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“I know this marriage is not what I wanted for myself, but I am all right, Jane. You needn’t worry about me,” Alicia tried, concerned that her marriage was causing her sister’s dismay.

Jane took her arm. “I know.”

“Then what else is troubling you?”

“I am still angry with Father,” Jane said bitterly.

Alicia sighed. “Yes. I am angry with him, too.”

They walked through the damp grass, the shoots soft beneath their feet, the sun beating down on them, bathing them with its warmth.

“Do you think he is proud, sitting alone in his house with no one for company but the servants? I hope he enjoys the riches we have both afforded him.”

Jane scoffed. “I have no doubt he is pleased with himself.”

They made their way to another area within the garden, where a small circular maze had been grown from boxed hedges. Without a word, they headed for it, walking through the little winding paths, the leaves brushing their skirts.

“I might rest a bit,” Jane said suddenly, her breath coming faster as she wiped a hand over her forehead.

“Are you all right?” Alicia asked, alarmed.

“Yes, yes. Is there a bench we could sit on for a moment?”

Alicia spotted one at the lawn’s edge and carefully led her sister toward it.

Jane was suddenly pale and holding her stomach as though she might be sick. Alicia gently eased her onto the stone, watching her with concern.

“Shall I fetch a doctor? You are white as snow.”

Jane shook her head. “No. No. It’s just morning sickness. I thought the tea might help.”

Alicia clutched her hand. “Breathe deeply with me.”

Jane drew in long breaths, sitting up and resting a hand on her swollen belly. “I love my husband dearly, but his son is causing me great distress.”

Alicia smiled. “His son? It is a boy, then?”

“Oh, undoubtedly. No girl would cause her mother so much trouble.”

Alicia wrapped an arm around her sister’s shoulders as she leaned heavily against her.

“I look forward to the day you are with child,” Jane added. “Perhaps we can plan it together next time, so I am not alone in this.”

Alicia’s stomach lurched at the thought. The idea of having the Duke’s children was not something she had ever considered.

All this time, she had been fixated on annulling their marriage. But as she stared out at the gardens, the idea of little children running around the lawns, their dark hair bouncing in the sunlight, suddenly seemed rather glorious.

She sat up straight, horrified by the direction her thoughts had taken.

What on earth am I thinking? That is fiction, nothing more!

“Shall we go inside?” she asked hurriedly. “I can show you my chambers, and if you need to rest before you depart, you can do so in my room.”

“Yes,” Jane said, clasping her hand and rising to her feet. “I think perhaps a short rest would do me good.”

Alicia led her back inside, noticing the Duke watching them from his study window, his piercing gaze sending a bolt of desire through her that she could not explain.

No more. This afternoon, I will set my plan into motion, and soon he will be desperate to be rid of me.