Carlisle paused, doubt written all over his face. "She is…" he cleared his throat. "She is with child again."
Alexander stilled. "Does Guinevere know?" He demanded instantly.
Brand's eyes moved from one man to the other.
"Beth is reluctant to tell her."
"Tell her," he said gently. "My wife is stronger than yours assume. And it is for better she hears it from the duchess than from the careless tongues of gossip and becomes hurt."
"Alexander…" Brand began, but did not know what else to say.
"Let none but me worry for my wife." His gaze lowered briefly. "I shall see to her well-being."
In the succeeding silence, Brand let his gaze drift, unseeing, to the bookshelf, saddened for the couple.
Carlisle's news ought to be one of gladness, but the kinship of Lady Carlisle to the queen stood against it. Surely this news would upset her.
