"No, Johnsy—Philip had his reasons. They were selfish ones, but I don't blame him anymore. I just hope he's happy with Nura, for I'm happy with my baby," Christina replied.
"Aye, 'appy you may be, but still sad for 'avin' loved a man an' then losin' 'im in such a short time. I'm sorry, love—truly I am. But now I must get you to bed. You're near to fallin' asleep where you sit. I should be ashamed of myself for keepin' you up till the wee ours of the mornin'. But you can sleep as late as you want tomorrow, love. I'll keep the servants away from your room."
Upstairs in Christina's room, Johnsy helped her out of her traveling dress and into a loose-fitting nightdress. The large tub of water sitting in front of the blue marble fireplace had turned cold a long time ago, but she was too tired for a bath, anyway.
Christina surveyed her old room while Johnsy put away the rest of her things. She loved this room and had chosen it for herself because she liked the dark blues that dominated its decor.
Oh, but it was good to be home again with the things and people she had grown up with and loved!
Christina got into bed and covered herself. She was already asleep when Johnsy kissed her on the forehead and quietly left the room.
Chapter Twenty-five
THE bright, clear day was blocked out by the heavy blue velvet curtains covering the windows in Christina's room. A door slammed shut somewhere in the house. Her reddened eyes fluttered open momentarily, but she was much too sleepy to think of crawling out of the soft comfort of her bed. She turned over and lost herself in peaceful sleep once again.
But a few moments later, the sound of angry voices brought Christina's eyes wide open.
"Where is she, damn it?"
Christina raised herself slowly to her elbows.
"Now you can't go in there, Master Tommy. I told you she's sleepin'."
Christina recognized Johnsy's disapproving voice just outside her room.
"Good Lord, woman—it's the middle of the day! Either you go in there and wake her—or I will." It was Tommy Huntington.
"You will do no such thing. My baby is tired. She came 'ome very late last night, an' she needs 'er sleep."
"And that's another matter. Why the hell wasn't I informed that Christina was home? I had to hear it from my servants this morning."
"Now calm yourself, Master Tommy. We didn't know Miss Christina was comin' 'ome until she arrived. I would 'ave sent word to you as soon as she woke up. Now you get yourself out of 'ere. I'll send someone over after Miss Crissy wakes."
"That won't be necessary. I'm not leaving. I'll wait downstairs, but she damn well better wake up soon or I'm coming back up here."
After Tommy stormed downstairs, Christina's door opened quietly and Johnsy poked her head around it. When she saw Christina sitting up, she came into the room.
"Ah, baby—Fm sorry 'e woke you. Master Tommy can sure be 'eadstrong when 'e wants to."
"That's all right, Johnsy. I guess it's time I got up, anyway," Christina replied. "I'll take a bath now, then go down and face him."
"Aye, 'e's gonna be pretty upset when 'e sees your condition. Well, I'll tell Master Tommy 'e can see you in the dining room shortly. You can tell 'im what you 'ave to over breakfast—you an' that baby need your nourishment"
About an hour later, Christina slowly descended the curved staircase and went straight to the dining room. She stopped in the doorway when she saw Tommy seated at the long table with his back to her. She quietly walked into the room.
"It's good to see you again, Tommy."
"Christina, why didn't you—" He stood up and faced her, but he stopped short when he saw her enlarged belly.
A small, choked sound escaped his throat. Christina turned away and sat down on the other side of the table. One of the kitchenmaids brought in a large platter of food, and Christina, as if nothing were wrong, filled her plate with bacon and eggs and two delicious cherry tarts.
"Won't you join me, Tommy? I hate to eat alone, and this food smells too good to waste," she said without looking at him, busying herself buttering a piece of toast.
"How—how can you act as if nothing has happened? Christina, how could you do this to me? You know I love you. I wanted to marry you. I've been waiting patiently here for you and counting the days until your return. From the looks of you, you married as soon as you got to that damn country! How could you? How could you marry another man so soon?"
"I'm not married, Tommy—I never was," she said calmly. "Now do sit down. You're making me lose my appetite."
"But you're pregnant!" he exclaimed.
"Yes," she laughed. "Very much so."
"But I don't understand." And then he gasped. "Oh, I'm sorry, Christina! If John hasn't killed the man, I'll find him and see justice done!"
"Oh, stop it, Tommy! I was not married, and I was not raped. I was abducted and held captive for four months. I fell in love with the man who kidnapped me. He doesn't know I carry his child, and he will never know. But understand this, Tommy. I will keep my child, and raise him and give him all my love. I am happy, so don't feel sorry for me.
"You asked me to marry you a long time ago, but I never said I would, Tommy. And now, of course, it is out of the question. I'm sorry if I have hurt you, but I would still like us to be friends if—if you can forgive me."
"Forgive you! I loved you, and you gave yourself to another man. I wanted you for my wife, and you're going to bear another man's child. You ask my forgiveness? Oh, Lord!" He slammed his fist down on the table and stormed from the room.
"Tommy, don't go like this!" she called after htm, but he was already gone.
Johnsy came into the room, her brow wrinkled with concern. "I waited until I 'eard 'im leave. Did 'e take it badly?"
"Yes, I'm afraid I've hurt him terribly," Christina sighed. "I didn't ask for any of this to happen to me."
"I know, love. It's not your fault, so don't be blamin' yourself. It's that Philip Caxton's fault But Master Tommy will get over it. You and 'e 'ave 'ad many a disagreement before, and you always made up afterward."
"But that was when we were children. I don't think Tommy will ever forgive me for this."
"Nonsense! 'E just needs time to get used to the situation. You mark my words—'e'll be back. But you finish your meal now. Would you like it warmed up a bit?"
"No. I've lost my taste for food right now," Christina replied, and got up from her chair.
"You sit yourself right back down there. You've no longer just yourself to think of. Your baby needs food whether you do or not You want 'im 'ealthy an' strong, don't you?"
"All right, Johnsy, you win."
After Christina finished the cold meal, she went straight out to the stables. As soon as she walked through the open doors, Deke, the stable master, came running to greet her.
"I knew you'd be coming here before the day was out It's good to have you back, Miss Christina."
"It's good to be back, Deke. But where is he?"
"Now who might you be referring to?"
"Come on, Deke!"
"Might you be referring to that big black stallion in the last stall?"
"That I might." Christina laughed gaily and rushed to the end stall.
When she saw the big black horse, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, gaining a snort in response.
"Oh, Dax—I've missed you so!"
"Aye, and he's missed you, too. Hasn't been ridden since you left, Miss Christina, although we've kept him busy. He's sired four fine colts, with another one on the way. But I can see he'll still have to wait for that ride," Deke said bashfully.
"Yes, but not for very long," Christina replied. "Bring him out, Deke, and put him in the corral. I'd like to see him move."
"Aye, he'll do that, all right He'll strut and prance and put on a fine show."