Page 70 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed down at him. “Are you proposing a very un-ton marriage, my lord?”

“If un-ton means loving one’s wife, and wanting to spend the rest of one’s life showing her the many ways that can be done, then, yes, that is precisely what I am proposing to you.” He kissed her fingers again. “Do you accept?”

One lone tear slid down her cheek. “I accept your offer of marriage, my lord.”

Devon stood and pulled her up. “And you will sleep every night in my bed. Or, perhaps once in a while in your bed.” He tapped her on the nose. “Both of us.”

“As you say, my lord. The Ice Queen has officially melt—”

The last of her words were cut short by Devon’s mouth descending on hers.

Epilogue

Two months later

Devon Manor, Devonshire

“Sweetheart, you must try to at least eat a little something.” Devon lowered his morning newspaper and frowned at his wife’s full breakfast plate.

“I’m afraid I just cannot do it.” She studied the food, wishing it did not look so unappealing.

“I don’t want my heir to arrive in this world a spindly little tyke.”

Eugenia pushed the plate away and pulled her teacup toward her. “I visited with the tenants yesterday, and Mrs. Myers, who brought into this world five strapping sons, said morning discomfort generally passes after three months.”

Devon counted on his fingers. “Then you are almost there, love.” He pushed the sugar jar and milk pitcher to her. “At least put some sugar and milk into your tea. You need some sustenance to get through the morning.”

“Do not fret. I will surely make up for it at my other meals.” She glanced down at her slightly curved stomach. “If I keep eating the way I have been, I will be round as my grandfather’s globe before long.”

“My lady, a letter has arrived for you with the morning post.” Bellows extended a tray to her. He turned to Devon. “I have placed your mail on your desk, my lord.”

Eugenia broke the seal on the letter. “It is from Mother.” She began to read. “Oh, dear.”

Devon lowered the newspaper again. “What is it?”

“Mother is arriving tomorrow for a visit.” Her mother had never visited them in the country, being a lover of Town as she was, so something must be amiss.

“Is that not good?”

Eugenia looked up. “She is distraught. It seems Nash has gotten himself into some type of a dilemma.”

Devon’s brows rose. “Nash? Your perfect—never does anything wrong—brother?”

“So it seems.” She tapped the edge of the letter against her lips. “I will need to make some arrangements.”

“Just as long as you do not overtire yourself. That is what we have servants for.” Folding his newspaper, he rose and walked to her, kissing the top of her head. “I am meeting with my steward today. We have a lot of issues to discuss, so I will see you later.”

Eugenia nodded. “Yes,” she mumbled, her tone distracted.

“Remember what I said, love. Do not overtax yourself.”

It was frustrating that Mother hadn’t said any more than some trouble Nash had gotten himself into. She shrugged and tucked the letter into the pocket of her day gown. She pushed back her chair, frowning once again at her full plate, and stood. Her mind in a whirl on what needed to be done for Mother’s visit, she almost missed the note tucked under her plate.

She pulled the missive out and felt the heat rise to her face as she grinned.

E.

Two o’clock this afternoon. My bedchamber. Page 82. I have everything we need.