A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer

Author:Georgette Heyer [Heyer, Georgette]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2011-10-11T13:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

It had not occurred to him that she might be pregnant, and surprise held him silent, just staring at her. She said defensively: ‘Well, it was only what was to be expected, after all! I mean I’m breeding, you know.’

His lips quivered. ‘Yes, I understand that, but – I beg your pardon, but really, Jenny – !’

‘I don’t see what there is to laugh at,’ she said, eyeing him in resentful bewilderment. ‘I thought you would be glad!’

‘Yes, yes, of course I am! But to fling it at me like that, and at such a moment – !’ His voice shook, but he controlled it, saying contritely: ‘I’m sorry – don’t look so affronted! I won’t laugh at you any more! But what’s to be done? You goose, to have come on such an expedition as this! How the devil am I to get you home?’

She sat up, replying with something like her usual briskness: ‘You’ll get me home when the show’s over, and not before, thank you! I’m better now. I told you there was no need for you to be in a worry, and nor there is. It’s no more than natural I should have sick turns – though I must own it quite takes the edge off one’s pleasure!’

He gave a tiny gasp. ‘I imagine it must!’ he said unsteadily. ‘Poor – poor Jenny!’

‘Yes, I can see you think it’s highly diverting!’ she retorted.

‘No, I don’t – it’s you I think highly diverting, not your sickness, I promise you! Are you sure you are well enough to remain here? I wish you had told me before ever we arranged this party!’

‘Fiddle!’ she said, getting up, and straightening her shoulders. ‘I’m in a capital way now. For goodness’ sake, don’t get into a taking, Adam, for there’s nothing wrong with me, and if there’s one thing I can’t bear it’s setting people in a bustle, and having them fidgeting round me, as if I was going into a decline! And mind, now! not a word to Papa!’

‘But, my dear – !’ he exclaimed, considerably startled. ‘Surely you don’t mean to keep it secret from him?’

‘That’s just what I do mean to do, while I’m able. I wouldn’t have told you either, if I hadn’t been obliged to, because it’s early days yet, and no sense in boasting of what might not come to pass after all. Now, Adam, you don’t know Papa as I do, so you’ll be pleased to do as I bid you! The instant he knows I’m in the family way he’ll fly into one of his grand fusses, wanting to keep me in cotton, let alone bringing in half the doctors in London to drive me crazy! You may ask Martha, if you don’t believe me! She’ll tell you the same, and that I’ll do better without being cosseted, what’s more!’

‘Oh, does Martha know?’ he asked, rather relieved.

‘Well, of course she does! Now, if you’ll pour me out a drop more of your cordial, I shall be as right as a trivet again, and we’ll go back to watch the rest of the show.

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