Page 55 of The Trouble With Her Duke

“Yes. The proceedings took longer than we had hoped, but things are settled, now. The Widow Withers was found guilty of your kidnapping and the arson on my estate. This might surprise you. She is also suspected of poisoning her previous husband, although they couldn’t find conclusive evidence. Even without that, her crimes were egregious enough that she was given the choice of Newgate or transportation to Australia on a convict ship. She’s chosen transportation over execution.”

“I didn’t see that coming,” Lydia said with a shudder. “It relieves me to know she is gone. I feel horrible for that poor man, and I feel lucky to have escaped.”

“She will never hurt you again, darling.” Damon pulled her close, teasing his lips against hers.

Lydia leaned into his kiss and warmth bloomed in her chest, igniting sparks of desire. “Mmm. I’ve news of my own,” Lydia said. She took his hand and pressed it against her stomach.

Damon stepped back in disbelief, studying her face. “You are with child?”

She nodded.

“Darling, that’s the best present in the world. I will be there with you every step of the way. Lydia, you’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I love you, Damon. But I wouldn’t do this without you. The rational side of me knows most women survive, yet to have lost my mother, and the children to have lost theirs. . .” She bit her bottom lip. “It terrifies me . . . yet, I already love this baby so much.”

“I have a good feeling about this, Lydia,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “And I promise not to leave your side when it’s time.”

“I’m glad we have Annabelle. We’ll need her.” laughed Lydia. “She’s comfortable with some of the children’s lessons, so I feel no need to find a governess immediately.”

“You’ve continued to teach them, and it has given you a powerful bond with the children,” Damon said, kissing her forehead and tugging her close. “Mayhap seven is my lucky number!”

“I’ll have another kiss, please.”

“I just can’t satisfy you.” He laughed.

“Nay. You’re very wrong. I’m filled with desire for you,” she whispered. “And you’re very satisfying.”

“I have a better idea,” he said, lifting her into his arms. “I’m whisking you to our bedroom to work through our mutual desires.”

“Sounds wonderful, my darling,” Lydia said, tucking her head into his neck as they made their way upstairs.

“Perhaps you can wear the sheer, muslin nightrail from the collection the duchesses purchased for our wedding. Blue is my favorite color, you know.”

“I might be wearing it now,” she said, playfully tweaking his nose with her forefinger. “I’m the only duchess whose husband has a say in her gowns.”

“I love you, Lydia,” he said, leaning down and kissing her.

She felt in her pocket and grasped her timepiece. I have what I’ve always wanted, Grandfather. He makes my heart sing. Lydia tucked her head at his neck and reveled in the rich scent of him.

Damon opened the bedroom door and his eyes glinted as he looked at her. “My blood heats at the sight of you, Lydia. You’re the only woman who can stir my blood to a boil,” he murmured, kicking the door closed behind them.

~ not the end~