“I could say you are in no state to be dueling, not when you’re lovesick.”
“Esther!”
“Esther?” another voice spoke up.
Julia turned her gaze to see Lord Rutley was staring at Esther, jaw agape and body frozen. “You are with child?” he asked, his voice breathy.
“This secret will be discussed another time.” Edward spoke hurriedly, trying to urge Esther to sit down on a rock at the side of the riverbed, but she wouldn’t move.
Julia noticed the way the Baron was looking at Esther and pulled on Edward’s arm.
“Edward, you’re missing something here.”
“What?” he asked wildly, his blue eyes looking to her before he moved them onto Lord Rutley.
The Baron was walking toward Esther. She didn’t step back, but she held his gaze, her cheeks blushing red.
“Esther, how is this possible? Wait… is it…?” The Baron gestured to his own chest, not needing to say the words.