Chapter Sixty-One: Unplanned Interruption

Amelia paced the hallway, her mind racing. She had just received the most wonderful news and couldn't wait to share it with Alister. Her hands rested on her swollen belly, a soft smile on her lips. Gathering her courage, she pushed open the heavy door to Alister's study, expecting to see him alone.

Instead, she found herself face-to-face with a room full of Alister's elders—stern, imposing figures who had served the family for decades. They were deep in discussion, their voices a low murmur. Amelia's sudden entrance silenced the room instantly.

Alister looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. "Amelia?"

Before she could explain herself, one of the elders, Lord Hargrove, scowled deeply. "How can a duchess behave in such an improper manner?"

Another, Lady Dunham, sniffed disdainfully. "What a disgrace. Interrupting a meeting of such importance."

Amelia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She opened her mouth to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. She felt the sting of their judgmental gazes and fought to hold back tears. This was not how she wanted to share her joy.

Alister's expression shifted from surprise to icy anger. His eyes, once warm, now burned with fury. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "Enough."

The single word was like a crack of thunder in the tense room. The elders looked at him, stunned.

"Amelia is my wife and the duchess of this house. She deserves your respect, not your scorn," Alister said, his voice cold and commanding. "Kneel and beg for forgiveness, or you will be thrown out of this household."

The elders exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unprepared for this turn of events. Slowly, one by one, they dropped to their knees.

"Your Grace, we apologize," Lord Hargrove said, his voice wavering.

"Please forgive us," Lady Dunham added, her tone pleading.

Amelia, overwhelmed and deeply emotional in her pregnant state, couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She started to sob, her shoulders shaking. Seeing her distress, Alister crossed the room in an instant, wrapping her in his arms.

"Hush, my love. It's alright," he whispered, rubbing her back soothingly.

The sight of Amelia's tears and Alister's tender care seemed to break the elders' resolve. They bowed their heads lower, their apologies growing more fervent. But it was too late.

"Your apologies are noted," Alister said, his tone final. "However, your behavior is inexcusable. Leave this house immediately. Your allowances are cut for one year. Reflect on your actions and the consequences of your disrespect."

The elders looked stricken, but they knew better than to argue. One by one, they rose and exited the room, their pride wounded and their futures uncertain. The heavy door closed behind them with a resounding thud.

Alister turned his attention back to Amelia, who was still sniffling softly. He gently wiped her tears with the pad of his thumb. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, my love."

Amelia shook her head, trying to smile through her tears. "I just wanted to share some news with you."

Alister's expression softened. "What news?"

She took a deep breath, her eyes shining with a mix of lingering tears and newfound excitement. "I just came from the physician. We're having twins."

Alister's face lit up with joy. "Twins? Truly?"

Amelia nodded, a tearful laugh escaping her lips. "Yes, truly."

He hugged her tightly, lifting her off her feet and twirling her around. "This is wonderful news, Amelia! Absolutely wonderful!"

For a moment, the tension of the encounter with the elders melted away, replaced by the joy of the moment. Alister set her down gently, his eyes brimming with happiness. "We must prepare. There's so much to do."

Amelia smiled, feeling her heart swell with love and relief. "Yes, there is. But first, can we sit for a moment? I need to catch my breath."

They sat together on a nearby settee, Alister holding her hand tightly. "I can't believe it. Twins," he murmured, still marveling at the news.

Amelia leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I was so excited to tell you. I didn't mean to cause a scene."

"You did nothing wrong," Alister reassured her. "They were the ones out of line. You are my wife, and you have every right to come to me whenever you wish."

His words filled her with a deep sense of security. "Thank you, Alister. For standing up for me."

"Always," he said firmly. "You and our children are my top priority."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the shared joy of their news. The weight of the elders' criticism faded into the background, replaced by the anticipation of the future they would build together.

Finally, Alister stood, helping Amelia to her feet. "Let's go tell Ethan. He'll be over the moon."

Amelia laughed softly, imagining Ethan's reaction. "He will. And he'll probably start planning all sorts of things for the twins."

As they walked hand in hand through the corridors of their home, the future seemed bright and full of promise. Despite the challenges they faced, their love and unity would guide them through. And with the prospect of twins on the horizon, there was so much to look forward to.

Reaching Ethan's study, they found him engrossed in a book. He looked up, a smile spreading across his face when he saw them. "What's this? Both of you, grinning like Cheshire cats?"

Amelia couldn't contain her excitement. "Ethan, we're having twins!"

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Twins? That's incredible!"

He rushed over, enveloping both of them in a bear hug. "This calls for a celebration!"

As they stood together, reveling in the joy of their growing family, Amelia felt a profound sense of contentment.