Page 10 of On the Ropes of Scandal (With Love in Their Corner #3)

“No doubt you will, and that is what I’m afraid of.

” After chewing and then swallowing a bit of chicken, Aunt Bess set down her fork.

She landed all her focus on him. “It isn’t that I don’t like you, William, it is more of the fact that my niece essentially wished to run off with you and marry.

I didn’t want that to happen, so we had it arranged that you would marry in a quiet, private ceremony.

It wasn’t what I wanted for Phoebe, but she was quite demanding that the union be kept private. ”

He nodded. “I can understand that. However, wasn’t that six months ago? Surely, any such animosity would have dissipated since then.” Had he and her aunt been at odds before he lost his memories?

“To be honest, in the past few days, we’ve had no issue getting along.” There was nothing except truth in her eyes. “However, I want to make certain you will treat my Phoebe right and that you will be kind to her. I don’t wish anyone’s heart to be broken on such an impulsive decision to… wed.”

“Fair enough.” Several moments of silence brewed in the room as the three of them tucked into their meal.

“However, you have my word that I will never forsake your niece, or otherwise hurt her in any way. When I make a promise to someone, I keep it.” He caught his wife’s eye from across the table and grinned.

“And just look at her. She’s glowing, Auntie.

How could I betray such a sweet woman? Especially after she has run herself ragged looking after me since my accident. ”

Another blush stained her cheeks. “You are so sweet, William,” Phoebe murmured. “I haven’t regretted for one moment our coming together.”

Aunt Bess snorted. “I hope you’ll still think that in a month or even a year, dear. There are times when I believe that some of your decisions have been quite desperate and they might come back to haunt you.”

To Phoebe’s credit, she showed a bit of backbone when she shook her head. “I am not worried about it, Aunt Bess. We will weather any storm together.” One of her eyebrows rose in challenge. “Until then, there is no need to worry.”

He didn’t know what the tense undercurrent between the women meant, but he hoped it would eventually fade.

“I appreciate your fierce defense of Phoebe. It’s good that she has such a staunch supporter nearby.

” A ball of emotion lodged in his throat.

“I’m glad she has you to lean on and talk to about my accident. ”

For a few seconds, confusion went through the older woman’s eyes.

Then she nodded. “Well, I need to be there for her since the whole of our family is now gone for various reasons, and the poor dear hasn’t had much luck with fiancés in the past.” She shrugged.

“I suppose I’m grateful that you along when you did.

Who knows what would have happened to her if you didn’t.

” Her gaze was quite hawkish. “Do you promise to never leave her, no matter what happens in your future? Far too often, men change and decide they aren’t happy with their choice of wives. ”

“Aunt Bess, I—”

The older woman waved a hand when Phoebe would have interrupted her. “I need to hear it from him.”

What did it matter? Hadn’t he already married the young woman?

Pledged his life to her? But he sighed. Perhaps due to the family history of deaths and sadness, her aunt was a bit overly protective.

“Of course I promise. Your niece and I are a pair. No matter what happens in the future, we will always be together. If trouble arises, not that I could ever think it will, I will stay by her side.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that,” Phoebe replied with a wide smile, as she bounced her gaze between the two of them. “Because I have some incredible news.”

“Oh?” Immediately, more wariness than before jumped into Aunt Bess’ expression. “I can’t wait to hear this ,” she muttered.

Phoebe waved her comment away then landed her overly bright gaze on him. “I’ve just discovered I am with child.”

The sudden clatter of silverware against china temporarily interrupted the conversation, for Aunt Bess had dropped her fork. “I beg your pardon?” The older woman stared with narrowed eyes at her niece. “You’re certain?”

“Yes.” Phoebe nodded, and her kissable lips curved into a pleased smile, although it didn’t reflect in her eyes. “The midwife said nearly three months along.”

Aunt Bess snorted. “How interesting, since you haven’t yet exhibited any symptoms nor has your belly expanded.”

Another blush stained Phoebe’s cheeks. “No doubt all of that will come soon enough, but I have felt tired as of late. I thought it was just because I was worried about William’s health.

” She turned her attention to him and when she smiled, he felt a pleasant sort of warmth that went through his chest. “I didn’t want to mention this to you if it was merely a false alarm. ”

Another snort from Aunt Bess. “Or a figment of your imagination?”

They both ignored her this time.

William cleared his throat. He set his fork on his plate then tossed his napkin to the tabletop as he stood. After he came around the table, he went down on one knee at Phoebe’s chair and took her hand. “We are to have a child together?”

“Yes.” She shook her head. Tears welled in her blue eyes. “Are you happy?”

“I am, and I can hardly believe it.” Knowing he would have a child helped to relieve the aches and pains that still lingered in his muscles.

“Neither can I,” Aunt Bess said, apparently not caring that this was a tender moment between husband and wife.

“It is a blessed time, Auntie,” William said to her, but he didn’t release Phoebe’s hand. “I’m damned glad I’m a bricklayer by profession, for perhaps we can expand the rooms above the bakery.”

She nodded. “We can talk about that in the coming weeks.”

Finally, he stood then leaned over her and pressed his lips to the top of her head. “I look forward to that, and everything else.” As he resumed his chair, he glanced at his wife’s aunt. “Isn’t this amazing news, Auntie?”

“Oh, it’s quite something , and I just hope hearts aren’t broken at the end of it.

” She rested her gaze on Phoebe. “I have supported you in many things throughout your life, but there are times when I think that being under such a large amount of grief can warp a person’s mind.

Are you certain that isn’t happening here? ”

For a moment, tears welled in Phoebe’s eyes. “Yes, I am certain that’s not what this is.” She threw a glance his way, but her smile was sad around the edges. “I’m so thankful you are here, William, and can’t wait to see what else occurs in our lives.”

He nodded. “I’ll need to get my living again once my body is completely healed.” It would make him feel better when he could provide for his family. “Or perhaps I should try my hand at something else, since apparently working with bricks is dangerous.”

“It’s definitely seemed that way for you from the moment you stepped foot in Cranleigh,” Aunt Bess said, and then laughed when Phoebe glared at her.

“For the moment, why we’re keeping an eye on you, Phoebe can train you in working at the bakery.

Might be good to keep the thing in the family once I’m off this mortal coil, and if you and Phoebe do it together? Even better.”

Phoebe clapped her hands. “That would be such an amazing thing!” She glanced at him with large round eyes full of emotion. “Please say yes, William.”

How could he deny such a plea? Then he nodded. “I’ll give it a try, of course.” It would be good to have a new challenge, for as much as his life was pleasant as it was, he couldn’t help but feel there was something missing, something vital, yet he couldn’t imagine what that was.