Kindred Hearts by Rowan Speedwell Read Free Book Online

seed from the woman. Did your mama or your governess ever tell you anything about how babies are born?”
     
    “Of course not. They said my husband would explain it to me. And you are my husband, or you will be on Monday, and that is quite the same thing. I thought since you were here you might take the time, because I’m sure on Monday we will be quite busy with the wedding, and the wedding breakfast, and all.”
     
    “Right.” He took a deep breath. “Babies are engendered by the man placing his male member inside the woman in a special place between her legs and releasing seed. There. That’s it, in a nutshell.”
     
    She pursed her lips, thinking. “But if you don’t want to engender babies, why do it?”
     
    “Because it is an exceedingly pleasant experience. However, there is always the danger of babies. And disease, if your partner is not completely clean.”
     
    Again the wrinkling of the nose. “I should not want a partner who was not clean.”
     
    “Neither would I, but it is not something that one notices in one’s excitement,” Tristan said dryly.
     
    “Do you lie with a great many ladies?”
     
    “Lady Charlotte….”
     
    “That is very personal, is it not? I apologize.”
     
    “No need. I can understand that it would be a concern of yours. Pray believe me when I tell you I will do nothing that will cause you any harm.”
     
    “Except lying with me and making me have babies,” she said. “I have often heard that women die in childbirth. It makes me wonder why they bother.”
     
    “For the propagation of the species,” Tristan said, confused. Didn’t all women want babies? Well, all ladies, anyway—a good number of the women he consorted with would be horrified to find themselves increasing, but not because of fear of death in childbirth. He blinked. “Don’t you want babies?”
     
    “Oh, I suppose one or two would be acceptable,” Charlotte said. “As long as one can afford nurses and whatnot. Do the ladies you lie with not want babies?”
     
    My God, this girl was a mind reader. He shook his head. “No—at least not mine.”
     
    “Pity. I would imagine you would have pretty babies. I trust any babies I have of yours will be pretty.” She took a sip of tea. “I will, of course, be placing my life in your hands, but I suppose it is necessary for you to have an heir. Papa explained that to me when he told me I would be marrying you.”
     
    “‘Told you’? He didn’t ask you?”
     
    Her eyes went wide. “Whatever for? I do not have an opinion on the matter.”
     
    “You don’t? You aren’t being forced into this or anything?”
     
    “No, of course not. I knew I would be married eventually. Papa and Daniel both found you agreeable—except for the issue of disease, of course, and I am most satisfied with your answer. So how should I object?” She cocked her head again, birdlike. “I am quite satisfied, Mr. Northwood. You are a gentleman, you have answered my questions honestly, I believe, and you are not unattractive, so our children should be pleasant to look upon. And Papa tells me you are comfortable financially, and heir to a great deal more, as well as to an honorable title. No, I am quite content. I would prefer to correspond with my brother Charlie about this; I am used to taking his advice, for he is a very wise man. He is a cavalry officer, you know.”
     
    “I have heard,” Tristan said between his teeth.
     
    “However, there is certainly not enough time for that! No matter. For my part, I assure you I will not object to your continuing in your habits as before; I certainly do not expect you to dance attendance upon me. I expect that once I have produced an heir—and perhaps a second child, just to keep him company—I will be permitted to return to the country. I have no great love for Town.”
     
    Tristan stared at her blankly. He hadn’t quite expected to come here and make love to the girl, but he had at least expected to have to