The AimDr. Salmon left. We sat silent for some time.
I felt so stunned I couldn’t think. Too much had happened that day; it felt as if the mechanisms of my brain had turned off.
Tony said, “Once we’re done here, I’ll take you home.” He paused expectantly, waiting for me to reply.
“I appreciate that.”
Tony placed his hand gently upon my arm. “You don’t understand. You must return with me to Spadros Manor.”
I flung his hand off, pain shooting through my hand. “What! No! I refuse! You can’t —”
Tony held up his hand. “Jacqui, I’m sorry, truly I am. This must seem terribly unfair. But it’s not up to me.” He took a deep breath. “You’re with child. Who will you say is the father?”
I blinked. “Why, you. Of course!” I’d lain with no one else since I left him: surely he knew that.
Tony put h
