Chapter XXIV

Adelaide awoke to the gentle rise and fall of her husband's chest beneath her cheek. The first rays of morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. She shifted slightly, feeling Luca's warm arms encircle her waist, his grip firm yet tender.

She tried to slip away, but his hold tightened reflexively. She smiled at his stubbornness, a fondness growing in her heart. "Good morning," she whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

Luca stirred, mumbling incoherently at first. He blinked open one eye, squinting at the light. "Mmm… morning," he murmured, still half-asleep. His arms remained steadfast around her, a protective embrace that she found both comforting and slightly confining.

Adelaide shifted again, this time more purposefully, attempting to rise. "Where are you going?" Luca's voice was slightly more alert, though still wrapped in the haze of sleep.

"I just wanted to see what the cook is preparing for breakfast," she explained, her tone light and cheerful.

Luca's brow furrowed as he fully woke, his gaze now steady and serious. "You're not going anywhere. The physician's orders were clear: you need to rest. For the sake of our baby."

Adelaide's smile faltered slightly. "But I'm not heavily pregnant yet. Surely, it's alright for me to get up for a bit."

"No," Luca insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The doctor said you need to stay in bed. I want you to rest, for the baby's sake and for yours."

Adelaide tried to argue, her voice gentle but firm. "I'm perfectly fine. I just want to see what's for breakfast. I won't overexert myself."

Luca shook his head, a touch of frustration in his eyes. "It's not a matter of whether you're fine or not. It's about following the doctor's advice. And I'm ordering you, as your husband, to stay in bed."

She sighed, giving up on her quest to escape the warmth of his embrace. "Alright, alright. I'll stay put."

Luca relaxed slightly, his grip softening as he nestled back into the pillows. "Good," he said, his voice filled with a blend of relief and satisfaction. "Now, get some more rest."

After a moment of silence, Adelaide settled back into the comfortable cocoon of their shared bed. The morning passed in quiet companionship as they both drifted back into a light sleep, the tranquility of the moment only interrupted by the occasional murmur of conversation or the soft rustling of sheets.

Later, as they prepared for the day, Luca insisted on accompanying Adelaide for her bath, a decision she had initially met with some reluctance. Yet, she couldn't deny the comforting intimacy of the gesture. They stepped into the warm water together, its soothing embrace enveloping them both.

Luca took up the task of washing Adelaide, his touch both gentle and attentive. His hands glided over her skin with practiced care, the warmth of the water and his touch creating a sensation that was both relaxing and exhilarating. Adelaide, in turn, focused on washing him, her fingers tracing the contours of his body with affection and a hint of playful teasing.

As their bodies brushed against each other in the confined space of the bath, Adelaide's desire to connect with him on a deeper level grew stronger. She moved closer, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of longing and mischief. Slowly, she began to make a more overt advance, her hands lingering longer than necessary as she washed him.

Luca's breath hitched slightly at her touch, his own desire stirring in response. However, as much as he wanted to succumb to the moment, he reminded himself of the delicate situation. "Adelaide," he said softly, his voice strained with the effort of restraint. "We have to be careful. The doctor warned us about the risk to the baby."

Her eyes widened slightly, a touch of disappointment mingled with confusion. "Are you no longer interested in me?" she asked, her voice laced with vulnerability.

Luca's heart ached at her words. He wanted her desperately, but the thought of harming their unborn child held him back. He cupped her face gently in his hands, his expression serious yet tender. "I want you, more than you know. But I can't risk our baby's safety. It's not about my feelings; it's about ensuring that our child is safe and healthy."

Adelaide nodded, her expression softening as she absorbed his words. She continued to help him wash off, the intimacy of their shared bath taking on a quieter, more reflective tone. The water around them was filled with the muted sounds of splashing and their occasional whispered exchanges.

Once they had finished bathing, Luca helped Adelaide dress, his movements careful and deliberate. He let her sit on the edge of the tub while he braided her damp hair with a practiced hand. The simple act of grooming her was filled with a sense of affection and care, a silent testament to his love and devotion.

After ensuring that she was properly dressed, Luca left to his room to prepare for the day. He returned to find Adelaide still in the bath chamber, now seated comfortably and awaiting his return. With a tender smile, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and kissed her forehead.

"I'll be right back," he said softly before stepping out.

He went to his study and composed a brief note to the Viscountess, informing her of Adelaide's pregnancy. The message was carefully worded, expressing both the joy of the news and the need for discretion and support during this delicate time.

As the messenger departed with the letter, Luca returned to Adelaide's side, his demeanor calm but his heart still racing from the intensity of the morning's events. He sat with her, holding her hand and talking softly, their conversation weaving through topics both mundane and intimate.

Despite the challenges they faced, the bond between them grew stronger with each passing day. And as they continued their journey together, the love they shared became a source of strength and comfort, guiding them through the trials of impending parenthood.

Adelaide sat by the window in her spacious chamber, enjoying the soft morning light that filtered through the curtains. The view of the estate's gardens, with their well-tended flower beds and verdant lawns, provided a serene backdrop. The vibrant colors of the blooms were a welcome distraction from her thoughts, preoccupied with the many changes in her life.

Pregnancy had brought a profound transformation. Becoming a mother was both exhilarating and daunting. Her relationship with Luca, initially a strategic arrangement, had grown into something genuine and deeply comforting. Luca's unwavering support and commitment to their unborn child offered her a rare sense of stability.

Her reflections were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Hoping it was Luca, she called out, "Enter."

The door opened to reveal Tina, a guest at the estate who had recently arrived. Tina's expression was a mixture of hesitance and resolve as she stepped into the room.

Adelaide greeted her with curiosity. "Tina, what brings you to this part of the house? This wing is usually reserved for the family and close staff."

Tina's cheeks flushed slightly. "I was hoping to speak with you about a potential opportunity," she began. "I'm interested in working here as a maid or cook. I'm eager to contribute and would appreciate any chance to be of service."

Adelaide was surprised by the request. "I see. We haven't discussed any staffing changes recently, especially with the baby's arrival. However, I can certainly bring this up with my husband."

Tina's eyes brightened with interest. "I'd be more than happy to assist in any capacity."

Just then, Adelaide mentioned, "You know, I'm expecting a baby."

Tina's reaction was immediate and striking. Her face went pale, and her smile faltered, replaced by an expression of profound dismay. She looked away, visibly distressed.

Noticing the stark change, Adelaide asked gently, "Is everything alright, Tina? You seem quite upset."

Tina quickly composed herself, though her voice was tinged with a forced cheerfulness. "Oh, it's nothing. I just… I've faced a lot of personal difficulties, and hearing your news reminded me of those challenges."

Adelaide's concern deepened. "I'm truly sorry if my news has caused you discomfort. That wasn't my intention."

Tina nodded, though her smile remained strained. "Thank you. I am happy for you, truly."

The conversation shifted as Adelaide and Tina discussed various topics related to the estate—daily routines, upcoming events, and other general matters. Despite Tina's efforts to engage in casual conversation, Adelaide couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was troubling her guest.

When Tina eventually took her leave, Adelaide found herself pondering the interaction. Tina's reaction to the news of her pregnancy was more than just surprise; it had been an emotional jolt. The incident had sparked an idea in her mind. With Jenna's recent and strange departure, she needed to consider potential replacements for her household staff. Tina's eagerness to work and her apparent distress over personal challenges made her a candidate worth evaluating.

Adelaide resolved to discuss Tina's request with Luca. She needed to ensure that any staffing decisions were made with careful consideration, taking into account Tina's suitability for the roles of maid or cook and her ability to integrate into the household.

As Adelaide gazed out at the gardens, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The responsibilities of managing her household and preparing for motherhood were significant, but she was committed to making thoughtful decisions that would support her family and ensure the smooth operation of her home.