Chapter 20
Alistair assisted Jessica down from his town carriage and took comfort in the sight of the lump beneath her white glove that betrayed the presence of his ring on her finger. Behind him, the Regmont town house waited. The redbrick home was innocuous to passersby, but it contained something undeniably hazardous to him.
He had no notion of what Jessica would do if her sister protested their nuptials. He had no notion of what he would do, since letting her go would kill him.
“She only wants my happiness,” Jessica murmured, offering him a reassuring smile from beneath the brim of her straw bonnet. “It may surprise her to learn how wicked my inclinations are, but she won’t object.”
He snorted. Clearly he’d lost all ability to keep his emotions hidden when they related to Jessica.
Offering his arm, he escorted her up the short steps. He offered his card to the butler when the door opened and swiftly found himself in a cheery yellow parlor. He remained standing while Jessica sat. He was too restless to settle in any one spot and had no intention of lingering once Lady Regmont presented herself. They’d been in port only a few hours, and he had much to attend to. His London staff had been given no warning of his return, and so his home was not yet prepared for his residency. He had a note to pen to his mother, requesting a visit so he could tell her about Jessica. And another to send to Baybury.
Impatience spurred him. There was too much to be done between now and when he and Jessica could officially announce their engagement.
“Jess!”
He looked toward the door as Hester rushed in and found himself speechless. It had been years since he’d seen her, and even then she’d inevitably been with Jessica, who always stole his attention. Still, he was certain Lady Regmont had never been so delicate. He calculated the weeks. She should be five months along by now, or thereabouts, yet her condition wasn’t apparent. She was far too thin and pale, making the rouge staining her cheeks seem unnaturally bright.
A chill moved through him. Had she lost the baby?
The sisters embraced. The differences between the two were made more apparent by their similarities. Jessica glowed with vitality—her eyes were bright, her lips plumped and reddened by his kisses, her skin flushed a healthy pink by the frequency and vigorousness of his ardor. Hester looked almost ghostly in comparison.
“My God,” Hester said breathlessly. “You look so well! I’ve never seen you so fit and happy.”
Jessica smiled. “I have Mr. Caulfield to thank for that.”
Hester’s verdant gaze moved to Alistair and remained warm. She approached with her hands outstretched. He caught them and lifted the backs to his lips, noting the prominence of blue veins beneath her parchment-like skin. The visible capillaries around her eyes and temples were also concerning.
“I owe you a huge debt of gratitude,” she said. “As busy as you must be, it was exceedingly generous of you to look after my sister.”
“It was my pleasure,” he murmured, managing a smile. What the devil was wrong with Regmont that he allowed his wife to waste away in such a manner? Especially while carrying his child? If Jessica ever looked so thin and ill, he’d keep her abed and hand-feed her relentlessly, never leaving her side until he was certain she would recover.
“How are you faring?” Jessica asked, her gaze meeting Alistair’s over her sister’s shoulder. She looked as worried as he felt.
“Famously.” Hester pivoted carefully and moved to the settee. “You must have turned about directly after you arrived.”
“What did you expect me to do after I received your letter?”
“Wish me happy and enjoy yourself.”
Jessica began to tug off her gloves. “I’ve done both, and now I am here.”
“I am absolutely fine,” Hester said. “The dratted morning sickness has passed, thank God. I am exhausted much of the time, but the doctor says that is to be expected. Come have a seat, Mr. Caulfield. It’s been ages.”
“Thank you, but I cannot stay. I’ve been out of the country for some time and there is much to be done.”
“Of course there is.” Her smile faded. “Shame on me for detaining you. I’m grateful you brought my sister to me. Will you be seeing Lord Tarley soon?”
“Without a doubt.”
“Good. Please send him my best wishes, and know that you already have them.”
Jessica set her gloves on the floral-covered seat beside her. “I should like to stay with you a while. I’ve missed you.”
“You’re worried about me,” Hester argued. “And you needn’t be.”
“My reasons are entirely selfish,” Jessica said smoothly. “Who will help me plan my wedding if not for you?”
Hester blinked. “Beg your pardon? Did you say ‘wedding’?”
“I did.” Jessica’s mouth curved and she turned to him.
Alistair couldn’t look away, not when she regarded him in that manner. Her face was so expressive, her love given so fully and freely. His throat clenched tight.
“To Alistair Caulfield!?” Hester cried.
He winced inwardly at the pervasive shock in her tone. Then she stood in a rush and hugged him.
I told you, Jessica mouthed from across the room, her eyes glinting with moisture.
His tension deflated by relief, he hugged Hester back. And felt nothing but bones.