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Trailing his hand down her body, Logan reached her sto over the place where she carried his seed The thought that his child lay within her was a cold shock of reality He rolled away and left the bed
“Get dressed,” he said,his expression blank He headed toward the door “I'll send for Dr Brooke”
“Logan…” Her use of his name caused his back to stiffen “I've wanted to tell you…I'm sorry for what I did”
“You'll be even sorrier in the future,” he said softly “You can count on that”
Strangely, it was not Dr Brooke's exaan's presence in the roos inancy would be revealed as a lie She fixed her gaze on the ceiling, concentrating on the pattern of Grecian s Somewhere inside there was a wild hope that she was mistaken, that there was no baby But the awareness of life within her was undeniable, and she knehat Dr Brooke's verdict would be
She wondered if Logan would be a kind father, or if his animosity toward her would also extend to the baby No—she couldn't iine that he would an innocent child responsible for so that wasn't its fault Perhaps time would soften him…it was her only hope
The doctor stepped away fro expression that made her heart sink “From what my examination has revealed, Miss Ridley, and what you've told me of your last monthly flux, I would expect the baby will arrive sometime at the end of June”
Madeline slowly pulled the robe around herself She didn't bother to correct the name he had used, reluctant to explain the situation to hi her real name
“Perhaps fatherhood will be good for you,” Dr Brooke said to Logan “It will give you so to think about besides that blessed theater”
“No doubt,” Logan muttered without enthusiasm
“If you would like to retain me as Miss Ridley's personal physician, there are a few instructions I'd like to give her—”
“By allclaustrophobic He took no joy in the knowledge that Madeline was pregnant The baby wasn't real to hi about the situation seee he had felt for weeks had faded considerably since thisHe was filled with a sense of relief that he didn't care to dwell on Rubbing the back of his neck, he went downstairs, silently ht
Mrs Florence waited at the botto at him expectantly “Were Madeline's suspicions correct?” She read the answer in his eyes before he could reply “Ah, that is wonderful news” She s, to put such a sullen look on your face?”
“I'ht, instead of listening to you”
Mrs Florence laughed dryly “I iine Maddy is none too pleased with ht that someday you'll both thank me”
“If I were you, I wouldn't count on that…Grandmother” He put sarcastic emphasis on the word
She cocked her silvery-red head and regarded hiun to believe my story?”
“Not a word of it, until I go to Rochester's estate”
“What a suspicious man you are,” she remarked “Clearly it's fro of an optimist, myself”
Logan did not touch Madeline once during the day-long trip to Gloucestershire They sat in opposite seats, the conversation sporadic and filled with long silences Madeline's maid, Norma, followed behind them in a second vehicle to allow them privacy
“How is the theater?” Madeline asked
Logan glanced at her in a way that was both defensive and accusing, as if he thought she was trying to mock him “Haven't you read the Times?” he asked sardonically
“I'm afraid not I've been closed away from the world while my parents have tried to decide what to do with one well so far?”
“No,” he said curtly “The critics have been sharpening their pens with glee”
“But why—”
“The fault is mine,” he muttered
“I don't understand,” she exclai rehearsals you were so brilliant, and I thought…” Her voice trailed away as she realized that the two plays in question had been launched after she had left London She re she had left hiret So this was yet another way in which she had caused hie portion of the company,” she murain your abilities—”
“I don't need you to make bloody excuses for me,” he snapped
“Of course I…I'm sorry”
A sneer swept over his face “I hate to bruise your vanity, sweet, butto do with you After you left, I found it surprisingly easy to put you out ofrooht”
Her cheeks burned with huan felt a stab of satisfaction at the sight
“I wish I could say the saht I'll never forgive myself for how I behaved If you could only kno I—” She stopped suddenly, ade words
Logan clenched his teeth She made herself so da her It was infuriating, it made him feel ashamed, and he didn't kno to deal with it
He watched Madeline close her eyes and lean her head back against the seat, her lips parting with a sigh Suddenly her skin seeainst the chocolate, velvet upholstery “What is it?” he asked abruptly
She shook her head in a tinyher eyes “I'h stiff lips “It's just that soe bounced over a rough patch of road, and she pressed her lips together
Logan regarded her suspiciously, wondering if she were trying to gain his sy illness And now that he thought of it, Julia'sher first three or fourfrequent absences at the theater “Shall I tell the driver to stop?” he asked
“No I'm fine…really”