A Winter Wedding (30 page)

“Thank you.” James blinked away emotion and cleared his throat.

“Ah, you are all misty for me!” Grant was next in line and slapped him on the shoulder.

“Thank you, Grant,” said Marchford. “For everything.”

“It was nothing. Love to force my friends into marriage under streetlamps.” Grant smiled. “Can’t stay long. Must get back soon.”

“Is anything wrong?” asked Penelope.

“Oh no. Nothing has ever been so right. But I like to watch when the little one sleeps and eats, and opens his eyes. Never been so amused by an infant.”

“You are well on your way to becoming a good father,” said Penelope.

“Goodness. There’s something I never thought I’d be accused of. Best of everything to you both!”

Penelope’s sisters came next, surrounding her with love and kisses. Then they descended on Marchford, giving him the full dose of the Rose family love.

“We are so happy for you,” said Amelia.

“We wish you all the best,” sighed Sophie.

“Much joy to you!” declared Mariah.

“Sugar and spice, Pen, you married a duke!” exclaimed Julia.

The Earl of Darington was next, with his sister, giving Penelope a pang of regret. “Oh dear, I have not found spouses for either of you.”

“I told you she was Madame X.” Kate glared at her brother. “And I don’t want a husband.”

Penelope covered her mouth with her hand, realizing she had revealed herself. This marriage thing was making her soft in the head.

“You have employed your time far better,” said Darington. “You saved my life, and for that, I thank you. We wish you every happiness.”

The line continued until they had greeted every well-wisher. The chairs were cleared away, the music started to play, and they began to dance.

“You dance divinely, Your Grace,” said Penelope.

“Only with you, my duchess.” James’s eyes smiled at her in a way that was for her alone. “Only for you.”

***

Three months later, Penelope sat on the settee surrounded by her sisters and Genie Grant. Miles the cat and Genie’s adorable tot were the only males allowed in the room. Miles rested his large, furry head on Penelope’s lap as she stroked him while listening to the complaints of ladies.

“I do love him, but I confess I miss sleep. Grant says to use a wet nurse, but I wouldn’t miss a moment with my boy,” said Genie, cradling her baby boy.

“My little one has a foot or something stuck in my ribs,” said Amelia.

“I am craving the most odd things,” sighed Sophie.

“My back is killing me,” declared Mariah.

“La, I’m so fat!” exclaimed Julia.

“I’ve been feeling a little queasy myself,” added Penelope with a small smile.

Her sisters were quiet a moment, then turned to her, their eyes as wide as their smiles. “Are you?” they all asked together.

“Yes!” Penelope could not help but smile as all the expecting Rose sisters and Genie exclaimed their joy and happiness to hear a little ducal heir was on the way.

“What is all this squealing?” James strode through the door, strong and tall as ever. “I can only assume you are being attacked or—”

“I told them.” Penelope rose with a grin.

James strode forward and clasped her hands in his. “Very good. All according to plan.”

“
Your
plan?” Penelope raised an eyebrow.

“Well, someone’s plan who is vastly smarter than me.” He raised his eyes for a moment and came back down for a kiss on Penelope’s lips to the cheers of her sisters.

The Lord’s plans were very good indeed.

Huge thanks to my editor, Deb Werksman, who nicely pointed out the original beginning of this book needed some love (and an additional chapter); this book is so much better because of you. Thanks to my agent, Barbara Poelle, who believes in me more than I do. I am very appreciative of my beta reader, Laurie Maus, whose initial feedback on my chapters is so helpful (should have listened to you more). Thanks to my kids, who are very supportive of my writing and even suggested a lemonade stand in front of the house to sell books—someday I’ll write something you can actually read. And to Ed, who is my rock.

Amanda Forester holds a PhD in psychology and worked for many years in academia before discovering that writing historical romance was decidedly more fun. Whether in the rugged Highlands of medieval Scotland or the decadent ballrooms of Regency England, her novels offer fast-paced adventures filled with wit, intrigue, and romance. Amanda lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can visit her at
www.amandaforester.com
.