Hunting the Hero (The Wild Randalls 4)

“Thank you.” He nodded to Oliver, avoided eye contact with Leopold in case he had objections, and stood. “There are some things I should say to her in private before I rejoin my daughters at Romsey. I at least need to prepare an explanation for them.”

Leopold’s dark eyes bored into his. “If you hurt her, I’ll never forgive you.”

Now was hardly the appropriate time to become protective of Rosemary’s feelings. “I never intended to.”

Constantine climbed the stairs to Rosemary’s room at the inn with a heavy heart. What could he possibly say to convince her she should trust him? She’d had good reason to run in the beginning, but her past, whatever that might entail, was sufficient to make her wary. He would have to make it plain that whatever she chose would be supported.

Tobias stood poised in the hall, hands in his pockets and a troubled expression on his face. Constantine approached. “Is she in there?”

“Yes, Rosemary is still with us, but I fear not for long.”

He grasped the man by the shoulder. “If Rosemary will not remain, let me assure you her other personas are just as charming and challenging. Did she have a talent for the stage when she was young?”

“No. She is the same as she ever was.” Tobias frowned. “You don’t seem too concerned that she lied about her identity.”

“I’ve known from the first time we spoke that she was not who she claimed to be. Your sister is a remarkably honest liar. Aside from the truth of her name and connections, I’ve always known her character. She’s rather remarkable.”

“You’re in love with her?”

“Since the moment we met.” He grinned. It felt very good to say that out loud and to a member of her family. Now he had to convince her that it was true still. “Are you the brother who smashed her toes during dancing lessons when she was young?”

Tobias scratched his head. “I’d hoped she would have forgotten that.”

“I don’t imagine she’s forgotten very much of anything, and that may be the whole problem.” He grinned at the other man’s discomfort. “Excuse me. I should check that her stomach has settled now.”

Tobias caught his arm. “Will you stand by her no matter what?”

“I’m still here, aren’t I?”

Constantine moved toward the door. Although he knocked several times, Rosemary didn’t answer him. When he tested the handle, he found the door was unlocked. He let himself inside, prepared for Rosemary to have disappeared through the window. A small lump was curled up on the floor beside the chamber pot. He rushed across the room and eased Rosemary into a sitting position.

“That’s no place for a lady to be.”

Discontented eyes glared at him. “I’m not a lady.”

“Are you sure? Because you have all the necessary parts in your possession. In fact, I’m very fond of seeing them in my bed.”

After a moment, Rosemary spared him a reluctant grin. “I do enjoy your sense of humor, Constantine. All right, help me up so I might find my dignity.”

Since she weighed next to nothing, she was on her feet in a moment. Constantine encircled her waist carefully. “The floor is no place for a woman in your condition.”

She frowned. “I never expected to fall so soon, but as we discussed, it’s not your concern.”

“It is if that’s my child in your belly.”

She set her hands to her hips. “Of course it’s yours.”

“Then I get to talk about the fact.” He brushed the back of his fingers across the front of her gown. “How long have you been feeling ill?”

She grabbed the hand skimming her belly and held it out of the way. “Today.”

“Then I haven’t missed much.” He smiled. “I promised to take care of you and I fully intend to be at your side every moment of every day.”

Rosemary moved away from him and sat on the edge of the bed. “There is nothing for you to worry about.”

“I will always worry. It’s in my nature.” He shifted to sit on the edge of the bed and took her hand lightly in his. Her knuckles were red and likely tender. “So you are Rosemary Randall?”

“I haven’t been Rosemary Randall for some time. That young girl is long gone.”