An Earl Like Any Other by Jemma Frost

Author:Jemma Frost
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: surprise pregnancy historical romance, childhood friends to lovers romance, accidental baby romance, steamy victorian romance, sexy historical romance, enemies to lovers
Publisher: The Arrowed Heart
Published: 2022-06-23T00:00:00+00:00

WHEN DAWN DRIFTED OVER the horizon, Lily opened her eyes to see golden light inching across the Aubusson carpet. A breath of relief left her as she woke free of pain—the hours of sleep with Owen allowing it to finally pass. His arms remained around her in a protective hold, and Lily relished the sense of security it provided—even if she knew it couldn’t last.

Their problems weren’t resolved, despite this détente.

Enjoy the moment, for once. It doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom.

Deciding to heed the advice, she shimmied further into his body and hugged his arm closer. Owen’s chest pressed into her back as a puff of air ruffled the tiny hairs at her nape before he nuzzled closer. “How are you feeling?” His low whisper brushed over her skin like the lightest feathers drifting from a nest.

“Better. The hammering ache is gone.”

“I’m glad. How long have you been dealing with this? I’ve never known you to be sick in all the years of our acquaintance.”

Because her life had been different then.

“You won’t like the answer. They started after our... falling out.”

“How politely stated.” She gave him credit for a tone devoid of ire.

“And after the accident claimed our parents’ lives and almost Hazel’s, they became increasingly frequent. I suppose my body had reached its limit of hardship.” And now she was married with a child on the way—what possible trouble would that add to her strained mind?

Mirroring her thoughts, Owen spoke. “And now we’re here together and expecting a child. I’m guessing our argument caused this flare-up?”

“It’s never based on an isolated event,” she explained, turning to face him. “But I’m sure it didn’t help.”

A sliver of remorse crept forward in his expression. At least now, their argument was moot. They’d missed the ball last night while sleeping her migraine away.

Leaning forward, he brushed a tender kiss across her forehead. “I’m sorry. I should’ve paid better attention to you instead of flying off the handle.”

“I forgive you.” For everything.

Owen treated her well, despite her actions against him. It was time for her to forgive the way he reacted to Asa’s story and accept her part in it—even if it had been grossly exaggerated. An exaggeration that only would have occurred because she orchestrated the brief kiss with Asa in the first place.

At eighteen, she’d made a stupid mistake.

At twenty, he’d done the same.

It wasn’t right to hold the consequences of her actions against him any longer.

Especially when he’d been so kind to her and her family. Paying off Laramie. Creating trusts and dowries for Iris and Caraway. Assuring her good health with visits from Dr. Pearson, and even sticking with her through her migraine.

Yes, it was time to forgive and move on as best they could.

A tentative knock came from the door before Hildy inched inside. “Good morning, my lord, my lady. Will you still be attending the village fair today?”

She’d forgotten entirely about it. One of her favorite times in Shoreham.

“I’m not sure...” Owen peered at her, studying the growing anticipation lighting her eyes.

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