Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 83

Dear readers. I apologize for the slow update. Been busy with work and chores, but I'm trying my best to keep writing. Hope you still find the story interesting enough to follow. Enjoy these new chapters.

"Is she awake?!!"
Matthew's abrupt entrance into Arabella's chamber startled the housekeeper, who sat waiting on a chair that had been placed near the bedside. Standing abruptly, the middle-aged woman stepped aside to make space for him.

"She is alright, Sir. She woke up an hour ago, but she felt a little bit dizzy, and after taking the medication from the doctor, she fell asleep."

Matthew reached the bedside in three long, quick strides. His heart clenched at the very sight of Arabella, lying asleep in the middle of the huge bed. Her ink black hair was a stark contrast to her small, pallid face. It seemed that in the last couple of weeks she'd lost some of her weight. Without him being able to stop it, a fierce protectiveness washed over him. He stood staring down at her, while compassion and animosity warred within him. His hands itched to touch her, to caress that lovely face that looked so innocent and fragile in her sleep. He steeled his heart, reminding himself of what a cruel, heartless bitch she was. Of how she'd stomped on his heart when she cheated on him with Jeremy. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists against a wave of emotion. The painful memories of that night still made it hurt to breathe.

"Sir?"
Fortunately the housekeeper's voice snapped him out of his agony. Shaking off the unpleasant thoughts, he asked,
"Did the doctor tell you what made her faint?"

"The doctor asked me several questions, Sir, and he assumed that it happened because she hasn't eaten anything since last night."

His jaw fell open in shocked dismay.
"How could it happen?! I paid you and the whole staff to cater for her needs!"

The woman slightly winced at his admonition.
"Pardon me, Sir. It's commonplace for pregnant women to lose their appetite and it seems that she has extreme nausea. We've tried our best, Sir. Cook has tried plenty of recipes but she refused to eat anything."

Matthew shifted his gaze to her sleeping form.
"It sounds serious. If the condition persists, it will probably harm the baby."

"Don't worry, Sir. It's quite normal. I couldn't keep down food and fluids during the first three months of my pregnancy but after that, my appetite returned with a vengeance and all my children were born healthy."

"Is that so?"

"I assure you, Sir. There's no reason to worry. I think Miss Winthrop is a bit lonely and sad. Perhaps it will help if you stay here for the next few days. She is quite stubborn, but she might listen to you."

Being faced with the difficult choices, Matthew fell silent. He felt guilty about making Maggie wait again, but he had no other options. At the moment, Bella needed him more. When he said nothing for a long moment, the housekeeper prompted,
"Shall I prepare a room for you, Sir?"

Resigned, he made the decision.
"I'll stay in the next room."
The room was connected to Arabella's room by an adjoining door, so it would make it easier for him to check her.
"Very well, Sir. Would you like to freshen up now?"

"Later, I'll stay here until she awakens."

"Very well, Sir. Just ring if you need anything."

And as he sat waiting by the bedside, Matthew resigned himself to his fate. He would never be able to rid himself of her. Having a child together meant that they would always be tied to each other as long as they both live.

*****

Drifting out of a strange, torrid dream that involved the most infuriating man she'd ever known, Arabella woke up to find him right at her bedside. Excited, she tried to sit upright, but a sudden, sharp pain shot through her head.