As little Mercy Hunt, eldest girl in a family of four, life had been very sweet and uncomplicated. It was only when she had grown older and married that she’d discovered life did not always go according to plan.
Like discovering that your new lover was really an old one.
No matter how she tried to turn aside the idea, it had taken a firm hold in her mind. Leopold had deceived her, had shared her bed since arriving and had never said a word. Yet he had not attempted to impose on her either. That had been all Mercy’s doing. His obvious restraint, as Mercy had teased him, was the only impediment to their relationship progressing. Could he not want more from her than pleasure?
She wanted him very, very badly for so much more than that. So much more that she shocked herself with her sudden decision. She could marry him and give Edwin brothers and sisters to play with as soon as it could be done.
Edwin giggled.
Mercy lifted her head as he dropped into her lap.
Edwin bowled her over and planted wet kisses on her lips. “Mama, I woke up so early.”
“Did you now? And what did you do while I was sleeping?”
His gaze shot to Leopold. “We played I spy.” Edwin burrowed under the covers completely, playing under the sheets.
“Good morning, Your Grace.” Leopold’s smile was as warm as the deep chocolate of his eyes. “We didn’t want to disturb your rest too soon. I hope you don’t mind that I kept him occupied in the other room.”
Impulsively, she reached for his cravat and pulled him down until their faces were close. His eyes were red rimmed. “Good morning, Leopold. Did you get any sleep at all?”
His gaze darted to where Edwin hid beside her. “Some.”
Mercy shook her head. “I think you are a terrible liar, Leopold.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” He winked and tried to rise but Mercy kept hold.
She tugged until their lips connected and kissed him soundly.
He pulled back quickly. “Don’t.”
Edwin emerged from the bedding with a wide grin on his face. Leopold stared at him, but Edwin had not noticed the kiss. He was oblivious to anything but his games. Mercy ruffled Edwin’s hair as she climbed out of bed. Leopold backed away.
“He will have to grow used to such things, Leopold. My parents kissed each other in front of their children quite often. I could tell the mood of their marriage by the way they kissed. My parents never hid their affection and I shall do the same before Edwin.”
Leopold stepped back further. “We are not married, nor shall we ever be. All you will teach him is wickedness.”
Mercy pressed her lips together over a laugh. Poor Leopold really had no idea that she intended to keep him for the rest of his life. Emotions like these were never meant to be contained, and Mercy had no intention of trying anymore. She would avoid scandal if at all possible, but she would have Leopold at her side for the rest of her life or die trying. Mercy prowled after him. “Is that what you think of me, as a wicked woman of low morals? I think the pair of us knows the truth of that.”
He shook his head. “You don’t know the first thing about me. I should never have come home.” He glanced at Edwin. “I will leave the minute the danger has passed.”
“You will not.” Mercy gathered up her robe, slipped it on, and belted it around her waist before she spoke again. “You still have to find your family. We both know your best chance of success is remaining here. With us. We are family too, or had you forgotten.”
Leopold swallowed. “I have not forgotten.”
But he still did not say directly that he had a closer acquaintance to Edwin than he was supposed to have. Would he never admit his part in that night?
Vexed, Mercy moved away from him to the window and stared out. Why would he not want to claim her son even privately as his own? Edwin was a good boy, healthy and sturdy, and so unlike her husband’s disposition that she felt incredibly stupid not to have realized that her midnight lover could have been Leopold.
She turned slowly, catching Leopold watching her son. His expression was open and the raw look he directed at the playing child made her heart clench. Perhaps he did want to claim her son, but was hesitant to do so. Under the circumstances, he might expect her to be angry about the deception.
She had been. Yesterday.
Today, she wanted to build a bridge and create a new life. With Leopold smack dab in the middle of it. Filling her belly again and making this place come alive with the sound of many voices. With more Randall’s.
She crossed the room and slipped her hand into his.
His fingers tightened about hers. Strong, steady, sure. “Are you ready to depart, Your Grace?”