Simon lay back against the pillows and waited for her morning sickness to strike. Was this how every morning would be until the sickness ended?
“Oh thank God,” she said excitedly from behind the screen.
“Are you all right?”
She peeked her head out from behind the screen. “Everything is wonderful.”
“Will you tell me why?”
“My monthlies started. I’m not having that bastard’s child!”
Relief spread through him. She was free to marry him now. The woman he’d wanted for so long would be his wife as soon as he could arrange for the special license. “Are you certain?”
“Yes. I need to call Lucy to bring up some rags.”
“I’ll do it.”
“You cannot!” Her cheeks turned as red as the screen she tried to hide her body behind. “They will know what we did.”
“Does it really matter?” He rose and pulled the coverlet around his waist. He walked over to her and kissed her softly.
“I am in your bedchamber and everyone will talk.”
He laughed. “I do believe they will figure it out when the maid comes in to make up the bed.”
Her cheeks turned a darker shade of scarlet. “Oh no.”
“If you remember, we did have an agreement. I met your conditions and now we know you are not with child. I will see about the special license today.”
“Why waste the money on that? We can have the banns called or a common license will do just fine.”
“I suppose you are right.” He supposed having a frugal wife might be a good thing for a man in his position. “Shall we marry in a week?”
She looked away from him with a slight smile. “As you wish.”
“Do you not wish it too?”
“Yes,” she whispered shyly. “But I must return to my room now.”
“Very well, then.” He waited for her to dress and then opened the door for her. “I shall see you at breakfast.”
She nodded and left the room.
With Mia departed, he stripped off the coverlet and performed his morning ablutions before calling for his valet. Mr. Tanner would arrive at some point today so he might need to wait until tomorrow before speaking with the bishop about a common license. He quickly dressed and wasted no time getting to the morning room.
After far too long a time, Mia entered the room in her gray muslin dress. He hadn’t thought about it until now but she would need a wardrobe fitting a countess. Her homespun clothing would never do.
“Is there a dressmaker in Cheadle you would like to make your wedding dress?” he asked as she sipped her tea.
“My what?” she sputtered.
“Your wedding dress. You certainly can’t be married in that dress. You will be a countess. As such, you will wear a gown fitting your new station. After the wedding, we shall travel to London and have a proper wardrobe arranged for you.”
She placed her teacup down forcefully and then leaned in closer so the servants wouldn’t overhear their discussion. “You cannot afford such a luxury and I don’t need it.”
Simon waved to the footmen to leave them alone. “First, if you want a private conversation with me, just tell the footmen to depart. Secondly, I can afford to buy my betrothed the clothing she needs to comport herself without embarrassment.”
“I have never been discomfited with the clothing I own.”