Within the confines of the estate, a different kind of rumor had taken hold. It had nothing to do with the disease afflicting the soldiers but centered instead around the activities of the Duke and Duchess. Whispers traveled through the corridors, each word dripping with anticipation. The rumor mill spun tales of an imminent announcement, one that would undoubtedly involve the prospect of an heir.
When Rosalind first caught wind of this speculation, she was rendered speechless. An heir? The thought seemed ludicrous to her. The events of the past week had been a blur, and the notion that she would now be expected to become pregnant and produce an heir left her incredulous. What were these people thinking?
