Chapter 12 #2
“Where’s Michael?” Giles asked the footman when they walked through the front door at Glenwood.
“In his private sitting room, I believe, sir.”
“Well, into the bear’s den we go.” He took Christina’s hand and led her up the stairs.
“First you take me into the dragon’s lair and now into the bear’s den?”
He chuckled. “Thank you for braving it with me.”
“Should I be nervous?”
“No, of course not. Michael will be nothing but a gentleman with you. And perhaps protective. It’s in his nature.”
“Are you nervous?”
He laughed and there was definitely an uneasy pitch to it. “A bit, if I’m honest. I expect he’s furious with me after the way I behaved on my last visit.”
“Is that when you came to rescue me?”
He groaned at the reminder. “I definitely deserve whatever consequences I have coming after that.” He squeezed her hand, but he wasn’t sure whether it was to reassure her or himself.
Michael stood looking out the window when they entered his sitting room.
“I know I have another beating coming. A well-deserved one. But I need to introduce someone to you first.”
When Michael turned, he held a little bundle of cream colored blankets in his arms. “As it happens, there’s someone you need to meet, as well.”
Giles’ mouth fell open. “I missed it?” One more failure.
“Only just. The baby came in the early hours this morning.”
“And Belle?”
“Resting, but doing well.”
Thank God for that. The last several weeks had put everyone on edge, and had Michael terrified. Even if he never said so.
“This,” Michael said, taking a step nearer, “is Olive Elizabeth Henderson.”
“A girl?” For some reason, he’d never really thought that possible. This baby was supposed to be his reprieve.
Michael chuckled. “Not off the hook yet, I’m afraid.”
The baby began to fuss, and a nurse was there in an instant to take her. Michael pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before handing her over. “My first moment alone with her,” he said with a proud smile as he watched her be carried out of the room.
“She’s beautiful,” Christina said from beside him.
For a moment, Giles had been so shocked by the baby, he’d almost forgotten Christina was there.
He placed a hand at her back. “Michael, this is my wife, Christina.”
She sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”
It was easy for Giles to forget that Michael was Lord Dalinridge. There’d never been that sort of deference between them.
“None of that,” Michael said, holding out a hand to her. “We’re family, after all.”
She nodded, looking uncharacteristically shy.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Christina. I understand my cousin has been unacceptably rude.” His eyes flicked to Giles. “I can only apologize on his behalf.”
“He had every reason to be angry with me, I assure you. And he’s quite made up for any… lack of patience he may have exhibited.”
“I’m glad to hear he’s mended his ways. But if he behaves discourteously to you again, you need only let me know, and I will have a talk with him.”
She laughed quietly. “Thank you. But I believe I am now perfectly capable of reminding him of his manners.”
Michael gave an approving nod. “I’m glad to hear it. Just the sort of wife he needs.”
“Congratulations, Michael.” Giles had heard quite enough talk of his poor behavior. “She’s a beautiful baby. I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
Michael clapped his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here now. I imagine we’ll have a lot to discuss over port this evening, assuming you’re sober enough for it.”
Giles cringed at the jab. “I deserve that.”
“Yes you do.”
“I really will stick to barley water this time.”
“That’s not necessary, but perhaps don't drink the whole bottle tonight. For now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go back in with Belle.”
He didn’t see his cousin for the rest of the day. Even at dinner, he sent his apologies and took a tray in Belle’s room.
Giles sat across from his wife at the long dining table.
It was just the two of them, and it felt awkward in its formality.
Each course was served by a footman, every step clicking in an even cadence, like the pendulum of a clock, as he walked from one side of the table to the other.
The butler stood against the far wall, supervising every move.
The silence was only broken by the scraping of knives and a clank when he accidentally bumped his glass against his plate.
When the last dishes were cleared away, Christina’s brow furrowed as she looked at him. “Are you really going to have port with Lord Dalinridge?”
“His name is Michael. And I believe so, yes. Unless he’s otherwise engaged.”
“I don’t want you to.”
Giles looked at the butler. “Will you please leave us, Pearson?”
He gave a quick nod, and he and the footman both left the dining room, closing the door behind them.
Giles walked around the table and pulled out the chair beside her. “I’ll walk you up, and Winnie will be there with you if you don’t wish to be alone.”
“I’m not afraid of being alone, Giles. But is Michael really going to beat you?”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry, he won’t leave any lasting damage. I’ll be sure my lips are still perfectly kissable.”
“It’s not funny, Giles, and I’ll not allow it.”
“You’ll not allow it?” It was time to head her off before she started shouting at him. He leaned close, and slipped his fingers into her hair, holding her tightly in place. “Are you challenging me?”
Her voice was immediately breathless. “You’re messing up my hair.”
He pulled her head back, trailing his tongue all the way up her throat. He gazed into her eyes before plunging into her mouth. She gave a soft whimper.
“Did you enjoy last night?” He flicked her earlobe with his tongue.
“We’re in the dining room, Giles. Anyone could walk in.”
“I’m not suggesting we repeat it on the table. Although, that does sound tempting. But if you want something equally enjoyable tonight, I suggest you obey me.”
Her breathing was rapid, but her lips thinned. “You are impossible to deny. Do you know that?”
“It was you who told me to fight fire with kissing.” He winked, and pressed a last, brief kiss to her lips. “I’ll walk you up.”
He didn’t dare to cross the threshold to her room, lest he forget all about Michael. He stopped, and lifted her hand to his lips.
“You’d best not keep me waiting too long,” she said before letting go of him.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”