“It sounds ominous…” Uncle Carlton said.
“It’s not ominous. But it is important,” Serafina said.
“We’re on pins and needles, dear. Do tell us,” Aunt Bianca said. “I was pouring that handsome gentleman in the corner a cuppa.” She waved to a handsome older man seated across the room. He smiled and waved back.
“It’ll be quick, Aunt Bianca, I promise.”
“Ready?” Julian said.
Serafina nodded. “We’re going to have a baby!”
Exclamations of delight and congratulations echoed around the table.
“When is my grandnephew to be born?” Uncle Carlton finally asked, a huge grin on his face.
“Or grandniece,” Serafina gently reminded him.
“I’d fall in love with either.” Uncle Carlton chuckled.
“In May,” Serafina said.
“A spring baby!” Aunt Rosalind said. “I can’t wait.”
“I was reading the paper this morning and saw something about Grimsby’s trial…” Aunt Sophy said.
“Oh! The very mention of that man’s name just chills me.” Aunt Bianca shuddered.
“I was going to wait to tell this news, but since we’re all together, I have some news about Grimsby,” Danforth said.
“We’re listening,” Julian said.
“He’s being hanged in a week for treason and for the deaths of several other young girls. Stalking and kidnapping had evidently become a pastime for him. The man was wealthy and had several properties. But he couldn’t be happy with his lot in life. Kidnapping and attempting to murder a duke made the death sentence a finality,” Danforth said.
The duchesses gasped and murmured.
Serafina’s hand went to her still flat belly, and she said a silent prayer for those poor girls who had not been as lucky as she was.
Julian drew her close, and she lay her head on his shoulder.
“I was pleased to hear he’s had a rough time in prison,” Uncle Carlton said.
Danforth nodded. “Apparently, one of the guards discovered that Grimsby was the one who violated his niece. He was at the trial and spread the word to the other guards and prisoners. They have been making Grimsby’s time left on this earth as miserable as can be.”
“Well, hopefully, that’s the last we’ll hear of him, darling,” Julian said, kissing Serafina on the cheek.
“By the way, where is that brave little mutt of yours?” her uncle asked, jovially, lifting the mood.
“Willow’s found a companion at the Castle and has had a litter of two puppies—a girl and a boy. We brought the puppies and Willow with us. They are resting at the house.”
“We’d love to see the puppies,” Aunt Bianca said. “We’ve missed having one around.”
“Yes, we would,” Aunt Sophy chimed in.
“Well, that’s a big surprise,” Serafina said, laughing. “Of course, Willow would love nothing better.”
“Serafina, I think it’s time to take you back to Strathmoor House and get you off your feet. You’re pregnant, but in my family, there’s the potential for twins that we should consider. And we need to continue working on our masterpiece, and I can’t complete it without you,” Julian said with a wink.
“Julian is painting a portrait of me,” Serafina quickly explained.
