Four Years Later

“Theodore!” Caroline glanced around, trying to look through the trees. “Where are you, Theodore?”

There was a giggle to her left, and Caroline spun around. But there was no one there. Her son was getting better at hiding.

Thank goodness this was just a game and not the real thing. Caroline would be panicking right now.

She saw someone dart between the trees to her right and more laughter. Sneaking behind a tree, Caroline tucked her skirts in and waited. It wasn’t long before she heard two lots of giggles, and then she heard Charles’ voice.

“Come on, Theodore, let’s go back. We can surprise your mother there.”

Caroline slipped around the tree and came out behind the two boys, her nephew almost twice the size of her son. Tiptoeing closer, she reached in and tickled them.

“Got you!”

Charles laughed and darted away while Theodore squealed and allowed Caroline to pick him up, spinning him around before she propped him on her hip. He was still laughing as Caroline tickled his nose.

“I think you’re getting too good at this game, Theodore. You and Charles are going to scare me one of these days.”

“Charles said soldiers have to be quiet when creeping up on the enemy,” Theodore said with an innocent expression. “They’re not supposed to know you’re there.”

“And he’s right about that.” Caroline glanced at the grinning six-year-old. “How about you show Papa your game when he gets back? He’ll be here tomorrow morning.”

Theodore brightened.

“Can we?”

“Of course.” Caroline started walking in the direction of the house, beckoning Charles to follow her. “I’m sure he’ll love to know that you’ve been doing well at school as well, Charles.”

Charles puffed out his chest and beamed. Caroline had to smile. Her nephew was a bright little lad, and he looked up to his uncle. Henry was just as proud of Charles, even sponsoring him so he could go to the nearby school and get a good education. He even encouraged Charles to follow his dreams of becoming a soldier like his father. Caroline was sure that Charles would do some good there.

They left the orchard and headed up onto the terrace of the house. Caroline did love the place. Henry had been given it as a wedding gift from his father, a beautiful estate only a stone’s throw away from Plymouth, where Henry’s ships were docked. But it did feel a little empty when Henry wasn’t around. His business was flourishing, and he was needed at sea quite often.

That had been a hard thing to do. Shortly after their wedding, Henry and his father had a long conversation. It was eventually agreed that Henry would leave the navy, but he would be given an investment from his family to start his own import-export business. And Henry had thrown himself into it. The business was prosperous, and Caroline was glad he had something that he enjoyed.

She knew he wanted to go back to the navy at times, and she was aware that he had made the offer of helping out if they needed any extra ships, but Caroline was glad that she wouldn’t be waking up to know that Henry had died in battle. She would be crushed if she lost her husband like that.

It was the safe option, though. The current Duke of Cornwall was still fit and healthy, but if he passed away and Henry obtained the dukedom, he would be close by instead of thousands of miles away. His line to the title was secure, and he didn’t need to worry about that, but being present in the case of something happening was important. Henry understood that, although Caroline could tell he wanted to go to sea again.

Maybe they could do that. Once he had the dukedom, they could go sailing. She wanted to be on a ship herself and see what it was like. Maybe they could sail to Europe or even go up to Scotland and Ireland. Things were more accessible when there was a ship at your disposal.

When Caroline and the children reached the garden, Teresa was on the terrace, setting out a tray with glasses and a full jug. She looked up and smiled at the group.

“Mrs Hawton has made some lemonade for the children. I thought you would like some.”

“Thank you, Teresa.” Caroline put Theodore down and sat, glad to get the weight off her feet. “Children, what do you say?”

“Thank you, Aunt Teresa,” Theodore said loudly with a smile.

“Thank you, Mother,” Charles answered.

Teresa smiled as she poured out the lemonade, handing each of the boys a glass before passing one to Caroline.

“Thank you, Teresa.” Caroline gestured at the chair beside her. “Come and sit with me. I need to rest after chasing these two.”

“If you’re sure, Your Grace?”

“Of course. And don’t keep calling me that. It’s just us.”

Teresa bit her lip as she sat down.

“My apologies. It’s not something I’m used to, being so informal with my employers.”

“But we’re not just employers to you.” Caroline pointed out. “We’re family.”

She would never regret suggesting that Teresa took a job as a personal maid and nanny in their household. Caroline had been shocked at how Teresa was treated, so she had been a staunch supporter to get Charles recognised as the grandson of the Duke of Cornwall. James might have denied him, but nobody else was going to do that. The duke had agreed to it, almost like he was trying to atone for his past actions.

But Teresa still needed a job, so Caroline had offered up the choice of becoming a member of her household. That way, they could have her with the family, and Charles would have companions in his younger cousins. Four years on, and Teresa was still in slight shock about it.

She was the one who had stayed at Caroline’s side as she gave birth to Theodore, the one who kept Caroline company while Henry was away in Plymouth and often to London with his business. True, Lord and Lady Bingham did come to visit often, but they were still quite a way away. Having Teresa around with her quick wit and down-to-earth attitude was refreshing.

Henry certainly didn’t mind. He was very fond of Charles and treated him like a son.

Caroline felt a wave of excitement as she thought about her husband. He was coming home tomorrow after being away for nearly a month. She couldn’t wait to see him. There was so much she had to tell him.

“I know that look.”

“Hmm?”

Teresa gave her a knowing smile as she poured out another glass of lemonade.

“That wistful look. He’s not back until tomorrow, and you’re already thinking about what you’re going to talk about.”

Caroline giggled.

“Well, if your husband was away for a long time, wouldn’t you think there were lots to talk about.”

“If you talk at all.”

“Teresa!”

Teresa shrugged.

“I’m not stupid, Caroline. I know what happens when a husband and wife are reunited after a long time. It would certainly be like that with my husband.”

“I can’t see Evans being away for longer than a couple of days. He’s far too much of a local lad.”

Teresa’s smile became dreamy, her hand rubbing her belly. It had taken a long time for her to trust men after what happened to her, but it was clear that Henry’s new valet, Jeremiah Evans, had taken a liking to her. It took him a couple of years, but he eventually wore her down, and she fell in love. Now they were going to be expecting their first child in a few months. Charles was delighted about having a little brother or sister, while Theodore kept asking when he would get a brother or sister.

Well, he was going to get his wish soon. If he could stay patient a little longer …

“Mama?” Theodore appeared at her side, putting the glass on the tray. “Can Charles and I go and play in the orchard again?”

“I’m too worn out to be chasing after you, Theodore.”

“Please, Mama?”

Caroline was about to say no when Teresa piped up.

“I can go with them.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I’ve done my duties for the day.” Teresa held up her glass. “If you can let me finish my drink, Theodore, I’ll go for a walk with you and Charles. In the meantime, why don’t you get Charles to show you the toy soldiers he got from his stepfather this morning.”

Theodore brightened up.

“All right.”

He went to his cousin, who was sitting on the terrace wall with his glass of lemonade. Caroline frowned.

“Are you sure you’ll be all right, Teresa? You won’t be able to chase after them, and they are lively.”

“I’ll manage. I remember when Charles was that age and constantly on the move. Two children will be nothing. Besides,” Teresa winked, “you need to put your feet up yourself.”

“What …?”

“I know when someone’s with child, and it doesn’t take a clever person to see that your body has changed.”

Caroline had only found out the day before yesterday, and she hadn’t told anyone yet. She didn’t want to declare it until she told Henry, who would be back shortly. Chances were, if she sent a letter, it would pass her husband coming the other way.

She wanted to tell him face to face.

“Oh, by the way,” Teresa sat up suddenly, “I forgot to say. A delivery came for you a short while ago.”

“A delivery? I haven’t ordered anything.”

“Well, it had your name on it. I’ve put it in your bedroom.”

Caroline was confused. She hadn’t expected any deliveries today. As far as she was aware, nothing was meant to be coming for a while. Her son’s birthday present wasn’t due until the end of the week. Was it that?

“I’ll go and have a look.” Caroline stood up. “Theodore, you listen to your Aunt Teresa, all right?”

“Yes, Mama.”

Caroline headed inside and went upstairs. It had to be Theodore’s birthday present come early, although it was strange why Teresa would have put it in her bedchamber. She would have put it in the study, where Theodore wasn’t allowed to go. Why up there?

She reached her bedchamber and entered, only to stop short in the doorway. Henry was sitting in the bed, reading a book. The sheets were up to his waist, his chest bare. Caroline’s mouth dropped open.

“Henry! When did you get back?”

Henry looked up and gave her a smile that started a familiar throbbing between her legs.

“Just a short while ago. I thought I’d come home early and surprise you.”

“You did, but … why are you in bed already?”

Henry chuckled and put the book aside.

“Do you really need to ask? I didn’t want to wait until tonight to show how much I missed you.” He beckoned her over. “Come here. But take that dress off first.”

Caroline grinned as she shut the door and locked it.

“You are incorrigible, do you know that?” she said as she slid the dress off. “You really think I’m going to strip for you in the middle of the day?”

“I know you are.” Henry shuffled down the bed, putting his hands behind his head, his eyes roaming over her body. “I know you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.”

He was right about that. Caroline slipped off her stays and then her chemise, tossing them aside as she crawled onto the bed. Henry pulled the sheets aside and reached for her, kissing her until Caroline was breathless. He moved her to straddle him, his hardness pressing where she needed him. Caroline broke the kiss and sat up, reaching back to grasp hold of him. Henry sighed, his hands flexing on her hips.

“I’ve been dreaming of this for weeks now.”

“You shouldn’t go away so much, then.” Caroline moaned as she lowered herself onto him. “You could have this every night.”

“So tempting.” Henry was panting as he pressed her onto his lap. “Show me how much you’ve missed me, Caroline. I want to feel you.”

Caroline liked this position. She got to take charge, and she also got to see his broad, muscular chest and handsome face. She rode him slowly, already feeling her arousal climbing. It had been like this recently. Her approach to climax was faster than normal, and she wanted to enjoy this before she tipped over the edge.

From the way Henry was growling and trying to get her to move faster, he was not thinking the same way.

“God, Caroline, do you have to tease me like this?”

“Always.” Caroline could feel herself beginning to shake. “I can’t go faster.”

“But I can.”

Henry’s hips shifted, and then he began to thrust up so fast that Caroline lost her balance. She grabbed onto the headboard and held on as her husband ravished her body, pushing her to climax so fast she saw lights in front of her eyes. When her orgasm hit, she had to clap a hand over her mouth to stifle the scream while she felt everything ripple through her.

Henry’s movements became more erratic, his head thrown back against the pillows, his neck and body taut as he got closer to his own release.

Caroline’s first climax had barely faded before it started again, charged by the change of angle in Henry’s thrusts. It knocked her forwards, and she had to catch herself to stop falling onto Henry. Henry took a breast into his mouth, sucking hard. The sensations on her body were too much that Caroline’s climax hit her again, this one more intense than before. A moment later, Henry was growling his release, pressing her onto him as he stiffened, his body as taut as a bow before he slumped on the bed.

He pressed a kiss to her breast before dropping his head onto the pillow, panting heavily.

“You have no idea how much I’ve missed this.”

“As much as you’ve missed me?”

“Not as much.” Henry smiled and cupped her breasts. “I couldn’t wait until later. There was so much to do, but all I could think about was coming back to you.”

Caroline grinned and kissed him before sitting up on his lap.

“I couldn’t wait for you to come back, either.”

“Oh? Any reason?”

“I had some news for you myself.” Caroline waggled her eyebrows. “I was going to write you a letter, but I thought it would be better to do it in person.”

Henry groaned.

“You know I don’t like being left in suspense. Just tell me.”

“I’ll give you a clue.” Caroline gestured at her strewn clothes. “What item of clothing was I not wearing just now?”

“You what?” Henry frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“I haven’t worn a particular article of clothing recently. Mostly because I didn’t want to squash something.”

Henry still looked confused, which had Caroline giggling. She took his head and pressed it to her firmer belly.

“I would like our son or daughter to be a normal, natural shape when they’re born.”

“You …” Henry’s eyes widened. “I thought you were looking a little firmer, but I didn’t think anything of it. Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure. I’ve had the doctor confirm it. I’m not quite three months yet, from his estimations.” Caroline watched as Henry spread his fingers across her stomach. “Looks like Theodore is going to get that sibling he’s always wanted.”

“And you? Will you manage this pregnancy?”

Caroline knew what he meant. She’d had a miscarriage the year before, and she had been devastated. But instead of being scared, Caroline had never felt this much peace in a long time. She leaned over and cupped his face as she kissed him.

“I will be able to manage. I’ve got you with me, and that’s all that matters. Although,” she rolled her hips as she felt him harden inside her again, “if you want to practise for the next child, maybe we should get reacquainted in preparation.”

Henry laughed and squeezed her breasts.

“What about Theodore?”

“He’s with Teresa. They won’t notice I’ve gone.” Caroline nipped his lower lip with her teeth. “I want to spend some alone time with my husband before we go and join the rest of the family.”

Henry kissed her and rolled, putting Caroline under him as he began to move his hips again.

“I like the sound of that.” He kissed her neck. “It’s going to be a while before I have my fill of you.”

THE END

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