Prologue
Philip walked briskly down the corridor. Maney had only but minutes before informed him that the Lady of Lessex had come to call and was waiting for him in the parlor.
“What the hell does she want now?” Philip demanded.
“Well know sir, she didn’t specify. She seemed in a hurry to see you.”
“Damn it!” sighing inwardly, he turned to leave. “Thank you Maney.” The butler nodded. Philip could not guess what she wanted now. After the scandal that involved both their names and almost ruined his reputation, he was in no frame of mind to speak with her. The press taking charge of the situation and publishing every lie that she spun. He was as helpless as a newborn baby. Finally, after pressing charges and hiding out in his own home, only a month and a half later, he felt like a free man. He didn’t have the press dogging his heals all day everyday if he did manage to get out, which in fact was very rare. Suppressing another sigh, he pushed open the door to the parlor. She was standing by the big bay window situated at the west end of the room.
Lady Emilie Jordan was a very petite woman. She was a woman that wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and apparently not afraid to tell lies either, he thought bitterly to himself. Emilie had long chestnut brown hair, beautiful green eyes and sharp cheekbones. In fact, it was her eyes that had caught his attention the first time they met. Today she was wearing a simple pale blue spring dress. The colour of the dress made those impossible green eyes stand out. She turned to look at him.
“What do you want now Emilie?” she winced at his sharp tone. He tried to keep the hostility out of his voice. Yes, he thought, it’s just easier to play a complete idiot in this kind of situation. Keep your mouth shut Philip told himself sternly. He looked at her.
“Oh Philip! I’m afraid I have some very, very bad news!” she looked at him avoiding his gaze. A gleam reflecting off the lights in the room, giving away the trace of tears she refused to let fall. Her bottom lip trembled.
“What is it Emile?” Temper check old boy, your getting ahead of your self here. Sighing impatiently he added, “What kind of news do you have for me? Have you started another scandal so I would have to be forced to marry you? Or do you have some legitimate bad news?” What the hell was that? Damn it, Philip your going to get your self in trouble! Why can’t you learn to keep you mouth shut? He looked her in the eye. Her charm not affecting him this time. She had turned pasty white, at his out burst.
“I’m pregnant.” It came out as barley a whisper.
All colour drained from Philips face, making him look dead.
