The Reclusive Earl by Ruth Ann Nordin

Author:Ruth Ann Nordin [Nordin, Ruth Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance, gossip, Regency Romance, scandal, bride, forced marriage, virgin heroine, virgin hero, lisp, shy hero
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

***

That night, Opal had a nightmare. It was the first time she had one since she’d come to London. And in this horrible dream, her mother was looming over.

“What makes you think you can be a good mother?” her mother asked in the condescending tone she had reserved for those she didn’t have any respect for. “You will be awful. Just awful. Just like you were awful at everything else you ever did. When your child grows up, I wager that child will hate you as much as you hated me.” Then, a grin crossed her face, and she began to laugh.

Opal woke up from her dream, not realizing she was crying until she felt the tears on her cheeks. She sat up in the bed and wiped them away with the back of her hand. Why now? After all this time, why was she suddenly dreaming of her mother?

Landon stirred from his sleep, and upon noticing she was awake, he rose into a sitting position. “Opal, are you in pain?”

She shook her head and wiped more tears from her eyes. “I had a bad dream.”

He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her to his side. “What wath it about? I mean, what happened in it?”

She wasn’t sure she wanted to tell him. She didn’t want him to know the details about her relationship with her mother. More than anything, she wanted to forget about her past. No good ever came from dwelling on things one couldn’t control.

Finally, she settled for asking, “Do you think I’ll be a good mother?”

With a smile, he brought his head to hers and gently wiped the rest of her tears away. “I do. You’re a wonderful wife, and you’re kind to your family. I can’t think of anyone who will be a better mother than you.”

The certainty in his voice relaxed her. Though he was self-conscious about the way he spoke, he seemed to have the right words to say to make her feel better.

“I hope so,” she whispered. “I want to be a good mother.”

“Which will enable you to be one.”

Perhaps he was right. Maybe she would be a good mother because it was something she desired. She never wanted to do anything to hurt their child. She wanted to give their child the safety and love she never felt while growing up.

After a long moment, Landon encouraged her to lie back down, and she snuggled up to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I’m glad we’re married,” she said.

He rubbed her back. “You mention that often.”

“Do I?” She hadn’t noticed. “I guess I do it because it’s true.”

“I don’t mind. I like knowing you enjoy being with me.”

“Are you happy about this child?” she asked.

“I am very happy.” He gave her waist a playful squeeze. “I’m happy with you, too. And I don’t mind telling you that whenever you need to hear it.”

Releasing her breath, she closed her eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep.

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