The Vow by Lindsay Chase Page B

faced him. Even in the cool dark shade, his pale blue eyes collected the light, making them look more vibrant. “I tried just now,” she said.
    “Don’t tell me. He said he was too busy to talk to you.” He paused. “I can tell you’re disappointed.”
    “I try not to be. I know Reiver is working hard to make the mill a success.”
    Samuel’s handsome features darkened. “He could still spare you a minute of his time, especially to hear wonderful news like this.”
    Hannah lifted one shoulder in an unconcerned shrug. “I’ll tell him tonight, before dinner, when he’s had a chance to rest and isn’t so preoccupied with the mill.”
    “I think it’s time I had a little talk with my brother.”
    She placed a restraining hand on his arm. It felt pleasantly hot and damp, the hairs rough to the touch. “Please don’t. You’ll only make Reiver angry.”
    When Samuel glanced down at her hand still resting on his arm, Hannah became self-conscious and quickly withdrew it.
    “My brother may know a great deal about running a silk mill,” Samuel said,
    “but he has much to learn about being a considerate husband. Still, if you don’t wish me to speak to him…”

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    Lindsay Chase
    “It would be best.”
    “Then I won’t.” He studied her. “How are you feeling? You look very pale today.”
    “I felt a little dizzy this morning while playing with Benjamin, but it passed.”
    He frowned. “You’re running yourself ragged. Perhaps you should get more rest and let the girls do the household chores.”
    The distinct aroma of horseflesh and male sweat tickled Hannah’s nose.
    “You needn’t worry, Samuel. I’m fine, really.”
    He took a step closer. “I worry about you.”
    Titan swung his head around and stared at his master. Hannah stared at Samuel as well, all too aware that the atmosphere between them had suddenly thickened, becoming as charged with promise as a summer thunderstorm. Part of her wanted to run from it. Another part of her wanted to embrace it.
    She reached out and combed her fingers through Titan’s coarse mane. “You needn’t worry. The dizziness will pass. I’d endure any physical discomfort to have another child.” She couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth. “Benjamin is such a joy that I can’t wait to have another, hopefully a little girl this time.”
    “I hope you get exactly what you want, Hannah.”
    Why did she have the uncomfortable feeling that he wasn’t referring to her unborn child?
    “I’m sure we will. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to the house.”
    She fled before Samuel could say another word.

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    The Vow
    Once back in the house, Hannah busied herself in the buttery chopping dried rosemary and lemon verbena, but her thoughts kept dwelling on Samuel standing in the shade, grooming his horse.
    She inhaled the rich spicy aroma and smiled to herself. He listened to her. He shared her happiness about the baby. He expressed his concern for her well-being.
    Hannah finished chopping the herbs and refilled the spice box. Tonight when she told Reiver her wonderful news, he would be just as excited and solicitous as his brother.

    Later that evening, Hannah hesitated in the doorway of their bedchamber.
    “Reiver, may I speak to you for a moment?”
    He buttoned a clean shirt. “Only for a minute. I’m on my way out.”
    Hannah hid her disappointment. “Oh? You won’t be having dinner with the family this evening?”
    He shook his head and slipped into his best waistcoat. “I’m dining with the Athelsons. Important business.” He looked at her. “What did you want to tell me?”
    “You’re going to be a father again.”
    Reiver’s hand stopped at the third waistcoat button. “Another child?” When Hannah blushed and nodded, he grinned, strode over to her and kissed her on the cheek. “That’s wonderful news. Another son for the Shaw silk empire.”
    She