Page 75 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman (The Marlow Family Secrets #3)

Caro turned onto her back, her arm lifting as she woke from a dream about Albert in a temper, shouting close to her face. There was no one in the room.

She sat up, breathing hard. Her skin was damp with sweat. She thought these dreams were in the past.

Her hand touched her tummy, as she thought of the child. Then… She was wet. Her dress was wet between her legs. She touched the cloth. Blood.

With both hands holding her stomach as if she could hold the baby inside her, she crossed the room and pulled the cord to call a maid.

When the maid came, she told her to fetch Mary and sat down on the bed, waiting.

Mary’s knock was gentle.

‘Come in!’ Caro’s voice was desperate. She had thought she could live with this, but that was before she believed the child would live.

‘The maid said you were distressed, what is it?’ Mary hurried across the room .

Caro reached out and clasped her arm with bloody fingers. ‘Please help me! I am with child but I am bleeding… I cannot bear to lose another child, Mary.’

‘I will fetch Mama. She will know what to do, and Kate will call the doctor. Lie down. I will be quick.’