The Wagered Bride (The Clearbrooks) by McCarthy Teresa

Author:McCarthy, Teresa [McCarthy, Teresa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-04-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

He weighs hardly anything at all," Stephen said as he sat on a bedside chair in Emily's chambers, holding the newborn in his arms. "The little imp. Richard is a fine name, Em."

Emily sank against her pillow and smiled as she picked at her breakfast. "He may be small, but he has terrific lungs. My only concern was getting him into the world. Once he was here, I knew all would be fine. Elizabeth was wonderful, trying to soothe my nerves when I was in so much pain. I don't know what I would have done without her before the doctor arrived. But I must say, you amaze me. When did you ever hold a baby?"

The baby cooed and Stephen softly patted the blanketed bundle. Elizabeth was wonderful. He never should have brought up Fennington's name last evening. It had ruined everything.

"Don't you know? My friend Harry has had three of these. I am not without some education, Em. In fact, I have held some of Pearson's brood when they were only weeks old."

Emily paused. "Hmmmm. If I didn't know better, I would think you wanted one of those little imps."

Stephen stood, smiling as he rocked the baby in his arms. "One thing at a time."

"Have you seen Jared this morning?" Emily asked.

Stephen grimaced. "Your husband, madam, is inspecting the baby linens for cleanliness as we speak. The man is a veritable ninny when it comes to you and this babe."

"Yes, he is," Emily sighed, her lips curving upward.

Stephen's brows snapped together. "The man is also giving me advice that I would rather shove ... oh, never mind." The baby snuggled closer to Stephen's chest and let out a whimpering cry. "Jupiter, Em. He ... the ... my chest is soaked."

Emily laughed. "So much for bravery. Call in Betsy, the nanny. She will change him. No need for a soldier like you to attend to such a dastardly job. Uncles do not attend to such weighty matters of everyday life. Clayton certainly would never do it. I am not certain about Marcus or Roderick either."

Stephen's dark eyes danced. "You underestimate me. If I can ride into battle, I can certainly change a wee little infant. Just watch me and see how it is done by a master. But you are not to tell a soul, mind you. I would never live it down."

Elizabeth stood in the hall, unexpectedly overhearing the conversation between brother and sister while catching a glimpse of Stephen holding the baby.

"By Jove, Em, I didn't know a little thing could do so much damage. Er, perhaps we should call in Betsy after all."

Elizabeth's heart swelled with tenderness for the man. This was the real Stephen Clearbrook. A man who loved his sister, his family, his nephew. For a moment last night, he had almost led her to believe a marriage between them would work.

But he didn't love her. He was a man who needed her father's money. It was done all the time. The birth of his nephew was the joy she had seen in his eyes, not anything to do with herself.

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