Page 81 of Regency Whispers: Scandalous Matches

‘Tell us about your books, Jane,’ Lucy said, leaning forward as far as she could in her seat, but floundering as her bump got in the way. It was a surprise to no one that Lucy was pregnant with her third child so soon after having had twins a year earlier. She was a natural mother and bloomed into the role, happily declaring she wanted a dozen children. The twins were sleeping peacefully in a bassinet in the shade and Jane felt a maternal tug as she glanced over at them.

‘The first three have been published and Mr Hambly tells me they’ve been a terrific success. The first editions sold out within a few weeks and he had to get busy printing more.’

‘That is amazing,’ Eliza said, shaking her head in disbelief. ‘I can’t believe you were working towards this all the time we were together and none of us knew.’

‘You were a little preoccupied with the delightful Lord Thannock,’ Lucy teased.

‘As were you, with the dashing Captain Weyman.’

‘And Charlotte was busy smuggling pigs into country estates and bewitching the man she protested she could not stand,’ Jane added.

They all laughed as they remembered that first summer together. It had been two years since Lady Mountjoy had brought them together at her big country estate with the proposal she select a debutante to take to London for the winter months and the spring Season. It had been an eventful two years, with four marriages, four honeymoons and three babies, and Jane felt grateful they were all here together to sit down and enjoy one another’s company for a few days.

Lady Mountjoy had invited them all back for a house party, and they had been so eager to come together they had rearranged any other engagements to make sure it happened.

‘How are my favourite debutantes?’ Lady Mountjoy said as she stepped out onto the terrace to join them.

‘Hardly debutantes any more,’ Charlotte said, cradling her one-year-old in her arms. ‘I am relegated to sit with the matrons at any events we attend now.’

‘It’s worth it, though, isn’t it?’ Lady Mountjoy said in a loud whisper, indicating the little girl in Charlotte’s arms. ‘It’s worth it to be a mother.’

Jane found her hand travelling to her belly. She wasn’t as far gone as Lucy, but she would soon be adding to their family. Already she felt so lucky to have Edward, who she loved as though he were her own. Another child would be an extra blessing.

‘Are you still writing and illustrating more books?’ Eliza asked her, fascinated by the process. Eliza had returned from her honeymoon to find Lucy and Jane both married and happily settled, and Jane a published author. She had grumbled about things moving too quickly whilst she’d been away, but Jane had seen by her expression she was delighted by all the news.

‘Yes, Mr Hambly has told me he will publish whatever I can write. It is a different feeling. For so long I wrote and illustrated the stories, not knowing whether anyone but me would ever see them. Now I get a rush of nervousness thinking everything will be studied and judged.’

‘You have nothing to worry about,’ Eliza declared with her characteristic confidence. ‘I’ve bought all three already published and they are nothing short of perfect.’

Jane beamed at her friend, her smile growing even wider as Edward ran back to the table for a drink, followed by Tom and the other husbands.

‘I think a toast is needed,’ Lady Mountjoy said, waiting until everyone had assembled and found a glass. ‘Two years ago we embarked on a fantastic journey. I was lucky enough to meet you fabulous ladies and grow to know and love you like you are family.’ She paused, smiling as Lord Mountjoy stepped out of the drawing room and looped an arm around her waist.

‘For years, I’ve been telling every young debutante I meet, every eligible bachelor—anyone who will listen, really—the importance of marrying for love. You spend more time with your spouse than anyone else, and that time can be the happiest if you choose your partner correctly.’

She paused for a moment, looking round at the group of young women and their husbands. ‘I am delighted you have all chosen so well. To spend a life with the person you love is a life well spent,’ Lady Mountjoy concluded. Lord Mountjoy beamed behind her and leaned round to give his wife a kiss on the cheek.

She raised her glass in a toast. ‘To love and friendship.’

That was a toast Jane could agree with, and it seemed apt, given she was surrounded by people she loved and wonderful friends.

‘Love and friendship,’ she said, feeling her heart soar as Tom leaned in and kissed her.