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the deed. She wanted so much to wrap her arms around him
and congratulate him as everyone else did.
The baby wailing from another part of the house drew
her mind away from the revelry, and as everyone sipped
wine and made toasts to Ash s new empire, Mercy slipped
away and followed the sound. She wanted to hold the baby
so desperately. So many times she had awakened in tears
for the child she lost. So many times she wished she could
make everyone see how much holding that new life would
mean to her. Marguerite s wrath would be nothing in
comparison to her mental instability if she ignored an
infant s discomfort.
She found the room and watched from the doorway. The
nursemaid paced, patting the baby on the back. She
hummed and cajoled but nothing worked.
Good evening, m lady. Would you like to hold her?
Mercy couldn t say no. She swept across the room and
took the child in her arms without another thought. She
held the precious, squalling infant to her aching bosom.
Hugging her, she walked about the room talking of silly
things, fun things, and childish things she remembered
doing.
Go take a walk, get some air. I ll tend her for a while,
she told the nurse.
The woman looked delighted, and as the door closed,
Mercy s fingers flew down her dress to unbutton her gown,
to unlace the ribbon, to unhook her corset. She needed to
feel what she had missed giving a baby the nourishment of
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Brenda Williamson
her body and her heart.
She moved the rocking chair close to the window and
sat with her back to the door. The baby fussed until her
dainty lips latched onto her breast.
You have your babe back in your arms, m lady. Never
let her go, the feminine voice murmured in her mind.
Never let Ashton s child out of your sight again.
My baby died.
Your baby lives, and you must reclaim her.
Mercy released the ribbon on the baby s chin and
pushed back the pretty white cap.
No, it can t be. Her chest tightened on a burning
scream. She brushed her hand over the copper curls, and
the image she had in her mind became a reality in her arms.
See, your baby is not dead.
No! She fought the delusion. It s not possible.
Do you not feel the love of your baby at your breast? I
have helped keep you ready for her.
No, my baby died. she repeated, trying to make
herself believe it, although she never had.
The baby fussed and cried. She couldn t give her what
she needed.
Her mind drifted, her fingers stroked the tiny soft cheek.
She held the precious bundle in her arms and cried. She had
thought the worst was over, her life on a downhill plunge.
She couldn t stop the world crushing her like a heavy foot
on her chest. The weight became unbearable. She had lost a
baby, married a man who despised her, and given up her
only love.
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Indigo Winds
Chapter 16
ercy? Ash took the baby from her arms and put
MEmma in the cradle. He lifted the veil she wore to
hide her bruises.
She stared without seeing, her glazed blue eyes empty.
He tried to snap her out of it, but she didn t move. She sat
as if she were breast-feeding Emma.
Mercy, what s wrong? He fixed her clothes and
picked her up.
The farthest room at the end of the hall was the master
suite. He laid her on the bed and sat next to her, holding her
hand.
Mercy, talk to me.
He touched her cold lips with his then jumped up to
Lord Cree s shout. He stepped into the hallway.
Sinclair! Where is my wife?
I was just coming to get you. She has been taken ill.
Cree went into the room, and Ash left. If he started to
consider the man might be responsible for Mercy s
condition, he d kill him. Mercy had asked him not to
interfere, and he would do this one thing for her.
He went downstairs and returned to the drawing room.
Is something wrong? Weldon asked.
Mercy, I mean, Lady Cree has taken ill.
Should we wait for her?
No. I know your wife is anxious to get back to
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England.
Weldon hugged him. You send the shipment, and I ll
put the money in your accounts as we discussed. Now,
come say goodbye to your niece.
The nursemaid was dressing the baby. Ash picked her
up and looked at her head full of beautiful copper curls.
M lord, you might want to watch, she The
nursemaid s warning came too late.
Ash held Emma away and laughed.
Weldon, your daughter has marked her territory. He
cradled the baby and took the towel to wipe her belly and
legs. He looked at the heart-shaped birthmark on her chest.
A birthmark known as the kiss of an angel.
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