The Hellion and The Heartbreaker

by McNare, Jennifer

  “I know sweetheart, I know. If I could take it all away I would.”

  “Stay with me. Please.”

  “Of course I’ll stay with you,” he said, squeezing her hand as tears welled in his eyes. “I will always be here for you, Minx, I promise.”

  As the last wave of pain slowly began to fade, her grip on Colin’s hand gradually relaxed, and after a while, she drifted into semi-consciousness.

  When Mr. Harris finally returned with the physician, Scarlett was scarcely aware of his arrival. Her pain no longer came in waves, but instead, in a constant succession of agonizing torrents.

  Despite his protests, Colin was swiftly ushered out of the room as Dr. Mallory, a tall middle-aged man with a shock of snow-white hair and beak like nose that held up a pair of small wire-rimmed spectacles, immediately took charge of the situation.

  Thirty minutes later, Colin who had been regulated to the downstairs parlor, lifted his weary head from his hands as Scarlett’s tortured screaming abruptly ceased. Anxiously leaping to his feet, he strode purposely toward the staircase. He’d gone only two steps when the sound of a baby’s cry halted him midstride. He sucked in a deep, ragged breath, and then quickly continued on. When he reached the upper landing, the door to Scarlett’s room opened and Tess stepped into the hall.

  “You have a nephew.” Her slight smile was reassuring, but her face was utterly weary. She looked as if she had aged ten years since yesterday morning.

  “Scarlett?” he uttered, his voice filled with trepidation.

  “She’s a fighter. We both know that. She’s going to be fine,” Tess replied. Her voice held the conviction of someone who would accept no less. Her pale blue eyes were misty with tears, but the fear appeared to have faded.

  “Can I see her?”

  “Give the doctor a few minutes first.” She grasped his arm and turned him back toward the stairs. “I think we could both use a drink.”

  Approximately twenty minutes later, the doctor appeared in the doorway of the parlor. He took in the sight of the Earl of Kenston, and the woman sitting next to him, each of them holding an empty brandy glass, both looking as though they had just been to hell and back.

  “Excuse me.”

  Both heads snapped up at the sound of his voice, the earl immediately rising to his feet. “How is she?”

  “She’s a strong young woman. Though it was a difficult birth, I am confident that your sister will have a full recovery,” he replied with a reassuring nod.

  “And the child?”

  “A robust, healthy boy,” he said with a smile. “He’s been through quite an ordeal as well, but he appears to be doing just fine.”

  “May I see my sister?”

  “Of course My Lord. I’ll wait down here.”

  He made to quit the room, stopping to offer his hand to the physician as he exited. “Thank you for saving my sister’s life,” he said with absolute sincerity. “I owe you more than you will ever know.”

  As Colin slipped silently into Scarlett’s room, his gaze went immediately to the bed. The relief on his face was almost tangible as he gazed lovingly at his sister. Scarlett’s face was no longer twisted in agony, her body no longer writhing in pain. He stepped closer to the bed, visibly relieved to see that a bit of color had returned to her cheeks and perspiration no longer soaked her skin. Bending over her, he placed a light kiss upon her cheek.

  As he straightened, Sarah, the midwife, walked up beside him holding a tiny, blanket wrapped bundle in her arms. “He’s well-enough for now My Lord, but if your sister isn’t strong enough to feed him by morning, you’ll need to hire a wet nurse.”

  “Oh…yes…of course,” he stammered, clearly taken aback by the awkwardness of discussing such a personal matter.

  Sarah smiled kindly, but a touch of amusement was evident in her eyes. “Would you like to hold him?”

  Colin took an involuntary step back, his expression wary.

  Her smile widened. “He won’t bite My Lord.”

  “No, no, of course not.” Colin said somewhat sheepishly, and then awkwardly held out his hands. “I suppose I could manage it.”

  “Perhaps you should sit down,” Sarah suggested, nodding toward the chair next to the bed.

  He did, and the midwife carefully placed the sleeping baby in his arms.

  “I’ll give you some privacy.”

  “Wait,” he said, a look of abject terror crossing his features.

  “I won’t be gone long. You’ll be fine,” Sarah assured him as she turned and left the room.

  Once the door had closed behind her, Colin let his gaze drop to the tiny bundle he held in his arms. His cheeks were plump and pink, and though he didn’t cry, his small rosebud lips made tiny mewing sounds. He was a beautiful baby with a tiny little button nose and long dark eyelashes. He stared at the sleeping baby for a long time. “You’re going to have us all wrapped around your little finger, just like your mother, aren’t you my boy?”

  When he heard the sound of the door opening minutes later he turned, expecting to see the midwife, but it was Tess who entered the room. “She’s still asleep. Actually, they both are,” he clarified, glancing down at the slumbering baby.”

  “I expect so. They both had quite a rough time of it these past hours.”

  “We could have lost her Tess. We could have lost them both.” Colin shook his head slowly from side to side.

  “But we didn’t.” Tess said softy, placing her hand reassuringly atop Colin’s shoulder.

  For a moment they both seemed lost in thought as their gazes drifted back and forth between Scarlett and the sleeping infant. It was Colin who finally broke the silence. “So, does my nephew have a crown of fiery red curls like his mother?” he asked.

  “See for yourself.” Reaching out, Tess pushed the blanket back from the baby’s tiny forehead, revealing a thatch of hair as black as night.

  Astonished, Colin started in surprise, slightly jostling the baby in his arms. His little nephew made a faint cry and his lids slowly blinked open to reveal eyes the color of brilliant emeralds.

  An unfamiliar sound gradually penetrated the fog in her head as Scarlett fought to awaken from the deepest slumber she had ever known. She struggled against the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that engulfed her and threatened to carry her off to oblivion once again. The sound grew louder, beckoning her to awake, to open her eyes. The sound, she recognized it, it was a baby’s cry. Her eyes flew open. She blinked once, twice, and tried to focus. She saw a figure standing near the window. It was Tess.

  “Tess?”

  The sound of Scarlett’s voice spun the woman around and revealed the precious bundle she held in her arms. Her baby!

  Tess’ eyes lit with pure joy at the sight of Scarlett struggling to sit up. However, her expression quickly turned to one of concern as Scarlett grimaced in pain. Instantly she was at her side.

  Scarlett fell back against the pillows as a wave of pain coursed through her body. She gasped and fought back the tears that instantly spiked her lashes. “What happened?” she managed, as she fought to remain alert. Her memory of the night before was a vague, tangled mixture of pain and voices. Pain so intense she’d thought surely she would die, and voices encouraging her to hang on, to not give up, and to fight for her life and for her child’s.

  “Your poor body has been through the ringer my dear, that’s what happened,” Tess replied gently. “And you gave us all quite a scare, I might add.”

  “The baby?”

  “You have a son, Scarlett,” Tess told her, as she gingerly sat down upon the side of the bed. She adjusted the baby in her arms so that Scarlett could get her first look at the child she had fought so hard to bring into the world.

  Scarlett caught her breath as her son’s face was revealed to her at last. His face was red from crying, his eyes scrunched shut, and a small, clenched fist rested against his cheek. Even so, he was by far the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Slowly she reached out to touch
him. She stroked his tiny little hand and watched mesmerized as his fingers curled around her own. Her knuckle brushed softly against his lips and his gentle crying ceased, as his mouth began to suck upon her finger.

  “Your son is hungry.”

  Scarlett was instantly concerned. “He is?”

  “He’ll be fine dear,” Tess assured her. “Your brother has already sent to the village to find a wet nurse.”

  “What? No, I don’t need a wet nurse,” she uttered in dismay. She was his mother. She would take care of him. The thought of someone else feeding her child made her feel weak and useless. “Please, give him to me.” She winced as the dull pain in her body suddenly intensified, as she once again struggled to sit up. Losing his hold on her knuckle, her son’s sweet little face once again scrunched up in frustration.

  “Scarlett, you need to rest.” Tess spoke calmly but firmly.

  “I’m fine Tess. “Please, give him to me,” she said again, reaching out for her son, her voice stronger now and more determined.

  The woman who’d raised her and loved her like her own daughter, hesitated for but a moment, and then nodded. “All right. Let me help you.” Placing the baby in Scarlett’s arms, Tess quickly propped another pillow behind Scarlett’s back and then helped her untie the laces of her nightgown.

  For a moment, Scarlett could only gaze upon her son in absolute wonder. Her secret hope of having a boy had been realized and she couldn’t have been more thrilled. Cradling him gently in her arms, she drew him to her chest. The first touch of her son’s lips against her breast was a bit disconcerting, but after a few moments, his tiny little mouth closed around her nipple and he began to suckle. Before long, she realized that nothing had ever felt more right. Feeding her young son felt like the most natural thing in the world. She raised her eyes and met Tess’ gaze. “He’s perfect,” she breathed.

  “He is indeed,” Tess replied with an affectionate smile. “Ten fingers, ten toes and a healthy set of lungs, not to mention a healthy appetite.”

  Returning her attention to her son, Scarlett’s eyes fell to the white knitted cap covering his head.

  “I’ll go and let your brother know you’re awake,” Tess said, turning away. “He’s been worried sick.”

  The gentle rustling of Tess’ skirts faded away a moment later, and then Scarlett was left alone with her child. Reaching toward the little cap that she had knitted herself, weeks earlier, she gently pushed it back. His hair was jet black, just like Alec’s. The sight of it instantly brought tears to her eyes. What would Alec think of his son, she wondered? Would he be proud, excited, indifferent? She couldn’t be sure. But of one thing she was absolutely certain, that she would love her son enough for the both of them. Ever so softly, she rubbed her thumb across the baby’s soft cheek. “My sweet, sweet boy,” she murmured. At the sound of her voice, he stopped nursing for a moment and slowly opened his eyes. They were the exact shade of green as his father’s. Scarlett stared in wonder as tears began to fall slowly down her cheeks, dripping lightly onto the soft blanket that swathed her son.

  Shortly after she had finished feeding her son, a soft knock sounded upon the door to her room. She had laid the baby on the bed next to her where he now slumbered contentedly, and for the past several minutes she had been simply staring at him as he slept. “Come in,” she called softly, glancing toward the door.

  Scarlett’s eyes widened as Colin entered the room. Her brother looked as though he hadn’t slept in a week. His clothes were rumpled, his face unshaven and his hair was a tousled mess. “Good heavens, Colin, you’re a sight.”

  “What did you expect when you nearly had me frightened to death, young lady,” Colin reproached, nearing her side. “Are you alright?” he asked gently.

  “I’ll be fine, Colin; you don’t need to worry anymore.”

  “I will always worry about you, Minx. I cannot help it.” His gentle smile was filled with love.

  In many ways Colin had been more like a father to her than a brother. “I love you, Colin,” Scarlett said, reaching for his hand.

  “I love you too,” he replied, grasping her hand in his as he bent to plant an affectionate kiss upon her forehead.

  Pulling a chair up to the side of the bed, Colin sat down and heaved a weary sigh.

  “Poor dear, you do look awful,” she told him, with a teasing little smile.

  “And you look lovely, as always,” he replied tenderly.

  “I am a mother, Colin.” Her voice was filled with wonderment and joy, and a touch of disbelief. She looked toward the sleeping baby at her side. “Have you seen him?”

  “Last night,” he said, his gaze shifting toward the baby.

  “Isn’t he the most beautiful thing ever, Colin?” Scarlett turned and caught the unguarded expression on her brother’s face.

  Her smile evaporated. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, Scarlett, everything is fine.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “He is a handsome little bugger.” His voice was upbeat. “What are you going to name him?”

  “Colin?” Something was troubling him and she wouldn’t be put off.

  “It’s nothing, Scarlett, really. I’m tired, that’s all. I just need to get some rest.” He started to rise from his chair but Scarlett’s voice stopped him.

  “Tell me Colin!” Despite her weakened condition her voice was strong, her tone adamant.

  He sat back in the chair, resting his elbows on his knees, and leaned his chin onto his clasped hands. He met Scarlett’s pointed stare and sighed. “Your son deserves to have a father, Scarlett. Not some fictitious name on a piece of paper, but a real father. It’s not fair to him and it’s not fair to you.”

  Her eyes widened slightly and then grew teary as she looked down upon her son. “I know.”

  “Damn it, I’m sorry, Scarlett,” he said, his voice filled with self-reproach. “I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “No. You’re right, Colin. It’s not fair.” Her hand moved to rest lightly against her son’s soft cheek and she spoke with fierce determination. “But I will make it up to him somehow. I swear I will.”

  “You are going to be a wonderful mother, Scarlett. Of that, I haven’t the slightest doubt.”

  “And my son is going to have four of the most amazing uncles a boy could ever wish for,” she said, turning back to Colin.

  “You’re darned right he is.” Bending down, he kissed her cheek, and then delicately brushed his fingertips across his nephew’s brow. “Get some rest, Minx.” Rising to his feet, he couldn’t resist teasing. “If your son is anything like you, you’re going to need your strength.”

  Smiling, Scarlett watched him go, confident that her son would have every bit of the love and happiness he deserved.

  When Colin reached the door, he stopped, turning back. “I almost forgot,” he said. “What are you going to name him?”

  Scarlett looked at her son, her expression filled with love. “I’m going to call him Oliver. Oliver William.” After a great deal of thought, she’d chosen the name in reference to Alec’s mother, Olivia, though she doubted that anyone would ever make the connection. At least she certainly hoped not.

  “I like it,” Colin said with a nod, and then quietly left the room.

  Shortly after Colin’s departure, Tess returned to tend to the baby and tried to convince Scarlett to rest before her strapping young son demanded another feeding. As Tess leaned over her to adjust her pillows, she looked up at the woman who had been like a mother to her since she was five years old. She saw the same dear face, the same brown hair, now tinged with grey, coiled at the nape of her neck and the same plump bosom she had cried upon time and again after skinning her knee or bumping her head, and suddenly burst into tears.

  “Oh my baby,” Tess crooned, pulling Scarlett into her arms.

  Once again, Tess held her while she cried. But this time her tears weren’t those of a little girl with a skinned knee to be quickly assuaged with a
loving hug and a chocolate-covered bonbon. This time they were the tears of a young woman overwhelmed by a tidal wave of conflicting emotions. She was blissfully happy to have given birth to such a beautiful, healthy baby boy, but she was also devastated that Alec wasn’t there to share in the birth of their son. Her dreams of marrying Alec, of loving him forever, of having his children and of them living happily ever after hadn’t come to pass, and she knew that they never would. Oh Alec, she thought, this isn’t how it was supposed to be. I loved you so much. I love you still.

  Tess held her, rocking her gently in her arms and whispering soothing words into her ear until her sobs gradually turned to slow ragged breaths. Settling Scarlett back against the pillows, she wiped the last of the tears from her cheeks and then sat by her side, softly stroking her hair long until she finally drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 14

  “Mama, Mama, Uncle Gavin said we are going to London!”

  Scarlett looked down upon her son who would be three next month and into his cherubic face, now beaming with excitement. Obviously, her brother had spilled the beans about their upcoming trip to the city. It was no wonder Oliver was excited, her brothers were forever telling him about London and all of the wonderful things to do and see there.

  “Are we going to visit Uncle Conner? Will we see baby Rose?” he asked.

  Scarlett reached down and scooped her son up into her arms, settling him on her hip as he lovingly slung his arms around her neck. “Would you like that darling?”

  “Oh yes, Mama,” he said, nodding his head enthusiastically. “Are we going, really?”

  “Yes, my sweet, we really are,” Scarlett assured him with a bright smile, despite the trepidation that lurked within her. She knew she couldn’t put it off any longer. Her niece was nearly three weeks old, and like Oliver, she was anxious to meet the newest member of their family. Besides, it was well-past time for her to face her fears and return to London.