One Year Later

Richard was still exhausted as he stepped off the boat. They hadn’t had much sleep due to the choppy waters across the channel. But he didn’t mind; the expedition before the final trip home was worth it.

It had been almost fifteen months since they left London and travelled to Spain before going on to Egypt across the Mediterranean Sea. That trip had been a lot of hard work, but once they stepped onto Alexandria and saw the sights, Richard was happy.

The expedition had been everything he expected and more. They had gone across several countries, documenting everything as they went. Professor Ainsley had been so excited that he had needed someone to stay with him at all times so he didn’t wander off on his own. Richard could see the temptation; he had wanted to do the same.

He looked over at Isabel, who was standing upright by their luggage but swaying a little. She looked just as exhausted as he felt, almost falling asleep on her feet. Her enthusiasm and excitement about leaving England for the first time and going around a continent that hadn’t been properly documented had been infectious. Even Cohen, who was normally so optimistic anyway, was getting buoyed up by her.

Richard smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Don’t fall asleep just yet. We’ve still got to go and see your mother and let her know we’re safe.”

“I know.” Isabel yawned, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I’m just so tired. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”

“Well, Galliston has allowed us to stay at his townhouse for a while to recover before we go back to Devon, so I’m sure that could be arranged.”

Sleeping for a long time when the room wasn’t tilting everywhere sounded like a very good idea. Richard would gladly do that. Although it would be strange to be sleeping under Galliston’s roof, especially after the last time they saw each other. The dDuke had been furious that Richard had taken his bride and walked away.

So when they received a letter a month ago saying that all was forgiven and the dDuke would allow them into his home as members of his family, Richard wondered if he had been away for too long and the other man had gone delirious. Galliston had been prepared to fight him in a duel had Richard been a nobleman. Now he was welcoming them into his home?

It had to be Lady Dunley’s influence. Three months after Isabel and Richard left, she sent word that she and Galliston were now married. That hadn’t come as much of a surprise to Richard, especially when they had been told in advance, but it had taken Isabel a while to get used to the fact the man she had almost married was now her stepfather. It was a strange concept to get her head around. Richard didn’t think they would be all smiles and happily drinking tea like nothing had happened for a while.

The reunion was going to be a strange one.

“Is there a carriage around?” Isabel’s eyes were drooping. “I can’t stay standing for much longer.”

“I can’t see one right now, but I’m sure we’ll be able to find one.”

“And what about Cohen?”

Richard chuckled.

“I think Cohen can take care of himself.”

His former tutor was certainly in a better mood than they were after a long journey. They had met a guide, a brusque American with his daughter, Daisy, who had been their interpreters during the trip. Cohen had taken a shine to Daisy, who seemed equally charmed by him. The last they saw of them was when they were crossing Spain. Richard was sure they had sneaked off to elope after being told no by Daisy’s father.

They would return soon enough. Cohen was predictable. He would be back in England shortly.

There was the clattering of wheels, and Richard looked around to see a familiar carriage coming along the dock. He recognised the seal. It was Galliston’s carriage. He had come to personally greet them? Now Richard really felt like they had been away too long. The dDuke wouldn’t come and meet them, would he?

The carriage stopped in front of them, and the door opened. Lady Dunley stuck her head out and smiled.

“You two look a sight for sore eyes.”

“Mother!”

Isabel hurried to her and reached in to hug her, almost tipping her mother out of her seat.

“Steady, Isabel! I’m delighted to see you back, but I’m not as young as I used to be.”

“Nonsense, Mother!” Isabel laughed as she drew back. “You’ll always be young and spritely.”

“I certainly don’t feel like that now.” Lady Dunley looked past her daughter and gave Richard a warm nod. “Richard.”

“My Lady. Or would that be Your Grace?”

“Lady Galliston will do fine. Although I won’t object if you slip up and use my former title.” Lady Dunley beckoned him over. “Get inside, you two. Chalmers will get the luggage onto the carriage, and then we can go back to the townhouse.”

“Are you sure Galliston is all right with us staying at his home?” Richard asked as he helped Isabel into the carriage. “I seem to remember that things were a little … tense when we walked out.”

“Francis has come to accept that it wasn’t meant to be, and maybe it was a good thing it didn’t happen.” Lady Dunley sat back and placed her hands on her belly. “Besides, he’s going to be in a good mood for quite a while, so you should make the most of it.”

That was when Richard realised that the dDuchess’ belly was big. Very big. It clicked in his mind just as Isabel gasped.

“You’re … you’re pregnant?”

“It was something of a miracle, given my age. But the doctor says I’m healthy enough and the pregnancy has been fine so far.”

Isabel’s mouth opened and closed before she swallowed.

“How … how long left until …?”

“Just a few weeks. To say my husband is excited is an understatement.” Lady Dunley laughed. “You should see the look on your face, Isabel. It’s a picture.”

Richard could imagine his was the same. He looked at his wife, who was staring at her mother’s belly. He put his hand over hers.

“Isabel? Are you all right?”

“I …” Isabel shook herself. “Forgive me, Mother;, I was not expecting that. I’m still getting used to the fact you’re married to my former fiance.”

“I know things are rather complicated, but I think you’ll agree everything got smoothed out eventually.” Lady Dunley squeezed her daughter’s knee. “I will understand if you struggle to accept this. I would if the roles were reversed. However, I do hope that you’ll be happy and be delighted that you’re finally getting a brother or a sister.”

For a moment, Richard thought Isabel was going to protest and say this shouldn’t be happening. She had ranted quite a bit about her mother’s marriage to Galliston, declaring she would never call him father. Richard didn’t blame her for that part. Then Isabel smiled and covered her mother’s hand with hers.

“You’d better make it a boy. I always wanted a brother.”

Lady Dunley laughed.

“I can’t promise anything, but I’ll certainly try.” She sat back as the carriage rocked, moving into motion again. “Now, before you two fall asleep on me, tell me about Africa. I want to know as much as you can speak about before you pass out.”

Richard laughed.

“From the way Isabel is right now, I can’t see that being very long.”

Isabel nudged him.

“My energy can be present when it needs to be.”

Richard could attest for that. He had been on the end of that stamina many times. Although that was not something he was about to say in front of his mother-in-law.

#

Isabel sat on the rock and watched her husband help a native wash down an elephant. The huge beast was surprisingly placid, which was remarkable for an animal of its size. And it was very playful, which Isabel had discovered at the expense of her dress. She was still soaked through from getting sprayed by the elephant.

At least she would be dry soon sitting out in the Indian sun. It was very hot in the country. Much like Africa, but there was something a little muggy to the air. Isabel had wondered about that; the sun was the same all over the world, so how was it so hot in India and Africa and it wouldn’t be as hot in England.

Richard told her that was something for the experts and to leave it to them. But it still made her wonder.

She shifted back and lay down on the rock, closing her eyes to feel the sun beat down onto her face. She was a beautiful shade of brown after being in the sun for so long, which wasn’t appropriate for Society. The paler a woman was, the more beautiful she was. Isabel scoffed at that. There was nothing wrong with looking as brown as a berry. Richard said it made her look more beautiful, and the only person Isabel was trying to impress was him.

People had said she was mad to go traipsing off around the world. She should be staying at home and being the dutiful wife. But how could she be dutiful when her husband wasn’t around? Besides, traipsing about exploring was certainly a lot more entertaining. Isabel preferred it.

Which was why, when Richard suggested that they went off on their own to India once they could fund it, Isabel had jumped at the chance. Anything to get out of England and see the world around them. It meant travelling through Europe as well, so Richard couldwould be able to show Isabel the sights he had seen on his previous travels.

Although they had spent more time in their bedchamber than anything else. The moment they were alone, Richard just couldn’t keep his hands off Isabel. Not that she was complaining; she liked the look of her husband without his clothes on. She could happily explore his body all day and still find something new.

A few sceptical friends of Galliston’s had said that she would end up tired of travelling, but she would be too far away from home. They tried to give her scenarios that would put her off and make her want to return. But Isabel just laughed. She didn’t care. This was the happiest she had been in a long time.

And Galliston was only too happy to fund their next travel to India. Isabel had no idea why he would do it, although Richard had a feeling he was making sure he got time alone with his wife. Now they had a gorgeous baby boy, an heir for the dDukedom, all the focus was on them and not on his stepdaughter. Isabel didn’t mind too much; she was glad her mother was happy, and she loved her little brother, but she wasn’t quite ready to call Galliston family yet. They needed a bit more time apart before she was comfortable with that.

Eventually, they could come to terms with it, but right now the thought of addressing Galliston as her stepfather after being engaged to him still rankled her. Nevertheless, he genuinely loved her mother, and Lady Dunley was radiant, so Isabel couldn’t complain too much.

They were certainly a better pairing than Isabel and Galliston would have been.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Isabel cracked an eye open to find Richard settling on the rock beside her. He had taken off his shirt, his hair dripping wet as he gave her a lazy smile.

“Aren’t you supposed to be washing an elephant?”

“Right now, she’s washing us instead. But Mahmood said she’s clean for now so he’s playing with her.” Richard traced a finger down between Isabel’s breasts. “You know this dress clings to everything right now. It’s leaving nothing to the imagination.”

“I’m drying off.”

“Not quickly enough.” Richard palmed her breast. “It’s making me want to peel that dress off you.”

Isabel squealed and swatted his hand away.

“Mahmood’s close by! And we’re in the open.”

“I’m sure Mahmood would be discreet.” Richard leaned over and kissed her. “But I don’t want an audience. The only person who gets to see you naked is me.”

Isabel smiled, arching into his hand as his thumb brushed over her nipple. Then the trumpeting from the elephant reminded themat they weren’t alone, and she eased his hand off her breast.

“We’ve got plenty of time to do that later. Have a bit of patience.”

“With you, that’s not easy.”

“Glad to know I can do something to you.” Isabel kissed him, resting his hand on her belly. “Is this something you’re going to put in your journal, then? Washing an elephant down in the morning, getting washed by the elephant in the afternoon?”

Richard laughed.

“Something like that. I’m sure Cohen and Professor Ainsley will take great amusement in it. Cohen, especially.”

“Speaking of Cohen, is he still coming to join us? I seem to remember his last letter mentioned something about joining us in the next few weeks.”

“Yes, that’s still happening. Although he and Daisy will not be as active as us with Daisy’s pregnancy now confirmed.” Richard shook his head. “He always talked about being a bachelor for the rest of his days. I never thought he would be married and about to become a father.”

“Things change, and we have to adapt.” Isabel grinned. “And we’ll have to adapt as well. I think you and Cohen are going to be the ones exploring while Daisy and I rest in the shade. We won’t be of much use to you.”

Richard frowned.

“What are you talking about? You’re always useful here. You bring in most of the discoveries. I’m just the scribe.”

“Well, you’re going to have to do it yourself. I’m probably not going to be as … spritely as before.” Isabel giggled at her husband’s blank expression. He still had no idea what she was talking about. “Besides, I have brought you another discovery. But I don’t think you can put it down as a new mammal in your journal. It’s a little more … private than that.”

It took a moment before she saw Richard understand what she meant. He sat up, staring at his hand on her stomach.

“You mean … you’re with child?”

“I am.” Isabel sat up, keeping his hand on her belly. “I had the doctor confirm it this morning.”

“That’s why you’ve been sick lately?”

“It is. He’s confident that I’m about three months along. It won’t be long before I’m showing.”

Richard stared at her. Then he was beaming and grabbing her for another kiss. Isabel squealed as she was crushed against him.

“Careful! You’re going to squash me!”

“Forgive me. I just …” Richard’s eyes were shining, cupping her face in his hands. “I’m just so happy. We’re going to be parents ourselves.”

“Do you think we can still travel with children?”

“I’m sure we can figure it out.”

He was kissing her again when they were hit by a wash of cold water. Isabel gasped as the chill set in. She looked past her spluttering husband as he shook the water from his hair to see the elephant raise her trunk at them. It looked like the animal was smiling. Mahmood was certainly laughing, waist-deep in water as he splashed the huge beast.

“Very amusing,.” Richard said as he chuckled, running his hands through his hair. “And I think that’s our cue to go back to the hut. After all,” he said with a winkwinked, “a pregnant woman needs to get out of her wet clothes.”

Isabel giggled, wrapping her arms around Richard’s neck as he lifted her up.

“And, I presume, you’re going to find a way to warm me up.”

“And give you a thorough examination at the same time.” Richard kissed her. “I’ve got a lot to examine.”

Now this was something he certainly couldn’t put in the journal.

THE END

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