Page 54 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)

G eorge had never previously visited Viscount Endelton’s ancestral home, Terrace Hall. Holding her husband’s hand she peered out of the window. “I cannot believe it has been more than a month since I last saw Jane. Before, when I was away from her, it was such agony.”

“I’m glad to have kept you from too much pain. However, it would be best if you did not tell her she was not missed.” Johnathan kissed her hand.

George swatted at him. “I missed her. Just not as much as?—”

Johnathan moved his attentions to her neck. She pushed him back.

“Do not start kissing me now. What will Jane think if I exit the carriage all mussed and disarranged?”

He turned her hand over and kissed the inside of her wrist sending a thrill straight to her heart. “She is likely to think you had a difficult journey. However, Philippa will think that I have been ravishing you as only a husband should.”

He started to work his way up her arm.

“Stop. We have shocking enough news without Phil giggling at us.”

Johnathan dropped their linked hands to his lap. “I still could take the steward position His Grace offered.”

“No, you are a farmer at heart. You won’t enjoy keeping books, even if you can oversee the harvest. You belong in Massachusetts, and I belong there with you.”

“Positive?”

“I’m glad we are waiting until my niece or nephew is baptized before we leave so I can see the entire family.”

“You need to say a proper farewell to everyone.”

George grazed her lips across his. “I have the best of all husbands.”

“Remember that a year from now?”

The coach stopped and Jane rushed out to meet them. Before she exited the carriage. George turned to her husband. “I will remember a hundred years from now.”

Johnathan held back Georgiana’s hair as she expelled what he thought was an empty belly into a bucket again.

When she finished, he wiped her face with a damp cloth.

The seas had been calm for the first three days of their voyage.

According to the captain, fair days were uncommon for the first of October and with the defeat of Napoleon they wouldn’t have to hide from every ship they saw.

Once she got used to the movement of the ship, they should have a lovely two months at sea.

Georgiana leaned back resting her head in her hands.

Johnathan moved the pail aside. “This will end in a few days as you get used to the ship. My first week on my voyage to meet you was difficult. More than once I ran retching to the railing. I wondered if I should cast myself overboard as well. Then I got my sea legs, so to speak, and it was much better. This will end, you will see.” Now was not the time to tell her of the storms which weakened his resolve.

“I do not think it will.”

He stroked her hair. “You will get your sea legs, just as I did.”

She shook her head. His powerful wife who chased pigs and climbed trees was brought low by the movement of the sea.

Believing she was done for now, he helped her onto the bed.

Glad for the relatively large cabin the earl insisted paying for, while not very large, it was private.

He moved behind her holding her against his chest, hoping that having her head higher than her traitorous stomach would help.

He continued to wipe her brow with the cool cloth, knowing from experience that it helped.

Soon Georgiana’s breathing slowed. She reached up and held his hand in place against the side of her head. “That feels good.”

“I wish I could do more. This will pass.”

“It… Will… ot...”

“It only feels that way. I thought so too.”

“You… Were… Not—” She paused between each word, struggling with the swaying and rocking from the waves.” With… Child.”

“Of course not, I—” Her words sunk in. “Child? We are having a baby. Are you sure?”

Five months of marriage and now she was with child? He shifted her in his arms to look at her face better in the dim light of the oil lamp.

Georgiana’s soft smile brightened the room.

“I am sure. The week of the harvest fair, I felt ill. The smell of apples made me gag. Even if I wanted to, I could not have gone near the press. Phil told me she felt the same when she first started expanding. Only she couldn’t stand the smell of cheese.

I would have asked my Aunt Elaine, since she is increasing, but I could not put such a question in a letter.

Cook, who has six children of her own, confirmed it.

She gave me peppermint tea, but I have been unable to keep it down. ”

“I’m going to be a father? A father.” The truth sunk in slowly. That also explained the number of hard ginger biscuits the Kellmore cook sent with them. He wouldn’t eat another one.

“And I shall likely be ill this entire voyage.” She moved her free hand to her midsection.

“I will do everything I can to help you.” Johnathan had no idea what he could do. But he still wished to be of use. At a time like this he feared husbands were of little use, but still he could try.

“I know you will. I would not have married you if I thought you would do anything less.” Georgiana’s voice grew softer as she spoke. Her hand holding his unclenched without breaking the link.

Johnathan held her as she slept, praying she could rest and hold down enough food to sustain her and their child. And if he was very fortunate, his grandpa would live to see his next great-grandchild.

April 10, 1816

Dear Jane,

It is another cold and rainy day. We have had quite a few of those this spring.

Something Johnathan claims is quite unusual.

On to better news. At dawn on the morning of April 6, we welcomed Hannah Jane Whittaker into the world.

I named her for Mother and you, my dearest sister.

Her eyes are blue like Johnathan’s, and she has only the thinnest smattering of hair.

I wish I could draw half as well as Isabel to send you a proper picture.

When she sleeps she is as an angel. She met her great-grandpa this morning.

He reminds me of our grandfather in stature and kindness. I wish she could meet all of you.

You may tell Phil my daughter can match her son for lusty cries and unrequited hunger.

I will write to her in due course. Johnathan has written grandfather, I assume our letters shall arrive at the same time.

I will send a note to Father, though I don’t expect him to acknowledge me or a granddaughter.

Sorry this is so brief. Hannah is hungry again.

All my love,

George