Free Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) by Debra Elizabeth Page B

won’t be long.”
    She
nodded and stepped back. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said with a tone of
mischief and longing lacing through her words. “I’ll see you later.”
    Ethan
raised her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss before he left the room, leaving
Emily alone with her thoughts again. She felt so lucky to have such a kind man
who loved her. She’d never been happier and her hand rested against her belly.
“Hello, little one,” she whispered. “Your father and I can’t wait to meet you.”
    The
sound of a carriage pulled her back to the window. She moved the curtains aside
and was delighted when she saw the driver helping Mia descend the two stairs to
the street. She was holding tightly to the sweet bundle in her arms.
    She
hurried to the door, but Mrs. Fullerton was there to greet her guest.
    Today
Emily would not stand on ceremony. “Mia!”
    The
housekeeper stepped aside as Mia came inside and hugged her friend with her
free arm. “Emily, how good to see you. You look as beautiful as ever.”
    Emily
kissed Mia on each cheek. “Thank you. How was your journey? Did Lucas fare all
right during the ride?”
    “Yes,
he’s fine,” Mia said, drawing the blanket away from
her son’s face.
    Emily
peered at the sleeping infant. “He’s such a handsome boy. May I take him for a
bit?”
    Mia
nodded and placed the baby in Emily’s arms. “He’s grown so much since you’ve
last seen him.”
    The
housekeeper cleared her throat. “Mrs. Richardson, would you like the tea now?”
    “Oh
yes, thank you, Mrs. Fullerton. And please ask cook for some refreshments.”
    “Yes,
ma’am.” She turned toward Mia. “Mrs. Giles, I’ll have the driver bring in your
chest.” Mrs. Fullerton stepped to the door and gave instructions. “Please have
her things brought to the front bedroom.”
    The
driver nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Come
Mia, let’s sit where when can talk,” Emily said as she led Mia into the parlor.
    Mia
followed Emily and sat next to her on the sofa. “Oh, this is such a lovely room.”
    “Do
you like it?”
    “Yes,
it’s beautiful. I especially like the different shades of blue you’ve chosen.
It is a well-appointed room, indeed.”
    “Thank
you. Ethan had the workman working all winter to make sure it was ready for the
Season, and now you’re here – my first guest. It couldn’t be any more
perfect than this. How long can you stay?”
    Mia
untied the ribbons on her bonnet and pulled off her gloves. She set them aside
and pushed a wayward wisp of brown hair off her face. “Only a week, I’m afraid.
Charles will be home by then and I’d like to be there to greet him. I’ve missed
him dearly.”
    Emily
stroked the baby’s head. “I can imagine. I find myself missing Ethan when he’s
only gone for the day. I don’t know how I’d fare if he left on business for a week.”
    “Is
Ethan here?”
    “No,
but he’ll return shortly. He’s looking forward to seeing you again. Cook has a
special dinner planned, as well.”
    “Oh,
wonderful, but you know you shouldn’t have gone to any trouble on my account.”
    Emily
squeezed Mia’s hand. “It’s no trouble at all.”
    The
baby stirred in Emily’s arms. “Mia, I cannot hold this inside any longer. I
have a secret to tell you.”
    Mia
looked at Lucas before returning her gaze to Emily. Her hand flew to her mouth.
“Have I guessed it? Are you with child?”
    A
wide grin split Emily’s pretty face. “Yes. I’m so thrilled.”
    Mia
reached over and hugged her friend. “There is no blessing that can rival having
your own child. It’s been an absolutely joy having Lucas. I’m so very pleased
for you.”
    Emily
kissed the soft down on the baby’s head. “It will be wonderful I’m sure. By
winter, I’ll be able to experience that joy myself.”
    Mrs.
Fullerton came into the room carrying a tray a tea and refreshments. “Would you
like your tea at the table, Mrs. Richardson?”
    “Yes,
thank you.”
    Mrs.
Fullerton put