Free To Tempt an Irish Rogue by Kaitlin O'Riley Page B

will.”
    The last thing she recalled before falling asleep was wishing that one day she would talk again, too.

Chapter 8
    Mysteries
    “And Quinton is having such success that we think he shall run for parliament next year,” Lisette Hamilton Roxbury explained excitedly to her sisters later that same evening. With her husband out of town on business, Lisette was spending the night at Devon House.
    After Colette had put her sons to bed, the four Hamilton sisters had gathered in Lisette’s former bedroom. In her nightclothes, Paulette lounged on the large canopy bed with Lisette beside her. Colette and Yvette were curled up on the velvet divan.
    However, Paulette had difficulty paying attention to any of the conversation. Her sisters had been chattering for nearly an hour and Paulette was only vaguely aware of what was being said. Her mind was completely occupied with thoughts of Declan Reeves and all that had happened between them in the bookshop today.
    Relieved that Colette had not questioned her about kissing Mr. Reeves, Paulette remained more or less quiet throughout the evening.
    “That’s very exciting news,” Colette said with enthusiasm. “Quinton is so capable and has such good ideas, he can’t not be elected.”
    “That’s what we’re hoping.” Lisette beamed with pride. “I’m counting on you girls to help us with the campaign. It’s going to be a very busy year.”
    “Well, aren’t you going to have a baby soon?” Yvette asked.
    The room grew unnaturally quiet.
    The sudden silence caught Paulette’s attention. What had just been said? Had she missed something important? Were they waiting for her to respond? Noting that Colette and Yvette were staring at Lisette, relief flooded her. Then she realized Lisette was crying.
    “Yvette,” Colette scolded lightly. “Why did you have to bring that up?”
    “What did I do?” Yvette asked with innocent eyes.
    Wiping her tears with a lace-trimmed handkerchief, Lisette jumped to her youngest sister’s defense. “No, it’s all right. Don’t worry, Yvette. It’s the question everyone is thinking but not saying aloud for fear of upsetting me, and the one I don’t have an answer for.” Tears spilled down Lisette’s cheeks and her auburn hair hung loose around her shoulders, making her appear young and vulnerable. “I don’t know why I haven’t had a baby yet. I’m afraid something might be wrong with me.”
    Rousing herself from her own worries at the sight of her sister’s tears, Paulette wrapped her arm around Lisette’s shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. “Oh, don’t cry. I’m sure everything is fine.”
    Lisette sniffled, a few tears still escaping. “But it’s not. I’ll have been married three years in January and still no baby. Quinton’s brothers’ wives have been making snide remarks about my being barren. Mother even said something to me when I saw her last week. And I know Quinton feels terrible about it too, but is too kind to say so.”
    “You shouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure it will happen soon enough,” Paulette said. She really had no knowledge of these things, but thought it was best to be positive.
    “It will,” Colette added, coming to join them on the bed. “It will happen when you least expect it and the time is right, I promise. Maybe you’ve been too distracted with all of Quinton’s building projects and his political career and simply getting used to being a wife. You’ve been through a lot of change and that can cause nervous tension which is quite unhealthy for babies.”
    “Colette is right,” Paulette said. “There’s nothing wrong with you, Lisette. Just be patient and relax.”
    “And really, just enjoy the time you have without children right now,” Colette continued. “I love my two sons dearly, don’t misunderstand me, but there is a part of me that wishes that I hadn’t had them so soon. Lucien and I had very little time alone together just the two of us before Phillip