She splashed cool water on her face and sighed deeply. She moved slowly back toward the bed and rather than picking up her dress, she sat heavily. “Aurélie? Is there something amiss?” “Nay,” she said. “I think it is the hot weather, Hyatt. I began to notice yesterday that in the afternoon heat I am not very able. I was in the garden and …” She sighed and looked at him. “You will surely think I’ve become lazy.” “Are you unwell?” She rubbed a hand over her abdomen, which was just beginning to swell with her pregnancy. “I felt in the best of health until just the last few days.” Hyatt approached her and stooped to grasp her ankles. He lifted her legs onto the bed and she reclined obediently. “I shall ask Perrine to find at least one other woman to help you. And you, my lazy wife, shall rest more. I am anxious for another son.” She smiled and reached out to touch his hand. “You are letting your soft heart show, seigneur.” “Do you think I’ve gone soft because I speak good sense?
