Siren

Chapter twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-two

 

“Do you have any details of the accident?” James asked the rider. “Are my mother and nephew badly injured?”

The messenger shook his head. “I’m sorry, Colonel. I have no other information. I was dispatched as soon as word arrived that there had been an accident.”

James gritted his teeth. How like Judith to send word without waiting to learn a few essential details. She could just have easily sent the message after she’d discerned if his mother and Toby had broken any bones? Or worse…

The thought sickened him. James flew to action. He turned to the footman. “Have my horse and curricle readied immediately. My wife and I will be leaving within the hour.” Turning on a heel he stalked toward the house, consumed with fear.

 “James? James!” Phoebe grabbed his arm, forcing him to check his stride and face her. Worry etched her brow. “I realize there is no time to waste, but I can’t go back to Corsair with you. You’ll have to go yourself.”

He glanced impatiently toward the house. “Why can’t you go with me?”

She fixed him with an exasperated glare. “If I return to Corsair everyone back home will see my condition.”

 “Would you stop referring to your condition?” he snapped. “You’re pregnant, not a leper, and I for one am perfectly happy that we’re having a child.”

“As am I,” Phoebe said quickly, glancing nervously about as though assuring herself that none of the staff had overheard his declaration. “But situations like ours must be handled delicately. Timing is everything. If we’re not careful the gossip will be insatiable.”

Gossip? His mother and Toby could be dying and she was concerned with gossip? James clenched a fist, mentally striving to check the irritation rising within him. “I don’t give a damn about the gossip or your bloody timing. We leave for Corsair now. Together.”

Phoebe’s eyes narrowed. “I am not one of your soldiers to be ordered about, James. I am your wife, and all I’m asking is for a little understanding.” She hesitated, gaze softening to reveal just how vulnerable she was. “If I bring that sort of shame on my family my brother will never forgive me. It will be best if you simply go alone to check on your mother and Toby. I trust you,” she said quietly.

 Gazing into her wide troubled eyes his frustration faded. He stepped forward, placing his hands on her upper arms. “That means more to me than you could possibly know, but I don’t want to go alone, Phoebe. You are my wife and I want you at my side. If my mother’s injuries are serious then I’d like for her to meet you again and know of her new grandchild.” He dropped his palms to her waist. “You barely show when you wear fuller skirts and not at all when you’re sitting down. You can remain inside and stay camouflaged for a few days.”

She glanced away, nibbling her lower lips, appearing thoroughly unconvinced.

“Phoebe,” he stooped to her eye level, trying to catch her eye. “What did I tell you in Scotland?”

Her gaze flicked to his, a little twinkle lighting in their depths as a sweet, heart-achingly innocent smile pulled at her lips. “That you are my family now.”

“That’s right,” he whispered, leaning in for a quick kiss. “Now will you please come home with me?”

* * * *

The Corsair keep loomed in the distance as James reined in before the Witherspoon house. Phoebe tugged the oversize bonnet further over her brow and forced herself not to look at it. She was a Witherspoon now and may never again be welcome in her childhood home. She swallowed back the despairing thought, desperately reminding herself that she and James had come for much more pressing reasons. She shouldn’t be dwelling on her personal family drama.