Page 156 of Kathryn

“It is possible that I am with child.”

Dulverton reined in sharply. “What did you say?”

“I—I suspect I am with child.”

After a long, worrisome silence, she felt his thighs flex and Centurion resumed walking.

“You are angry with me for risking our child tonight.”

“I am angry—no, furious—with you for risking yourself tonight, Kathryn. I have been since the moment your maid told me of your reckless plan. And I am furious that you did not trust me enough to ask me for help. Have I really been so awful that you—”

“No! You have not been awful at all.” She gave a watery laugh. “Not for a long time. I should have trusted you, Gerrit.” She felt his body tighten at the sound of his name and knew herself for the shameless manipulator she was. “I am so sorry—for all of it. For lying to you to begin with, for withholding the truth for so long, for not asking for help. Can—can you forgive me?”

His voice, when he finally answered her, was quiet and filled with pain. “It will take time, Kathryn.”

Silent tears slid down Katie’s face as they rode the rest of the way home without exchanging another word.

Chapter Thirty-Six

The Briarly stables were lit up like Vauxhall Gardens and at least five servants scurried about the courtyard when they rode up.

Knowing their master well, nobody chattered or asked questions when Katie and the duke arrived on only one horse.

Dulverton swung down first and then lifted her down. Rather than slowly sliding her down his body, an activity she heartily enjoyed, he set her on her feet and gestured to Thomas.

“Escort your mistress back to the house and see that a bath is brought up to her chambers.”

“Mrs. Cranston has already got water on the boil, Your Grace,” the footman said.

“Go with him,” Dulverton said to Katie.

“But… aren’t you—”

“I have several matters to attend to.”

Katie nodded, her heart leaden as she walked the short distance back to the house. She did not even reach the door to her chambers before it flew open.

“I am so sorry, Your Grace! I had to tell him! I had to,” Becky cried, her eyes red and swollen. “I have packed my things and can leave in—”

“Shhh, Becky. I will never be able to thank you enough,” Katie said, briefly embracing her stunned servant before turning away.

“Dear God, your poor face!” Becky reached out and cupped Katie’s cheek. “Did His Grace—”

“Of course not!”

There was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Katie said wearily.

The door opened and Jeremy entered with a large steaming cannister of water. “For Her Grace’s bath,” he murmured, looking anxiously from woman to woman.

Katie nodded and gestured for him to fill the tub, waiting until he’d gone into the other room before turning to her friend. “I will tell you the whole of it tomorrow,” Katie said, struggling to keep back her tears. “But I am too tired now.”

Becky gave her a concerned look but squeezed Katie’s shoulder. “I will see to your bath.”

“Thank you.”

Katie found herself in steaming, chin-deep water less than ten minutes later. The tub had been built for her husband, which meant she could stretch out and wallow in her misery in comfort. She closed her eyes and tried to forget about Dulverton’s pained, betrayed words. She deserved his anger and more. What if Becky had not told him about tonight? Katie would be tied up in a carriage on the way to Dover right now.