Epilogue
Eight Years Later
“Ihave anannouncement to make,” Hamish said from his spot by the mantel, the same spot he claimed every Saturday after their weekly family dinner.
Camille snorted and gave her sister-in-law a pitying expression. “Charlotte, you poor dear.” Her gaze cut to her brother. “Four children wasn’t enough?”
Percy chuckled from the window seat where he currently held the Duchess of Lux’s latest of six children. “The heir, the spare, the pair...” He winked at Hamish. “Have a care.”
“Still no Byron,” Don Deime mumbled beside him.
Percy gave his brother-in-law a grin. “But it rhymed.”
Danny rolled her eyes at their antics and took her usual role of peacekeeper—a full-time job with this family. “You have an announcement, you say?”
Hamish raised his scotch and beamed at his wife. “Charlotte is to be published.”
When the exclamations and congratulations died down, Renard asked, “How did this come about?”
Hamish took Charlotte’s hand and smiled. “Cambridge academics finally came to their senses. Her research on the co-mingling insect species of the Egyptian desert will take front page on the next edition ofEntomological Journal.”
Charlotte scowled. “Under a male pseudonym.” Her face softened into a smile that didn’t bode well for the stuffed shirts. “But that is temporary, I assure you.”
“I happen to like ‘Charlie.’ He has fire,” Hamish said.
Charlotte giggled. “You like the trousers that come with the name.”
Hamish’s voice went low. “I like when you take them off, anyway.”
Camille gagged. “Go back home if you’re going to be gross.”
Hamish arched a brow. “You’re one to talk, sister.” He made a pointed look at her stomach and the swell of baby growing inside. “What did you say aboutpoor dear?”
Renard came to stand behind his wife and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Wealsohave an announcement.”
“Not much of an announcement.” Hamish chuckled. “We see the evidence clear enough.”
Camille made a vulgar gesture with both hands that left the women occupants of the room grinning.
“Our news,” Renard said. “Miss Forthright’s Home for Female Companions is now franchised.”
“We break construction in Southwark by month’s end.” Camille’s smug tone did nothing to detract from the pride in her voice. “Not only that, after providing proof of the rise in job productivity in the local area since our founding, we received word from the local parish at Greenwich they’d like a consultation to improve their existing Home for Women, possibly converting into our system of education and relocation.”
Charlotte applauded. “Brava!”
Danny and Don raised their glasses.
Hamish swelled with brotherly pride. “Well done.”
Percy caught his wife’s eye and watched her tip her chin in a small nod. Chest light, he stood and addressed the room. “Well,since we’re sharing.” Percy gazed at his lovely wife, who laid a hand on her midriff. Happiness bubbled up until his smile could no longer be contained. “We’re—”
“Pregnant!” Charlotte squealed, launched herself at her friend, and tugged her into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy for you both.”
Don offered Percy his hand. “Congratulations, Byron.”
Percy had no illusions he grinned like a fool. “Thank you.”
They’d waited a long time for children, to the exasperation of Danny’s mama and the quiet concern of Lord Bromley. But Percy and Danny shared no regret for how they’d chosen to spend their nights working for a private inspector—Percy’s old contact—an inspector who’d decided to retire this year and leave the business to a less-than-proper duke and his duchess.
