The Wolf's Wife (The Wolf's Peak Saga Book 1) Read online

  “You are. I know you are,” he said. “I can feel it.” He bit his lip.

  “Isn’t it the women that usually have this intuition?”

  I was trying hard to not let Jasper get ahead of himself. He was so happy, and if it turned out this was a false alarm, I didn’t want him to be crushed. At the same time, I was still absorbing everything. My body was frozen, and I was not really sure what emotions I was supposed to have. The only one that seemed prevalent was shock, which kept me somewhat emotionless.

  Jasper didn’t seem to notice my hesitation, which meant that I had to say something as we neared the house.

  “Jasper,” I said slowly “would you mind if we kept this private, between us, for now?”

  “If that’s what you’d like,” he said. “Is there a particular reason?”

  “I just want to be certain before we tell anyone.”

  “Of course,” he nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I’ll call for a doctor to come visit and do an examination. Once we get the confirmation, then we’ll tell people.”

  “I can agree with that. However, it’s so early. How on earth can they tell? I remember when my father was practicing, they always had to guess.”

  Jasper wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close and planting a kiss on my forehead.

  “A lot has changed since then,” he said. “Our doctors have these wonderful stethoscopes that can hear the baby’s heartbeat.”

  My eyes grew wide. “That’s amazing.”

  He kissed me on the top of the head. “It’s all amazing,” he admitted. “I still can’t believe it.”

  “I don’t want you to get too excited,” I said, taking his hand. “We could still be wrong, or something could happen.”

  “I won’t let anything happen.”

  “You can’t promise that,” I told him. He looked down at our hands.

  “I’m not trying to upset you,” I said. “I’m trying to be cautious.”

  “I know. I’m just excited.”

  Despite having reservations over making announcement, I was unable to hold in the news once I saw Annabelle the next day.

  “Oh, Christine, I’m so happy for you!” she squealed, wrapping me in a hug. “How do you feel?”

  “My head is spinning.”

  She laughed. “Of course, but I meant physically.”

  “Tired, mostly. I feel like I could sleep all day.”

  “I remember those days,” she sighed, watching Daniel try to climb up onto the bed.

  “It was all just so unexpected,” I said, sitting down on the bed next to him. He grabbed at my skirts, playing with the lace on my dress.

  “I suppose it was. You haven’t been married long. Unless you two were sneaking off before the wedding?”

  “You know we weren’t.” The thought made me flush.

  “I’m only teasing,” she assured me.

  “You’ve been through all of this. What’s it like?”

  She shrugged. “It’s different for everybody,” she said. “My sister could hardly eat; everything made her sick. For me, I was tired all the time, and my body hurt. Also, I always really wanted ice cream.”

  I laughed. “If wanting ice cream is the worst of my problems, I think I’ll be fine.” I hesitated. “Since you know what to expect, will you be here for me? When the doctor visits, and the birth?”

  “Oh, darling, I’d be happy to,” she said, giving me another hug.

  It was only a few days later that I was lying in bed in my undergarments, surrounded by Jasper, Annabelle, and the doctor.

  “All right, Christine, I just need you to relax,” Dr. Brighton told me. He rested the cold stethoscope against my stomach and listened for a moment.

  “Two heartbeats,” he said, a smile breaking through his thick beard. “You are indeed pregnant.”

  “I knew it!” Jasper exclaimed as Annabelle clapped.

  “May I listen?” I asked.

  Dr. Brighton and Jasper exchanged a look. The doctor was silent for a long moment before answering, “Of course. It’s very faint, though.”

  He handed me the ears of the stethoscope and I listened.

  “I can’t hear anything,” I said, disappointed.

  “Like I said, it’s very faint. At this point, really only a trained ear can hear it. I promise soon you’ll be able to hear for yourself.”

  I looked at Jasper. His expression was neutral, and he seemed unfazed by this, as if he had been expecting it. I glanced between him and the doctor, feeling like the odd one out because I wasn’t as certain.

  “Alright,” I said. “If you’re sure.”

  “Christine, I’m positive,” the doctor said.

  I was still hesitant. It didn’t feel real without a bump or an audible heartbeat, and the doctor said it was probably going to be a few months before I could hear it for myself. By that point, the baby would be kicking and squirming, so a confirmation of the heartbeat would be unnecessary anyway. Jasper and the doctor and even Annabelle were positive that I had a baby growing inside of me, and after a few days, I came to accept it as well. I had planned on taking things slow until I knew for sure, but being around the constantly excited Jasper and Annabelle made my excitement grow as well. I found myself daydreaming about baby names and how to decorate the nursery. Maybe a soft green or yellow, with ivory accents. That seemed appropriately gender–neutral, while also being soft enough for a baby. During the time I had set aside for scrapbooking, I found myself doodling room layouts on my paper. I wondered which room Jasper would let me use for the nursery. Perhaps I could rope Annabelle into coming into town with me and shopping for baby things.

  I would have to wait, though, because first Jasper wanted to have a party to make the announcement to our friends. I was still hesitant. I remembered from my father’s textbooks that the first few months were always the most dangerous for the baby, but Jasper insisted we have the party anyway. His confidence made me feel more confident myself. He had been through this before. He knew better than anyone how badly things could end, and yet he was still confident. If he could be that way, then so could I.

  The day of the party was bright and clear, with only a few fluffy white clouds in the sky. Annabelle had done the planning again, and this time, everything was in shades of pink and blue. She had chosen a pale yellow dress with pink and blue flowers to wear, and I couldn’t help but feel like one of her decorations. The tables were piled high with hydrangeas and peonies, and even the petit fours were iced in pink and blue. All in all, it wasn’t exactly a subtle theme.

  “What do you think?” Annabelle asked as she brought me out to the garden. People were milling between tables, a few playing croquet out on the lawn. Many were sitting and eating treats. I recognized most of them as Jasper’s men or their families, along with a few new faces. Annabelle rattled off their names; many were members of the peerage, and I knew there was no way I’d remember them all.

  “Where is Jasper?” I asked.

  “Hmm, I don’t see him,” Annabelle said, craning her neck. That moment he came bounding down the steps, kissed me lightly on the cheek, and went to mingle with our guests.

  “He’s been so happy lately,” I mused. “He’s not hiding it very well.”

  “He really isn’t,” Annabelle said. “Stephen knew, and I didn’t tell him. Honestly, don’t be surprised if the rest of his men already know as well.”

  “I never thought he’d be so terrible at keeping secrets.”

  Annabelle’s look lingered on me for a moment. “I suppose,” was all she said. Her lips pressed into a fine line, as if there was more she wanted to say, but she was stopping herself.

  Hazel came to join us, leaving Adam with some of the other men. “Another lovely party, your grace,” she told me.

  “Oh, I had nothing to do with it,” I said. “This is all Annabelle.”

  “I’ll take the compliment. It is a lovely party,” Annabelle said.

  “These petit fours are amazing,” Hazel s
aid, taking a bite of the tiny cake.

  “I got them from the bakery in town,” Annabelle said, “the same one that made Christine’s wedding cake.”

  “Really?” I asked, perking up. “I’m going to need to try some.” I ducked through the crowd and piled my crystal plate with the treats and returned to the girls.

  “Oh, my,” Hazel said, eyeing my full plate.

  “I was planning on sharing!” I laughed. “They may be fantastic, but I’m not going to eat a dozen by myself.”

  “No one would blame you if you did,” Annabelle said. “You are eating for two.”

  “What!” Hazel exclaimed.

  “Annabelle, it was supposed to be a surprise,” I said with a sigh.

  “Is that what this party is for? Adam and I were speculating. Although, he was acting quite strange in the carriage. I think he already knows,” said Hazel.

  “Of course,” I said. “Is there anyone here who doesn’t know now?”

  “I’m sorry, Christine,” Annabelle said, giving me a one–armed hug before taking a cake off my plate. “I didn’t mean to let it slip.”

  “I’m just as excited for you all the same,” Hazel said. “I can’t wait until I have my own little ones.”

  “Trust me, savor your independence,” Annabelle said. Her gaze flickered over to Daniel, who was playing with Lester’s great–grandchildren in the middle of the croquet court.

  “How are things with Adam?” I asked Hazel.

  “It’s wonderful, now that we’re courting,” she sighed. She lowered her voice. “He kissed me today!”

  “Hazel, you little minx!” Annabelle teased.

  “It was completely unexpected, but it was lovely,” she said. Her eyes had a faraway look as she smiled.

  Before I got a chance to ask any more questions, Jasper came over and put his arm around me.

  “How is my lovely wife and her precious cargo?” he asked.

  “You know, it’s a good thing that Annabelle already told Hazel, or you would have spoiled the surprise,” I told him. “Wasn’t that the point of this party? I’ve heard that many of your men already know.”

  He hung his head like a scolded puppy.

  “I’m only teasing,” I said, linking my arm with his. “But really, can none of you keep secrets?”

  I shook my head. Jasper and Annabelle exchanged a knowing look that excluded me, but I didn’t have a chance to speak up. Jasper signaled to the quartet, and their music died down. He clinked a fork on his glass, drawing the attention of our guests, then set the glass on the table next to him and put his arm around me.

  “Attention, everyone,” he called out, although everyone had given their attention anyway. “Christine and I have a special announcement to make. Come March, we will be welcoming our first child.”

  As our guests applauded and gave their shouts of congratulations, I couldn’t help but smile. I looked up at Jasper to find him gazing back at me, his eyes soft and a look of adoration on his face. I rested my head on his shoulder.

  I had never been happier.

  Unfortunately, the happiness wouldn’t last.

  Chapter Seventeen

  I was eating breakfast on the balcony the following week when I heard the door shut from behind me.

  “Good morning, darling,” Jasper said, coming to take the seat next to me.

  “I didn’t know you were home,” I said, a smile spreading across my face. He had been in London for just shy of a week.

  “I came in late last night and didn’t want to wake you,” he said.

  “I’m happy to see you.”

  “And I’m happy to see you,” he said. “What’s for breakfast today? No eggs?”

  “Eggs haven’t been sitting well in my stomach, unfortunately. My breakfasts have mainly been crumpets or toast and marmalade. Annabelle suggested peppermint tea to help with the nausea, and it’s worked brilliantly.”

  He looked at me, his brow furrowing, eyes full of concern. “Are you feeling well?”

  I shrugged. “Most of the time. Sometimes, especially when I first get up in the morning, my stomach is a little unsteady. I’ve found the best thing is just to eat a simple breakfast. The feeling usually passes by midday.”

  He covered my hand with his. “That’s a relief. I want to make sure you’re eating enough. You’ve just started to look healthy; I would hate for you to lose too much weight.”

  “I’m eating just fine,” I promised, not really wanting a lecture on my eating habits. “How was London?”

  “Utterly boring,” he sighed. “I would have much rather been here with you.”

  “That’s sweet.” I couldn’t help but gaze at him with a silly grin on my face. He shrugged his shoulders, his face blushing pink.

  “It’s the truth.”

  “When do I get to visit the great city of London?” I asked, taking a sip of my tea.

  “Not until after the baby is born.”

  My heart sank. “But that’s months away!”

  “It’s just to be safe,” he said.

  “Fine,” I sighed. “Do you think when the baby is a little older we could take him or her to the seaside? I’d love for us to go as a family. Just imagine dipping his little toes into the ocean.”

  “I don’t see why not,” he said, tilting his head at me. “Although he or she could just as easily play in the water here.”

  “It’s not the same. The water here is colder, and the beach is all rocky.”

  He kissed my cheek. “I promise, when the baby is a few years old, we’ll take another trip to the seaside.”

  “That’s all I ask,” I said.

  “What else have you been up to since I’ve been gone?”

  “I’ve spent time with Hazel and Annabelle; they’ve been trying to teach me needlepoint. I’ve been reading up on pregnancy, too. Your books are a few years out of date, but they’ll do. I like to sit in the garden after lunch and read.”

  “I have noticed that you like the garden,” he said.

  “It’s so peaceful out here, and I seem to have made a friend.”

  He paused. “Oh?”

  “A wolf. Now before you say anything, he’s quite gentle.”

  He put his hand up. “I wasn’t going to say anything. Many of the wolves around here are accustomed to people and quite comfortable around us. Just use caution. But every so often we get some mean ones, and someone gets hurt.”

  “People have been attacked?”

  He wouldn’t meet my eye. “Only once in my lifetime. It was heartbreaking. That’s why no one is allowed in the woods.”

  “I’ll be careful, and I’ll stay out of the woods,” I promised.

  We finished up breakfast, and I rose to go inside. I began to feel unsteady. Black spots appeared in front of my vision, and my knees went weak. I fell onto the stone of the balcony as my world went dark.

  When I woke up, I was in my bed with Jasper and Dr. Brighton earnestly looking over me.

  “Oh, thank God,” Jasper breathed as I opened my eyes.

  “What happened?” I asked, struggling to sit.

  “You fainted,” Dr. Brighton said.

  “Luckily the good doctor was on his way to check on you anyway,” Jasper said.

  Dr. Brighton checked all of my vitals and listened for the baby’s heartbeat.

  “Your blood pressure is very low,” he concluded.

  “How do we fix that?” Jasper asked. His eyes were full of worry and his face had lost its color.

  “Try to fit more salt into your diet, and make sure you drink plenty of water,” Dr. Brighton said.

  “Is the baby all right?” I asked, running my hands on my stomach.

  “Heart rate is slightly elevated; that may have been from your fall. I’m sure it will drop.”

  “Doctor, why don’t you stay for the day?” Jasper suggested. “Check the heartbeat in an hour, just to make sure.”

  “I’d be happy to do that, your grace.”

  “What abou
t me?” I asked.

  Jasper cupped my face in his hands and kissed my forehead. “You get some rest.”

  “I just woke up!”

  “Christine,” he said, looking deep into my eyes, “please. Just get some sleep.”

  I wasn’t happy about being forced to rest, but I acquiesced. I hadn’t had anything much planned for the day; neither Annabelle or Hazel had planned to call. Still, I hated the idea of being told to stay put.

  It was an instruction that would last longer than just that day. If Dr. Brighton wasn’t at Wolf’s Peak, another doctor was. I was checked on several times a day, all while being instructed to stay in bed. It was maddening to be stuck in my room while perfectly fine. Even a trip downstairs to the library was frowned upon, with Jasper insisting that he would fetch whatever book I was after. He didn’t seem to understand that browsing the shelves was part of my enjoyment. I was beginning to suffocate.

  After a few days, I was afraid I would go mad. I was sick of watching the world through my window. Both Annabelle and Hazel had come to visit, but neither was able to do much to lighten my spirits when I wasn’t allowed to leave my room. Finally, I’d had enough. After a visit from Dr. Brighton, I pulled on a dressing gown, determined to at least go down to the library.

  I opened the door to see Jasper standing there, a cup of tea in his hand.

  “What on earth are you doing?” he asked.

  “I need to get up, “I begged him. “I need to move around.”

  He shook his head. “Absolutely not. You need to stay in bed.”

  “I feel fine!”

  “What if you faint again? What if you fall on the stairs? It’s safer in bed.”

  “I don’t care if it’s safer!” I challenged him. Frustration was building in my veins. “I’ll go mad if I stay in here, and it’s not safe for me to be mad either!”

  Dr. Brighton popped his head around the corner. “Christine, why don’t I prescribe you a mild sedative for your agitation?” he said.

  “I’m not agitated, I’m frustrated!” I said to him, although shouting it probably wasn’t helping my case.