Secret Pleasures by Cheryl Howe

pinched-faced disapproval melted into a soft smile, almost causing Darien to regret his harsh tone.
    “And what do you two suppose to do about this situation? ” Faith folded her arms over her chest, her self-righteous demeanor returning . “This child?”
    In response, Melody released a belch with the intensity of a drunken sailor then spit up a foul smelling spray upon Ivy’s light green gown.
    “What other people of our ilk do . Send her away to board with a country woman who has fourteen more . Melody will die before her second birthday and be out of our hair for good. ” Ivy shifted Melody and rubbed her back apparently unconcerned with the tang of sour milk.
    Darien was once again thankful that he had been forced to refrain from his usual London drinking binge or Melody would not be the only one giving up their breakfast . He spotted a tea towel next to the basket of muffins and retrieved it for Ivy.
    “I meant, will you two really marry?” Faith said gently. “Change your ways, both of you?” she said with an extra sharp look for Darien . “Provide a wholesome environment?”
    Darien kept his mouth shut, waiting for Ivy to explain the situation to Faith so he could be enlightened as well.
    “I am sure whatever I do will disappoint your standards of morality,” Ivy said.
    Faith had always been a Goody Two-Shoes, crying to her parents if Darien so much as snuck a peck upon her beautiful sister’s long, supple neck.
    “I must go. ” Faith settled her wide-brimmed hat on her head . “Gerome understands my need to visit , but he expects me not to make a spectacle of myself . I only came round to ask what scandal we should prepare ourselves for after Darien’s show at the ball . Now I see.”
    “You don’t see . Melody has nothing to do with what happened at the ball . I promise you that her existence will not further inflame your husband’s sense of moral outrage.”
    “I shan’t see you again until you have married the child’s father. ” Faith paused by the door. “I know you think you are beyond all that Ivy, but you are not. ” Instead of marching down the steps in her rigid indignation, Faith rushed toward Ivy and Melody . She embraced her sister and her child, then gently touched the baby’s head . “She is beautiful . Just like you,” Faith said to Ivy . “Take care of your mum . She needs someone to love.”
    Faith turned and rushed out the door.
    “Shall I strike Faith and Gerome from my proposed list of wedding guests?” Darien asked, hoping to gain a hint of a smile from Ivy .
    “Are we still welcome to accompany you to your family’s country estate? ” Ivy stared at the door where her sister departed . “I do not intend to be separated from my daughter, so if private accommodations will be a problem — ”
    “No problem at all. ” Darien straightened, not sure what to make of Ivy’s sudden change but unwilling to ask, lest she alter her plans again.
    “Excellent . I’ll pack our trunks. ” She strode down the hall and Darien followed, choosing his next words carefully.
    “You shall be in rather tight quarters with me . I hope that won’t trouble you.”
    Ivy paused on the top step and turned to face him . “Nothing shall please me more. ”

 
    …a nd I’ve witnessed the pleasure she brings to your life. ”
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    “I must remove my coat before I faint. ” The noonday sun beat on the carriage and heated the interior like a hot house . Ivy gently dislodged Melody’s warm cheek from her damp skin . A puddle of drool had soaked through her India n print chintz gown . “Might you hold her for a moment?”
    “Me? ” Darien startled from his relaxed position on the wide leather seat across from her . His foot dropped to the carriage floor with a thud that sounded over the steady clop of the horses’ hooves . Melody jolted and abruptly opened her swollen eyes.
    “Do you see anyone else?” Ivy whispered and nestled Melody against her until she