Before heading to the kitchen, Kathryn went to find Jacob.
“How is she?” he asked when she walked into the drawing room.
“Jacob, may I have a private word, please?”
“Of course,” he said as he walked out into the foyer with her. “Well, how is my wife? Do you know how to help her? Should I call the doctor?”
Kathryn squeezed his arm. “Jacob, calm yourself. She will be fine. She wants to see you. I’m off to order her some mint tea.”
Peter nodded and raced away.
Kathryn smiled as she went to the kitchen to see about the tea. She was thrilled for her friend.
~~~
Peter walked into hiswife’s bedchamber as she fell back against the pillows. “My darling, Kathryn said you wanted to see me?”
Audrey held out her hand. “Yes.”
Peter took her hand and sat down on the bed. “Are you feeling better?”
“No, but there’s a very good reason why I’m feeling this way.”
“A good reason? How can that be?”
“My darling, I’m with child.”
A huge smile broke out on his face. “A child? Are you sure?”
Audrey nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks.
“Oh, why are you crying, my love? What can I do?”
“These are happy tears. I hope to give you an heir next summer.”
Jacob pulled her into his embrace. “You’ve made me so happy, my dear sweet wife. Why don’t you rest now? Kathryn told me she will order tea for you.”
“I’m feeling a little better now, but a soothing cup of tea sounds wonderful.”
Jacob gave her a quick kiss before standing. “I’ll check on you later.”
As he was walking down the stairs, Lord and Lady Devon were walking into the foyer and handing off their outerwear to the footman. “Lord and Lady Devon, so glad you could join us.”
“Thank you, Fletcher,” Lord Devon said. “I wasn’t sure how the roads would be after that snowstorm.”
“I was worried about that too. But, here you are. Devon, may I offer you a brandy and maybe a sherry for Lady Devon?”
They both nodded, and Jacob led them into the drawing room.
“Mama, Papa, I’m so happy to see you,” Kathryn said.
“Hello, my darling girl,” Lady Devon said, giving Kathryn a hug. “Mr. Clifford, nice to see you.”
“Lord Devon, Lady Devon, the pleasure is mine,” Mr. Clifford said with a bow.
Jacob handed out the drinks while everyone took a seat to catch up on the latest news from London.
An hour later, Jones announced luncheon was ready, and everyone stood to go into the dining room when Audrey entered the drawing room.