Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau (18 page)

“
Thank you, and thank you for all the kindness you’ve shown all of us, I’m not sure I can ever repay you.”

“
I’m sure you can make it up to me when the baby comes. I haven’t a clue how to be a mother and just between us,” she leaned in close and whispered in her ear so that Pierce would not hear her, “I’m dreadfully frightened of delivering this child.”

“
That I can understand, I was frightened myself,” Felicity admitted. “But you needn’t worry, everything will turn out well.”

“
I hope so,” Hope said quietly. After giving Elliot her congratulations she placed a hand on the small of Edith’s back and said, “Why don’t you return her to her bed then the two of you can go back to Elliot’s for your wedding night. We’ll make sure she’s taken care of and you can come sometime tomorrow to get her and pack up and move your stuff.”

Edith’s ears perked up, “I wanna go wif you,” she proclaimed before failing to remove the thumb from her mouth, causing her speech to sound muffled.

“Sweetheart, it’s time to go back to bed. Papa and I will be back in the morning to get you and move you into your new house.”

Edith’s little hands grasped tightly onto Elliot’s shirtfront, “Papa not leaving,” she declared firmly.

Felicity looked at Elliot apologetically and sighed. Elliot looked at both of them before saying, “I don’t want to leave her, let’s just spend the night here and we’ll all return to my house on the morrow.”

Felicity turned to Hope, “Would you mind?”

“Not at all,” she said.

After everybody had a chance to offer their congratulations, the wedding license had been signed, and Father Worsley had left, Elliot and Felicity made their way upstairs to the nursery to put Edith down for bed. Felicity felt oddly anxious at the thought of spending the night with Elliot, though she wasn’t sure why. She was surprised that she felt any trepidation at all seeing as how she knew exactly what to expect to happen between the two of them, but still she felt nervous. All she had to do was look at his strong shoulders as she walked down the hall behind him and she instantly blushed.

As they approached the nursery and went to lay Edith down, she began protesting in earnest. “Don’t leave, I wanna stay with you.”

Elliot tried to shush her and soothe her as he laid her down but she wouldn’t stop protesting. Felicity felt for the poor child, knowing how much she missed her father in his absence and was sure that she was harboring a fear that if she let him go he would leave her for good. She went to the bed and relieved Elliot of his struggle, sitting down and pulling Edith into her arms. She brushed the wild curls back from her face and rocked her back and forth as she hummed quietly till she finally calmed down.

“Sweetheart your papa is not going to go anywhere ever again. We are a family now so you needn’t worry about him leaving.” Edith just stared up at her, her blue eyes wide. Felicity continued to rock her for a time until she thought she had her calmed down enough to tuck her in. When she tried to lay her down in the bed she began kicking and protesting once more.

A flustered Felicity looked up at Elliot, “I’m not sure what to do.”

Elliot bent and scooped Edith into his arms, “Let’s let her sleep with us tonight.”

Felicity looked at him in surprise, “Are you certain?”

“Of course. I don’t want our new start as a family to cause her anymore stress, besides it’s just for one night.”

“
If you’re sure—” she said hesitantly.

“
I’m sure, now show me to your room.”

Felicity silently led him to the room she had been occupying while staying with the duke and duchess. When she opened the door he walked to the bed and instead of laying Edith down by herself he pulled back the covers and crawled in right beside her, fully clothed.

Felicity felt like her heart would burst with love as she watched Edith snuggle in close, her eyes drooping shut as she quickly fell asleep. She removed her gloves and set them on the side table next to the bed then reached down and loosened Elliot’s cravat for him. He smiled up at her appreciatively as she unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt to make him more comfortable. He couldn’t look away from her as she reached up and pulled the pins one by one from her hair, unloosening a thick mass of ebony curls that fell to the middle of her back. He reached his hand up and stroked its silky strands. She reached for his hand and grasped it, pulling it to her mouth to kiss his palm before walking over to the other side of the bed and sliding in next to Edith, still fully clothed in her dress.

He reached across Edith’s small body and found Felicity’s waist, pulling her closer, their heads only inches apart. He reached up and stroked her cheek, reveling in the silkiness of her skin.

Felicity closed her eyes and groaned, it felt so good to be touched by him. She reached out and placed her own hand on his neck, feeling his heart beating against her palm. He leaned in and captured her lips with his own, kissing her fervently and wildly, the way he had been dreaming of kissing her for days. His hands went up to entwine in her hair as she copied his actions and placed both of her hands in his. He nipped at her bottom lip loving the firm plumpness of her mouth. She kissed his lips softly then pressed tiny, feather soft kisses to his jaw moving towards his ear and whispered, “I love you, Elliot Martineau.”

Her hot breath in his ear sent shivers up his spine. He grasped onto her frantically, “Oh Felicity, I love you too.” He bent his head to kiss her once more when Edith stirred between them, a soft whimper escaping from her lips.

Elliot pulled back to give her space. He held his breath waiting to see if they had woken her but it was apparent by her closed eyes and deep breathing that she was still sleeping. The only sound in the room was his and Felicity’s deep breathing. Eventually Felicity spoke, “I’m sorry you’re not getting a proper wedding night.”

“
It’s alright; we’ve got a lifetime to make up for it. Now go to sleep love, I want you fully rested for tomorrow night.”

Felicity chuckled, “Goodnight Elliot.” She closed her eyes, not sure she could sleep but within minutes she was silently sleeping, content and happy.

Felicity was perfectly warm and cozy when she felt Edith begin to stir next to her, causing her to rouse out of her own deep slumber. Edith sat up in bed, stretching her hands as high above her head as she could as she yawned. Then, looking down at both her mama and papa, she smiled. Felicity smiled lazily in return then looked at Elliot. He was sound asleep, completely oblivious to both her and Edith staring at him.

Edith grew impatient and reached over to open one of his eyes with her chubby little finger. Elliot’s eye rolled back into his head causing her to shriek and let go of his eyelid. He balled one fist under his chin but continued sleeping. Edith reached over and repeated her antics, prying his other eye open this time. Elliot’s hand went up to swat the offending object away, barely missing Edith’s hand as she quickly retracted it and laughed. Felicity watched the two of them with amusement, wondering how long it would take Elliot to finally arouse from his slumber.

Next Edith went for his nose, pinching it closed so he couldn’t breathe. After a few seconds Elliot opened his mouth and gasped. Edith squealed as she pulled her hands away and nestled into Felicity for protection. Elliot shook his head to dispel the last little bit of sleep, his eyes focusing on his wife and daughter.

Felicity gave him a bright smile, “I think you can see why it’s a good idea she doesn’t sleep with us every night.”

Elliot reached up to rub the sleep from his eyes, “I can think of another reason I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to sleep with us every night, and I assure you it has nothing to do with her trying to gouge my eyeballs out of my head.”

Felicity laughed at the same time she felt herself blush at his words. “Well despite the fact that you were awakened so rudely, how’d you sleep?”

“Splendid and you?”

“
Good actually, considering I’m still in my corset and stockings.”

Elliot arched one eyebrow in amusement, “I’d be glad to help you out of those if you’d like.”

Felicity’s blush deepened, “We should probably get going, we have a lot to accomplish today.”

Elliot feigned disappointment as he watched her get out of bed, her dress completely wrinkled. “I’m glad you’re here,” she continued, “You can keep Edith company why I get our stuff packed up.”

“I’d rather keep you company,” he said sulkily.

Felicity grabbed Edith off of the bed and helped her to the ground. “Sweetheart why don’t you go find Aunt Agatha and see if she’ll help you get dressed then we’ll meet you downstairs to break our fast.” She was pleasantly surprised when Edith did as she was told without any argument, scurrying quickly out of the room.

Felicity walked over to where Elliot was still laying in bed. Giving her back to him she asked, “Can you undo my dress for me please?”

Elliot sprung from the bed eagerly and reached for her, “I thought you said we didn’t have time.”

“We don’t,” she said dryly. “There’s no way I can go out looking like this, I need your help so I can change.”

Elliot undid the top button of her dress then bent and kissed the back of her neck. He felt her shiver as he reached up and repeated himself with the next button and then the next, undoing each one slowly then placing a warm kiss to the freshly exposed skin. When her dress was undone she felt it gape in the front and placed both hands on her bodice to keep it from falling to the ground. His arms slid around her waist and pulled her back into his chest as he bent to kiss her bare shoulder.

“Elliot, we can’t.” She protested, but her resolve weakened with every kiss, with every touch.

“
Felicity, we are.” He said, refusing to accept any further objections. He felt her weaken in his arms as he kissed the spot just below her ear, remembering how much she liked it. Her arms fell loosely to her sides causing her dress to slide to the floor, leaving her standing in only her petticoat and corset. He chuckled huskily before reluctantly withdrawing from her so he could go turn the key in the door. Taking the key from the lock he walked back and set it on the rosewood side table next to her gloves before reaching for her. “Now where were we?”

Tuesday June 28
th
, 1814

Something woke Felicity out of a deep sleep, but only just barely. She rolled over and groaned as she snuggled in closely to Elliot, his arms automatically reaching around her and drawing her in. It amazed her at how fast both her and Edith had gotten used to living at Elliot’s townhouse and how much easier it was to have him as a husband and father. It seemed as if the three of them had always been a family. Unfortunately Aunt Agatha was having a harder time adjusting than the both of them. Felicity got the feeling that she often felt like a tag-along, an intruder in their little family, though neither she nor Elliot felt that way. She tried not to fret about it too much however, knowing that with time things would probably feel more natural for her. Before she could realize what had roused her she was quickly back asleep, completely warm and comfortable.

The next thing she knew, she was being woken again by a muffled pounding. She turned in Elliot’s arms so she was facing him and reached out to shake him awake. When his eyes finally opened she said, “Do you hear that noise, what is it?”

Elliot yawned and rubbed his eyes before he too heard the same incessant pounding. “I think there’s somebody knocking on the door.”

“Should you go see who it is? I doubt Percival can hear the knocking or he would’ve gotten the door by now.”

Elliot gradually peeled himself from the bed, not anxious in the least to withdraw from the warmth and security of being in Felicity’s arms. He walked blindly in the dark towards his armoire where he rummaged through till he found a dressing gown to cover himself with. Once he was properly covered he looked back at the bed longingly before saying, “I’ll be back soon.”

Elliot walked out of the room, not even bothering to take the time to light a candle—he knew his house like he knew the back of his hand. Just as he had reached the landing at the bottom of the stairs, he saw Percival come sauntering down the hall, a candle flickering in his hand, illuminating his tired face. It was almost comical to see him dressed in nothing but a white nightshirt with a long white nightcap on his head. Elliot had never had the occasion to see him in such attire.

The knocking was increasing and got louder and louder the further down the hall they advanced. “What the devil is going on?” Elliot asked Percival as he reached forth and opened the door hastily.

Percival didn’t have time to answer as the door flung open to reveal a harried looking Pierce. He didn’t hesitate to step into the foyer and looking straight at Elliot he blurted, “What took you so long?’

“
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s the middle of the night. I was asleep.”

“
Where’s Felicity?” Pierce asked, as if it wasn’t obvious that she’d be in bed at this time of night.

“
She’s upstairs. What’s going on?”

“
Hope is having the baby,” Pierce explained, all the while fidgeting his hands nervously. It was clear to Elliot that his good friend was unusually anxious. “The midwife is with her but she sent me to fetch Felicity, said she wanted her friend to be there to comfort her. I think she’s scared.”

“
I think you’re scared,” Elliot replied dryly.

“
You have no idea; just wait until it’s your turn. Now go get Felicity quick, I don’t have all night.”

Normally when Pierce tried to order Elliot around it rankled him just enough to cause him to do the opposite of what he was asking, but he figured that this time it would be to his advantage if he just did as he was told. He turned to Percival and quickly told him to go back to bed before racing up the stairs and to the room he and Felicity shared.

He wasn’t surprised to find Felicity still awake, waiting for him to return and tell her what all the commotion was about. He sat on the edge of the bed next to her and brushed her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “Love, Hope is having her baby.”

Felicity bolted straight up in the bed, pulling the sheets with her. “Right now?”

“Apparently so. She sent Pierce over to get you; he said something about her wanting you there.”

“
Oh,” she squeaked as she hopped out of bed, “I had no idea she wanted me there but of course I’ll go. Help me get dressed.”

Elliot gave her a lopsided smile. “I prefer to help you undress,” he said rakishly.

Felicity playfully swatted his shoulder, “Not right now, this is serious. The baby could come at anytime.”

Sobering up Elliot asked, “Could it really happen that fast?”

“Sometimes. It’s different with every child.”

“
Was it fast with Edith?” he asked, desperately wanting to know.

Felicity paused in the middle of attempting to pull a dress over her head. Turning to look at him she said, “No, it wasn’t fast at all, it actually felt like it would never end. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore she was finally born.”

Elliot reached for her hand. “Thank you.”

“
For what?” she asked as she put her back to him so he could do up her buttons.

“
Giving birth to our child, for being so amazing and strong and brave.”

She turned to face him just as he finished with the last button. Placing one hand on his face she said, “I love you.”

“I love you too, but you better get going before Pierce barges in here all frantic.”

Felicity bent to give him a quick kiss before they both left to find Pierce. They found him exactly where Elliot had left him, in the foyer, but this time he was pacing back and forth. He stopped when they approached, reaching anxiously for Felicity’s arm. “Let’s go.”

Felicity nodded before following him out to his awaiting carriage. The ride to Pierce’s townhouse was brief as Pierce kept asking her question after question about the ordeal his wife was enduring. She attempted to calm him by reassuring him that everything was going to be fine but he refused to be soothed.

Finally he admitted, “Hope’s mom died in childbirth.”

Felicity inhaled sharply, that explained his extreme nervousness a bit better. As soon as she was shown into Hope’s room she could tell that things were progressing quickly. The midwife was busy scurrying around readying towels and pots of boiling water. In one corner of the room was tucked a wooden cradle with freshly washed linens. Felicity felt the excitement in the air new life always brought.

She briskly walked over to where Hope was laying in the middle of the large bed, her face grimacing in agony as she experienced a painful contraction. Felicity took a rag from the water basin on the side table. She rung it out then gently placed it on Hope’s forehead. When the pain finally eased up and Hope’s body relaxed she turned to her, her amber eyes wide. “Thank you for coming.”

Felicity smiled down at her, “I’m honored you asked for me to come.”

Hope looked at her nervously, “I’m scared. My mother died shortly after giving birth to Noelle and I.”

Felicity brushed the wayward strands of golden hair back from her forehead as she rewetted the rag and began sopping at her sweaty brow once more. “The unknown is always scary, but you are healthy and strong and should do just fine. Besides, we are all praying that the good Lord will see you and the baby through so you have nothing to worry about.”

Hope smiled at her weakly, grateful for her words of encouragement but before she could reply her stomach was tightening with another contraction. She cried out in agony as the pain intensified. Felicity held onto her hand and whispered soothing words of encouragement to her as she waited for the pain to subside.

The midwife looked up from her position at the bottom of the bed, “It’s time to push, your grace. Your baby should be here soon.”

Hope let out a long groan as Felicity helped her sit up and get into position to push. She was amazed at how fast things seemed to be progressing but was grateful, for Hope’s sake, that the pain would be over soon.

After four hearty pushes, the midwife informed them that the she could see the head and with one final push a slippery little red bundle came into the world screaming.

The midwife held up the baby proudly, “You have a daughter, your grace.”

Hope chocked back a sob, “Is she well?”

“
She looks perfect and it sounds as if she has a set of strong, healthy lungs.”

Hope beamed as she laid back on the pillow exhausted from her exertions and watched as the midwife began cleaning off her daughter, the overwhelming joy she felt in her heart completely amazing her.

Felicity watched both Hope and her daughter with tears in her eyes, awed at the miracle she had just witnessed. She was so caught up in the joy of the moment that Hope’s scream startled her. She looked down in time to see Hope grimacing in pain.

Felicity looked at the midwife, “Is she delivering the afterbirth?’

The midwife paused in her ministrations and looked down. Her head snapped up suddenly. “I think there’s another one on the way.”

“
Really?” both Hope and Felicity replied in unison.

The midwife held the freshly bundled babe out towards Felicity, “Quick, take the babe.”

Felicity quickly obeyed, taking the bundle delicately into her arms. Once more she felt emotional as she held the tiny miracle close to her chest, marveling at the thought that Edith had ever been so small. She chuckled as she watched the baby root around, anxious to feed. “Oh little one, you won’t find much to eat here, be patient and your mama will take care of you shortly. You’ll soon have a little brother or sister to meet.”

Felicity didn’t regret the opportunity she had to hold the sweet child in her arms, but she did regret that it tied her hands up and she wasn’t able to be of any help to Hope. Instead she attempted to both soothe the baby and Hope with soft words of encouragement.

In only a matter of minutes Hope had delivered another healthy daughter. She looked relieved as she finally laid her head back on the down pillows, her body completely exhausted by the effort it took to bring two babies into the world. Though she was utterly exhausted, her smile was radiant. Felicity walked over to her and placed her first daughter into her arms, watching as Hope shakily took her and wept.

“
Congratulations Hope, they’re beautiful.”

Hope beamed. “Can you believe there were two babies in there? I had no idea.”

Felicity chuckled, “I can’t imagine you did, it’s quite the pleasant surprise.”

“
Pierce is going to swoon,” Hope said and Felicity smiled at the image.

***

The sun was beginning to peak through the windows as Felicity sat rocking a baby in her arms while Hope just finished up feeding the other one. Both of their heads jerked up as they heard a knocking at the door. Hope finished feeding her daughter and made sure her dressing gown was back in place before she called, “Yes, who is it?”

Pierce poked his head into the room, “Are you up for a few visitors?”

Hope smiled up at him, “Of course. Can you come take this baby so I can readjust myself?”

Pierce looked both reluctant and anxious as he walked over and gingerly scooped up the tiny bundle into his arms. The already small baby looked even tinier in her father’s large grasp.

Just then the door opened once more and in walked Elliot carrying Edith in his arms. Hope looked at Edith and gifted her with a warm smile, “My darling Edith, did you come to see my babies?”

Edith shook her head, her eyes wide with curiosity. Elliot carried her over to Pierce and showed her the infant in his arms. Pierce reached up and peeled the blanket back from his daughters face to give her a better view. The baby yawned and Edith laughed as she reached for her excitedly. Elliot pulled her back, “No no poppet, you’re not quite big enough to hold her yet.”

Edith stuck her lip out in a pout. Felicity motioned for Elliot to bring Edith over to her to see the baby she was holding. “Sweetheart, if you sit in my lap I can help you hold this sweet baby. Would you like that?”

“
Yes mama.” Edith slid out of her papa’s arms and came to stand next to the rocker, anxious to have her turn with the baby.

Felicity extended the baby towards Elliot. His eyes widened in surprise as he put both hands in front of him in protest. Felicity laughed, “You won’t hurt her, just hold her for a second while I get Edith situated in my lap.”

Elliot reluctantly took the babe, holding her so precariously as if he thought he honestly might break her. Felicity picked up Edith and said, “Now we need to be really gentle with the baby, understand?” Edith nodded her understanding, “The duke and duchess are extremely blessed that they got two babies, most mamas only get one at a time,” she explained.

“
What are their names?” Edith asked quietly.

“
The one over there in her daddy’s arms is Jane Caroline and the one you are going to hold is Evelyn Matilde.” Then looking doubtfully towards Hope she asked, “Did I get that right? I’m not sure I can tell which one is which.”

Hope looked briefly between both babies, “Yes, you’re right. Evelyn is in the white blanket and Jane is in the yellow.”