Having been with her every night with no impediments to their lovemaking surfacing, he wasn’t taken by surprise, didn’t ask if she was certain. Still her words slammed into him with the force of a hard punch to his solar plexus, making it impossible to draw in air, and without thought, he dropped his gaze and flattened his palm against her belly as though he’d be able to feel movement, could connect with the babe that was growing inside her, had probably been doing so for close to a month already. It was difficult to believe she’d been in his life for not much longer than that when each night spent with her seemed unlike any that had come before.

She placed her hand over his. “I’ve suspected for a couple of weeks now but was afraid to get too hopeful. The physician confirmed it this afternoon. I’d always feared I was barren. That it was my fault Lushing had no heir.” A sob escaped and she pressed her fingers to her mouth. “I’m so happy.”

He drew her into his arms, held her near, wondered if she could hear the thudding of his heart as joy spiraled through him. The elation was unexpected, but he found he wanted to shout from the rooftops that this remarkable woman would be bringing his child into the world. And yet the world must never know. And just like that, the bubble of gladness burst as reality demanded acknowledgment.

“Then why the tears?” He was pleased his voice came out strong and clear, in spite of the knot in his throat that was threatening to strangle him. This bairn would secure Lena’s place among the aristocracy, would ensure she could see her sisters well situated. She would raise the child at Sheffield Hall. Aiden could never give her so fine a residence, an estate, no matter how full his coffers.

“Women weep when they’re happy.”

“Have you told anyone?”

“No, not yet.” Leaning back, she held his gaze. “I wanted to share the news with you first. But I will have to make an announcement very soon to lessen any doubt that this babe is Lushing’s.”

He’d gone into this scheme knowing the terms, and yet it was more difficult than he’d expected to relinquish his fatherhood, to be reminded that this child would never know the true circumstances of how he’d come to be. He’d never know that he’d been conceived in love and sacrifice.

Breaking away from him, she returned to the window and gazed out. “This child will gain so much. We will hold on to everything. My sisters will benefit.” She faced him. “Our place in Society is assured. They will marry well. But they’ll never know how much they owe to you. And that I regret.”

“I didn’t do it for their damn gratitude.”

“Why did you do it?”