the smell of food would make her ill. ‘I think I am with child.’

      His eyes widened, and that heart-melting smile lit up his face. ‘But we haven’t been trying for that long.’

      ‘Long enough, apparently.’

      He leaned over and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss—a kiss that conveyed how much he cherished her. ‘You’re certain?’

      ‘As certain as I can be this early on. I only know the last time I felt this way, I was carrying Nicholas.’

      He took her hand. ‘It might be a girl.’

      ‘It might. Would you be terribly disappointed if it is?’

      His smile widened. ‘I confess I would be rather pleased if it is. She might resemble you.’

      ‘And we would have to continue trying to conceive a second son.’

      ‘And there is that.’

      His lips rose into that smile she remembered so well. She would love to tell him what that smile did to her, how it made her heart swell with happiness. But they had an entire lifetime ahead of them—a lifetime of smiles, and children, and love.

      * * * * *

       Regency Surrender: Scandalous Return

       Return of Scandal’s Son

       Janice Preston

       Saved by Scandal’s Heir

       Janice Preston

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

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