Basset nodded, closing the distance between them. “I understand. I am pleased, however. I know I don’t show it well, but I am. If there is anything you need of me during this time, anything at all, you need only ask.”

It was a generous offer, if he meant it, though the words could very well have been empty. He was correct; it was not entirely evident that he was pleased by the news. She might have thought him indifferent to the thing, had he not said so.

But to then offer what she might require?

That was a dangerous thing, and he ought to know that.

“Anything?” she repeated, her mouth curving to one side. “In that case…”

He chuckled softly, surprising her by leaning toward her and kissing her brow. “I take it back. But if your condition renders you more unwell, I would like to know. And when you would like Dr. Royce called for, I will send for him.”

She struggled to swallow as the tingling of her skin from his lips took her back to their last time together. Her favorite so far. He had been so attentive, so focused, so warm, and she had caught some delicious fire in her veins throughout the whole of it.

Heavens, she truly did need distance from him.

“You are not going to lock me in my room and force me to be examined regularly until your heir is born?” she asked, trying for an edge to her voice that failed miserably.

He reared back, giving her a strange look. “What do you take me for? In case you weren’t aware, Henry VIII is dead. And I care more about your health and the health of the child than I do about its gender. At least give me that much credit.”

Adelaide’s throat tightened in relief and some other emotion less easily defined. “Then, I will,” she said. A more sincere smile formed on her lips. “But don’t ask me to give you any other credit.”

“I would never.” His smile quirked slightly, then faded back into his usual impassiveness as he nodded. “I’ll see you this evening.”

She stepped back as he moved by her and nodded to herself when she was alone in the study.

News delivered, his opinion noted, and her embarrassment relatively minimal. All told, it was not nearly as bad as she feared it would be, and they had both kept civil tongues in their heads.

Perhaps she could manage a polite marriage with the impossible man after all.

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

If his wife were truly with child, he would think twice before he got her in that condition again.