“If you aren’t too tired.” Because she spent so much energy loving on their boys, and she’d not hold back in showering their guests with attention this evening.
“I won’t be.” She met his eyes in the mirror over her vanity, smoothing her gown as she did so.
“Nor will I,” Simon stared back at her, and then very deliberately smirked.
“I never should have told you what that does to me,” Violet scolded, shaking her head. “Now, I’ll be thinking about it all afternoon.”
His wife did not hesitate in telling him what she liked. And for some reason that he didn’t quite understand, Violet had confessed to loving “the smirk.”
“Just giving you something to look forward to,” Simon promised, taking her by the hand.
“Wicked, wicked man.” She leaned her head back, resting it against his chest. And then she added, “My dear Mr. Cockfield.”
“I aim to please,” he growled near her ear. “Miss Faraday.”
* * *
“Diana and Greys are right behind us!” Bethany announced as her husband assisted her out of their carriage. She rubbed her back with a grimace as she did so. Despite being seven months into her confinement, she’d insisted the drive was short enough to endure and convinced the baron that they absolutely must come to the party.
Because it was Christmastime.
A nanny exited behind them, holding their daughter, Gwendolyn, and Violet couldn’t resist welcoming the little cherub with a kiss.
Out of the corner of her eye, Violet noticed Simon greeting his friend heartily. He’d protested at first that she would plan such a large party, but he would enjoy sharing the holidays with the people who meant the most to him.
“Let’s get you out of this wind.” Violet took Bethany’s arm. “Mrs. Purdy will show Nanny to her room in the nursery.”
“And I need to see the babies!”
“But of course,” Violet had planned on looking in on them again anyway.
Party or not, she had no intention of neglecting Benji and Alex.
“We’ve fixed up an entire floor for all the children.” In addition to the small nursery the twins shared, across the hall from Violet and Simon’s chamber. “I’m excited to see how the boys respond to having other children about.” Violet spoke proudly of her two sons—both spitting images of their father.
Alex had been first, Benjamin five minutes later.
“I don’t know how you did it… Twins!” Bethany said.
“I don’t know how I did it either,” Violet agreed. “How are you feeling with this one?”
“Aside from the heartburn, surprisingly well. He kicks more than Gwennie did.”
“So you think it’s a boy?”
“I don’t know why, but yes. For some reason, this one has my husband’s personality. Even now, it’s as though he hears your voice and is protesting that he cannot come out and socialize.” Bethany laughed. Because Chaswick’s outgoing charm was almost legendary.
“With that in mind,” Violet patted Bethany’s arm as they climbed the curved staircase to the upper floor, “I am ordering you to rest for all of this afternoon.”
Violet had Bethany comfortably ensconced in a luxurious suite just as more carriages sounded from a distance. “Pull the bell, Bethany, if you need anything,” Violet ordered from the door.
“I’m fine.”
“Promise me,” Violet put on her stern face.
“Very well. Now go.” Bethany shooed her away and Violet dashed down the stairs just in time to meet up with Simon at the front door.
“She is very, very pregnant.” Simon slid his gaze toward the stairs. “I am surprised Chaswick consented to traveling.”
