A Viscount's Heart for Christmas (Book 5, Age of Innocence)

by Debra Elizabeth

  A VISCOUNT’S HEART FOR CHRISTMAS

  2021 Copyright © by Debra Elizabeth

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  Cover Image Copyright © Period Images Covers

  Cover Art Design 2020 Copyright © Terry Roy

  Editing by Ravensgate Editing Services

  Chapter 1

  London, England

  1818

  ACOLD WIND WHISTLED THROUGH THE garden, sending bare tree branches whipping back and forth as eighteen-year-old Lady Courtney Darkin strolled with her pregnant sister-in-law, Hannah, Duchess of Wetherby. The late November air had turned chilly, and strong gusts of wind chilled her to the bone. She pulled her wool cape around her more tightly, wisps of rich brown hair escaping their pins and swirling around her face as she tried to corral them.

  “Hannah, aren’t you chilled? The wind has quite a bite to it.”

  “It’s definitely turned colder, but might I persuade you to walk with me for another few moments?” Hannah asked.

  Courtney nodded. “Of course, but Camden will be quite upset with me if you fall ill. You know how he worries about you.”

  Hannah chuckled. “I know, but soon, I’ll not be able to walk in the garden. I think we’re in for an early snow storm and then we’ll all be housebound.”

  “The temperature certainly has dropped while we’ve been out here. You think it will snow soon?”

  Hannah nodded. “The weather’s so changeable this time of year, but I’m merely guessing about the snow. That’s why I want to be outside today for as long as possible.”

  “I understand, but perhaps only for another two minutes?”

  Courtney had been thrilled when her brother, Camden, Duke of Wetherby, married Hannah a year ago. As Hannah was only a few years older than her, Courtney was happy when she’d turned into a willing confidant. She’d never had a sister growing up, and now she understood what she’d been missing. She cherished the special bond with her sister-in-law. Hannah treated her as a mature young lady, and that went a long way toward improving her self-confidence. If only her mother would acknowledge how much she’d matured, she’d be ever so happy. After all, she was no longer a child in the schoolroom.

  When her mama had refused to allow Courtney a Season in the spring, Camden had stepped in and dictated that Courtney would indeed be allowed to come to London. Katherine had argued with him, pointing out that Courtney wasn’t mature enough and one more year at their country estate would be most beneficial. When Courtney heard what she’d said, she complained bitterly to Camden about how unfair Mother was being. Fortunately, her brother agreed with her, and she’d never loved him more. He was the only one who could overrule Katherine, and Courtney hoped she wouldn’t be too difficult about the decision.

  Her mother had not been happy, but she couldn’t ignore the duke’s edict, and though she’d made her objections known on numerous occasions, she and Courtney had travelled to London in September. Being in London again was a dream come true. She loved the hustle and bustle of Town and never ceased to be amazed at how sheltered her life was at their country estate.

  She didn’t understand why her mother was being so stubborn about coming to London this year. Courtney dreamed of experiencing the thrills of a Season like other young women her age, especially with all the soirees, teas, picnics, and balls available to her. She longed to meet new friends and could hardly wait for spring. Why couldn’t her mother see her as the young woman she’d become, instead of the little girl who used to run wild in the country? Without Camden’s influence, Courtney would be languishing in the country for another year and she wasn’t sure she could stand the solitude with only her mother’s company, especially when the other aristocratic families in the area traveled to London each spring.

  A groan interrupted Courtney’s musings, and she turned to her sister-in-law. “Hannah, are you well?”

  Hannah bent over, arms clutching her stomach. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. The baby’s quite active today. Perhaps you’re correct and it’s time to return to the house after all.”

  “Let me help you. Lean on me,” Courtney said, putting her arm around Hannah’s waist.

  Before they’d taken more than five steps, Hannah was seized with another crippling pain. “Oh my word, that pain is the worst I’ve ever felt,” she gasped.

  Courtney stared, wide-eyed. “Is the baby coming?”

  Hannah shook her head. “Surely not. The baby’s not due for at least another fortnight,” she said as another groan escaped her lips. “I think it will be fine once I can lie down.”

  Courtney put her arm around Hannah’s waist again. “Come. We must get you inside. It’s not too far to the door, and then you can rest.”

  By the time they reached the French doors, Hannah was flushed and bent over in severe pain. “Here we are,” Courtney said as they entered the library. She helped Hannah take off her pelisse and gloves. Hannah plopped down on the sofa, and Courtney eased her feet off the floor so she could recline, grabbing a pillow off the nearest chair and placing it under her sister-in-law’s head. “Is that better?”

  Hannah groaned through another bout of pain. When she caught her breath again, she said, “Courtney, I know it’s early, but I believe my time is near. Please send word to the doctor to attend me directly.”

  “Certainly.” Courtney rushed out of the library and found a footman. “Thomas, please go and summon the doctor. The duchess needs him immediately.”

  Thomas nodded and raced toward the servant’s hall to gather his coat and hat. The doctor’s residence was not too far, and they should return within the hour.

  Courtney hurried back to Hannah. “I’ve sent Thomas for the doctor.”

  “Thank you. It relieves my mind greatly knowing he’s on his way.”

  “Can you make it up to your bedchamber? You’ll be more comfortable upstairs.”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes. I believe so.”

  Courtney stripped off her cloak and gloves before helping Hannah rise from the sofa. Before they’d even taken a step, she doubled over with another pain.

  “Oh my, Camden’s son seems to be insistent on coming into this world today. Has my husband returned yet?”

  Courtney shook her head. “I’ve not seen him, but I’ll send someone to fetch him home if he’s not here momentarily.”

  “Thank you, Courtney. I’m ever so glad you decided not to go out visiting with your mother today. When I gave Gray the afternoon off to visit her mother, I had no idea I’d need my maid’s assistance.”

  “Oh no, Gray’s gone too?”

  “Bad timing indeed,” Hannah said as she took her time climbing the stairs, with one hand on the railing and one supporting her belly.

  “I wish Mother were here. She’d know what to do,” Courtney said, helping Hannah as best she could. “Of all the days to be alone in the house.”

  Ha
nnah nodded. “Don’t worry yourself, my dear. I hear babies take many hours to come into the world. By then, the doctor, Camden, and your mother should have returned to help with the birth.”

  Courtney was relieved when they reached Hannah’s bedchamber. She helped her to the chair in front of the fireplace, and Hannah eased herself down. “Rest here a moment, and then I’ll help you out of your gown so you’ll be more comfortable.”

  Hannah tried to answer, but another pain wracked her body, and she bent over, struggling not to cry out.

  Courtney wrung her hands, feeling helpless. She had no idea what to do to help her sister-in-law, but perhaps their housekeeper could help. “I’ll return momentarily. I’m going to summon Mrs. Stanley.”

  Hannah could only nod as she struggled to breathe through the pains.

  Courtney raced down the stairs. “Mrs. Stanley, Mrs. Stanley, where are you?” Anxiety started to build within her chest when there was no answer from the housekeeper. She headed to the kitchen and called out, “Cook, do you know where Mrs. Stanley has gone?”

  One of the kitchen maids looked up from chopping vegetables when Courtney entered. “Both Mrs. Brinkman and Mrs. Stanley are out at the moment. Cook should be back soon though.”

  “Please send either of them to the duchess’s bedchamber as soon as they return. The baby is coming.”

  “Yes, Lady Courtney, right away,” Bethany said.

  Rapid breathing had left Courtney lightheaded, and she leaned over the worktable to catch her breath. Fainting would help no one.

  “My lady, are you ill?” the young maid asked.

  “I’m fine, thank you. A little winded, that’s all.” Courtney said, steadying herself against the table. She took several deep breaths to calm her erratically beating heart. She had to focus on helping Hannah. That was all that mattered. Courtney had no idea how to actually help her sister-in-law, but she would do her best to make Hannah as comfortable as possible. After a few moments, her breathing had evened out, and she hurried up the stairs. If she wanted everyone, especially her mother, to treat her as a mature young woman, she needed to put her fears aside and help Hannah any way she could, all the while hoping Thomas would return soon with the doctor.

  She hurried back to the duchess’s bedchamber. “Hannah, do you know where Camden was headed today? I can send a footman to fetch him, but I need some direction.”

  Hannah shook her head. “Sorry, I was sleeping when he went out this morning. He could be at his club, but I’m not sure.”

  “He’ll probably be home shortly, but I’ll send Joseph to hurry him along. In the meantime, let me help you out of your dress and into bed.”

  “Thank you, Courtney,” Hannah said as she struggled to stand. “Whew, that was more difficult than I imagined,” she said when she finally gained her feet.

  Courtney undid the buttons on the day dress and helped Hannah step out of it. She made short work of her petticoat, stockings, and shoes before another pain hit. Hannah grabbed her shoulders, holding on for dear life while doing her best to breathe through the pain. When the contraction had passed, Courtney asked, “Would you like to change into a night rail or stay in your shift?”

  Before Hannah could answer, a gush of water spilled from between her legs. “Oh my. This child is in a hurry.”

  Courtney had never attended a birth before, and her eyes widened at the puddle on the floor. “Is that supposed to happen?”

  “Yes. It means the child will be born today. I’ll just keep my shift on. Please help me into bed and ask the maids to bring plenty of drying cloths.”

  “Here, lean on me.” Courtney grabbed Hannah around the waist and helped her to the bed. When Hannah sat down, Courtney lifted her sister-in-law’s legs onto the bed and got her settled with numerous pillows before hurrying out of the room. It didn’t take long for her to return with one of the housemaids carrying an armload of drying cloths.

  “Sally, please clean the floor and send the doctor up as soon as he arrives,” Courtney said.

  “Yes, Lady Courtney.”

  “I’ll return momentarily,” Courtney said, dabbing a sheen of perspiration from Hannah’s forehead. “I must direct Joseph to fetch Camden from his club.”

  Hannah could only nod as another pain hit.

  Courtney ran down the stairs once more and went in search of Joseph. She found him in the kitchen, helping Bethany lift a large pot of water over the flame. “Joseph, please go to the duke’s club and ask him to come home immediately. The duchess needs him.” Courtney was glad when Joseph nodded because she had no idea which club Camden was a member of. When Joseph donned his coat and hat and opened the door, she was shocked to see snow swirling through the air. Hannah had guessed correctly—snow had come early to London. She said a silent prayer the storm wouldn’t worsen before either Thomas or Joseph returned.

  “Bethany, when the water’s hot, bring a bowl to the duchess’s chamber.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  She left the kitchen. What else could she do to help Hannah? Wishing she knew, she hurried back up the stairs. How babies came into the world was not a topic her mother had broached yet.

  Courtney could hear screams of pain and rushed to Hannah’s bedside. The pains were coming quicker now, and Hannah writhed in agony.

  “I don’t know what else to do to help you. Is your mother or Aunt Mary in town?”

  Hannah shook her head as the latest pain subsided and she collapsed against the pillows. “My parents went to their country estate and aren’t due back until nearer when the baby was due. Aunt Mary, Ethan and Emily are also at their country estate because I’m told first babies are notoriously late.”

  “The doctor or Camden should arrive soon, but I fear you were correct in predicting snow earlier. There’s a raging snowstorm outside.”

  In between labored breaths, Hannah said, “Oh no! That’s one prediction I’m not happy to see come true. My dear Courtney, there’s no help for it now, I’m afraid. If the doctor doesn’t arrive soon, you’ll have to help bring my child into the world.”

  Courtney inhaled sharply. “Me? Whatever should I do? I’ve never attended a birth before.”

  “You’ll do fine. When I roll to my side, put a couple of drying cloths underneath me.”

  Courtney did as Hannah requested. “What else can I do? How can I relieve your agony? I hate to see you in such pain. Perhaps willow bark tea will help?”

  Hannah shook her head. “You can do nothing for the pain, I’m afraid. It’s part of the birthing process, as my mother explained to me before she left town. But you’ll need to help when the baby’s head appears.”

  “The baby’s head?” Courtney was trying so very hard to be helpful, but she was out of her depth. Her mother hadn’t even let her witness the births of animals at their country estate. “Will it help to squeeze my hand?”

  Hannah grabbed her hand, and Courtney was hard-pressed not to scream along with her sister-in-law when the next pain hit.

  CHARLES BAINBRIDGE, VISCOUNT EDGERTON, looked up at the knock on his study door. “Come.”

  “The Duke of Wetherby,” Akers the butler said as he opened the door.

  Wetherby strode in, his long legs making fast work of the distance to the desk. “Good day, Edgerton.”

  Edgerton put his quill down. “Wetherby, did we have a meeting scheduled today?”

  The duke shook his head. “No. I’m in desperate need of some male company. My home is overrun with females.”

  Edgerton chuckled. “Not for long, I hear. Hannah is determined to give you a son within mere weeks.”

  “We shall see. My wife is always determined, but I’ll be happy as long as she and the child are healthy.”

  “You’ll be happy with another female in the house?” Edgerton asked, raising a blond eyebrow.

  Wetherby walked to the sideboard, p
oured brandy into two glasses, and brought them back to the desk.

  “A little early for brandy, don’t you think?” Edgerton asked.

  “Not at all. Let’s toast to the health of my wife and child.”

  “Excellent. I’ll toast to that,” Edgerton said, raising his glass and sipping the brandy. “Now that we’ve toasted your family, I need to discuss something with you. I was going to seek you out later at the club, so you’ve saved me the trip.”

  Wetherby sat in one of the chairs facing the desk. “Of course. What it is?”

  “There’s a problem with Red Knight’s mission.”

  “How much of a problem?”

  “Enough that I need to stay in London for the foreseeable future, managing the situation and keeping Jeffries abreast of it. There’s talk of unrest, maybe even riots in the north.”

  “I see. What do you know so far?” Wetherby asked.

  The two men talked about Home Office business for several hours. Ever since Wetherby had handed the reins of spymaster over to him suddenly last year, Edgerton was more than happy to enlist the help of his best friend when the need arose. He was still new to the spymaster game, even after serving as a spy under Wetherby for several years. It was one thing to focus on a single mission, and quite another to keep all the missions straight and on track as the regional spymaster. Lives depended on him making the right decisions, and it was a huge and often a nerve-wracking responsibility.

  “Have you talked with Lady Tisbury lately?” Wetherby asked.

  “Yes, yesterday, as a matter of fact. She had nothing new to report. With most of the ton at their country estates for the holidays, her information is limited to what she can gather from visiting friends and hosting small dinners.”

  “Don’t discount any piece of information she may pass along, Edgerton. Sometimes it seems inconsequential at the time but becomes vital to something else as missions unfold. It happened numerous times when I was spymaster. Her help was invaluable when we caught that spy killer.”

  Edgerton stood and stretched. “I vividly remember. I don’t relish ever being stabbed again. Once was certainly enough. Thank you, Wetherby. I appreciate your sage advice.”