Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

Blythe regarded her sister. The spark had gone from her eyes. She captured her wrist, searching for Mercy’s pulse, and found it beating strongly. “Perhaps you should retire early.”

Mercy shook her head. “I cannot disappoint Tobias. Leopold is much caught up by the estate business and I fear he has neglected his brother this past week because of me. The pair have been planning tonight’s match for days.” A brief glimmer of excitement lit Mercy’s face, but it soon drained away. She pressed her hand to her stomac

h as if she might be ill.

Blythe looked about desperately. She grabbed a blanket to capture any indiscretion Mercy might make. As she laid it over Mercy’s lap, the door opened behind her.

“Here we are,” Leopold said. “Now. What the devil are you doing?”

“She feels ill, Leo,” Blythe warned him.

Leopold rushed forward, clasped Mercy’s hands, and pressed them to his lips. “My love?”

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Mercy assured him. “I just suddenly felt a little ill.”

Blythe moved back as Leopold fussed, shifting the blanket, fetching a glass of water for her to sip. He really did care. Raphael had reacted exactly the same when Blythe had felt unwell during their marriage. But Mercy insisted she couldn’t be with child then there had to be some other explanation.

Tobias joined her. “What can I do?”

“Nothing I imagine, except to keep your brother calm.”

“Easier said than done,” he muttered as he stepped forward. “Would she be more comfortable upstairs?”

“No,” Mercy grabbed Leopold’s arm. “I’m well enough to watch you play your game.”

Leopold glanced at his brother, a plea in his gaze.

Beside her, Tobias sighed. “The game isn’t as important as her health. Take her up to bed, brother. We can play against each other another night.”

Mercy shifted. “Thank you, Tobias. Perhaps I should have an early night. I am sorry but you must entertain each other this evening.”

A blush heated Blythe’s cheeks at how Tobias might like to be entertained, but she managed to murmur her agreement.

“Thank you.” Leopold quickly scooped Mercy up into his arms and hurried out of the room, shouting orders as he went.

After a moment, Tobias smirked. “He should have had a title.”

Blythe settled against the billiard table. “He does excel at giving orders. He would have made a good duke,” she conceded.

“He’s always been that way. Father was often busy elsewhere and he relied on Leopold to keep us in line. At times, I swear Leopold forgets I’m fully grown.”

She smiled. “Your behavior does seem to prey heavily on his mind.”

“Hmm, if only he knew the worst of it.” Tobias laughed, his eyes lighting up with amusement.

Their eyes met and held. Was he thinking of their kiss, and the near kiss by the stream? She swallowed nervously. They were alone once more. “You said you wanted to speak with me tonight? Perhaps now would be a good time.”

A brief look of disappointment flashed in his eyes. But then he shrugged. “I am concerned about tomorrow night’s soiree.”

“We may not attend if Mercy remains indisposed.”

He glanced toward the door, brow creasing. “You don’t think she’s with child already, do you?”

“Mercy is certain she couldn’t be increasing.” However, it may only be a matter of time since the pair already shared her sister’s bedchamber. “Not yet, in any case.”

Tobias set his hands to the billiard table. “About the soiree, then. Assuming we go, I wonder if you might offer me some advice.”

“On what?”