Desperate Measures (Regency Undone) by Claire Firth

men retired for their brandy, the ladies headed for the main salon.
    ‘I am very fatigued.  I think I will retire, if you will excuse me,’ Claudia said with a smile.  She patted her stomach gently.  ‘We have news for you mama … another bundle of joy is on the way.’
    ‘ Good Lord,’ her mother announced.  ‘I thought after the last time you swore never again!’
    ‘ Yes, well these things have a way of happening as you know.  And I have quite forgotten the discomfort by now.  Lionel is still a little shocked at the thought of another child running around, so perhaps you can keep the news to yourself for just a little longer?  Sleep well the both of you and we will see you at breakfast in the morning before we depart.’
    On their own in the room, the Dowager looked at Isabelle.  ‘Can I offer you something to drink, Isabelle?’
    On the verge of refusing, Isabelle changed her mind.  She had already partaken of a small amount of wine with their dinner and felt it had helped settle some of her nerves. Another glass of something might just be what she needed to dull them completely.
    ‘Maybe a small rataffia, if you are having one?  Then I feel I too will be ready to retire.  I am quite exhausted - though not, I would hastily add, for the same reasons as your daughter.’ 
    The words popped out of her mouth before she had any inclination at all that she was going to utter them and she bit her lip, vexed at herself for saying such a thing when she knew perfectly well that she was incapable of conceiving. That that would be a source of great disappointment to Guy ’s family she had no doubt.  She gave the fire a gentle stoke, even though she knew there was a footman she could call to do it, then turned to look at her mother in law.
    ‘ How are you feeling?’ she asked, changing the subject and taking the drink from the butler who had magically appeared at her side.  Privately she thought th e Dowage r was looking much improved.  Indeed she looked positively regal this evening in her finery of the deepest shade of blue.
    ‘ I think it is I who should be asking you that question, my dear.  I am vexed that my son has spent not much more than a couple of hours in our presence today - and you only recently married.  I hope he has been more attentive to you in your own home?’
    ‘ You can rest assured he treats me well,’ Isabelle said lightly, aware of her obligation to Guy to convince his mother that theirs was a genuine match.  ‘We are quite content with our situation.’
    ‘ Hmm.’
    ‘ Believe me, it is true,’ she said earnestly.  She coloured delicately.  ‘I don’t know how much Guy has told you about my circumstances?’
    ‘ He has told me nothing – and neither need you if you do not wish it.’
    ‘ I think maybe it will help you to understand our situation a little better.  The circumstances of my first marriage were not easy.  Guy and I feel we have a certain amount in common over that, which gives us something of a bond.  Neither of us are the type to be over effusive in our emotions but I would not like you to think that is because we are … unhappy.’
    ‘ Hardly the words of a bride emerging flushed from the bedroom,’ the other woman remarked dryly.  ‘I trust that all is well in that department?’
    ‘ Your Grace!’
    ‘ Oh, tush.  You have been married before - and you have no mother of your own to turn to if there is a problem.  And you may call me Mother now that you are married to Guy – unless of course you have an objection to that?’
    ‘ N…no.  I would be honoured.’
    ‘ So … is there anything you would wish to discuss or take some advice upon, regarding my son?’
    ’ Er, no.  Indeed all is perfectly well, thank you.’
    The old woman looked at her shrewdly.  ‘I am going to tell you one thing Isabelle – and after that I will keep my counsel.’
    She paused, her wrinkled brow furrowing in concentration before she said.  ‘My son is