Page 24 of The Bachelor Spy
Or they were waiting for suspicion to fade before trying again.
“You know your way around, so I’ll leave you to rest.” She stood, her smile returning with its usual warmth. “I’m so very glad you’re here … and safe.”
His heart expanded at the sweetness of her. Oh heavens, if there was anyone in the world worth protecting with everything in him, it was this vision of pure goodness. And here she was, possibly right in the midst of something terribly dangerous.
At least Blake could act in a manner worthy of Freddie by doing his utmost to protect his cousin’s bride and home.
His gaze dropped to her middle.
And the possible next heir of Havensbrooke.
She stepped back toward the door, and he caught her wrist gently, pausing her movement. “Grace.”
Her eyes flashed to his face, and he realized his slip. He’d used her Christian name. He released a quiet sigh, loosening his grip. “I think it would be wise for you to see a physician.”
Her eyes shot wide. “Why do you say that?” She lowered herself back into her chair. “It’s normal to be tired sometimes.”
“Yes, but it could also be a symptom of something else, and Freddie would never forgive me if I didn’t ensure you were well when I had any concerns whatsoever.”
Something flashed in her eyes. Concern? Dawning awareness?
Oh.
She knew something was amiss with her health.
“Perhaps ask Aunt Lavinia for a visit?” he offered, hoping an older female relative might be the proper person to handle this delicate situation.
Her brow creased. “She’s been in London the past two months helping with the war effort.” She studied him with uncomfortable intensity. “Blake?”
“Set my mind at ease then, will you?” He held her gaze steadily. “Call for the doctor as soon as you’re able. Please.”
For a long moment, Grace simply looked at him, and Blake could practically see her brilliant mind working through the clues he’d inadvertently provided. The questions about her appetite. The suggestion to see a physician. His uncharacteristic use of her Christian name.
Then her hand moved, almost unconsciously, to rest against her middle.
And Blake knew—with absolute certainty—that Grace Percy, Lady Astley, was about to have a very interesting conversation with her physician.
He only hoped the doctor was better equipped to handle the revelation than Blake.
Because explaining to one’s cousin’s wife that she was carrying a child while said cousin was fighting a war in France?
That was decidedly above his pay grade.
Even for a spy.
Chapter 4
The doctor?
Grace placed her palm over her stomach where a low quiver responded.
She’d been feeling such flutterings for a few weeks now but had associated them more with nerves about Frederick or her stomach’s revulsion to so many of the things she’d previously loved to eat—rather than something … serious.
But now?
It didn’t help to consult medical books at all. Their information only made her stomach hurt worse in a very different way.
Stomach ulcers? Intestinal parasites?
