Vexing the Viscount

The carriage ride was over so quickly, Tia realized she could have walked to the Eldridge home quicker. Arthur assisted Emily down and then looked at Tia.

“Shall I escort Miss Featherstone home?” he asked in a hopeful tone.

“No, Arthur. She is paying a call on me. Help her down.”

Tia smothered a laugh as Arthur held out his hand to assist her down from the carriage. “Thank you, Arthur.”

He only shook his head in reply.

Tia still found it odd that Arthur immediately recognized her for what she was—no one—while Emily insisted Tia return to her home and befriend her. Could Lady Eldridge be that lacking in female companionship?

Once they reached the entrance, Emily turned to her. “Would you mind if we talked in my bedchamber? I find myself very tired and unwell.”

“Of course, Lady Eldridge.”

Emily stared at her without moving. “Emily.”

“Of course, Emily,” Tia said, feeling as if she’d been reprimanded. She followed behind her new friend as they ascended the steps. Almost as soon as she entered the room, Emily’s lady maid blustered into the room.

“Did you have a fine day out at the park, my lady?” the woman asked as she removed Emily’s beautiful ivory spencer.

“Lovely, but I am a bit tired. Could you bring some tea up for Miss Featherstone and me.”

It was as if Tia hadn’t existed until the countess proclaimed her presence in the room. The maid bobbed a quick curtsy. “Good afternoon, Miss Featherstone.”

Tia had no idea the maid’s name, so only nodded at her. “Could you find some peppermint to brew some tea?”

“Peppermint tea?” The maid slid a glance to the countess.

“Yes, Mallory. Some peppermint tea for Miss Featherstone. Thank you.”

Tia watched as Miss Mallory backed out of the room looking dreadful confused by what she’d just encountered in her mistress’s bedchamber. Once the door shut behind her, Tia’s skill took over. “To bed with you, my lady.”

“I cannot retire at this hour. Everyone will be suspicious.”

“Not another word,” Tia said before setting to work at removing the woman’s dress and stays. “Bed, now.”

Emily scampered under the covers and then lay back against the pillows with a sigh. “You mustn’t tell a soul.”

Tia nodded. “Is there some specific reason you are not ready to tell your husband about h

is impending fatherhood?”

“No,” she answered quickly.

“Surely, he will be pleased with the idea of you carrying his heir?” Tia said.

The countess stared at her long fingers splayed against the coverlet. Tears fell like rain from her eyes. “I cannot be certain it is his child,” she whispered so quietly Tia barely heard her.

“Why not?”

“I was with another man not long before my marriage. My family did not consider him husband material. Once Eldridge expressed an interest in me, my mother paraded me before him at every opportunity until he proposed only a fortnight later. We were married a week later by special license. I didn’t wish to marry him and when the other man returned a few days before the wedding. . . .”

“When did you discover your condition?” Tia asked as she felt Emily’s belly.

“In all the upheaval of the marriage, it wasn’t until a week ago that I realized I had missed two monthlies.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t been nauseated until now.”