Matt groaned. “Tell me we don’t have livestock in the garden.”
Thorton gave a shuddering sigh. “No, my lord, but you may wish we did after you see what was delivered.”
Grace stepped fully into the hall, stopped, and made a choking noise. “Oh, my!”
Trailing behind her, he followed her gaze. “What the devil isthat?”
He took out his quizzing glass and scrutinized the large statue made entirely of jade, gold, and other precious stones. It appeared to be a woman, mostly naked, with several arms and eyes.
His butler handed him a card. “This accompanied the piece. There is also an interesting vase which I have placed in your bedchamber, not wanting any of the children to view it.”
Matt opened the note.
My dear Worthington,
Wivenly and I searched high and low for an appropriate wedding gift for you and your new countess. Luckily, we stumbled, in Wivenly’s case literally, across this lovely lady. She is the Chinese goddess of fertility and newlyweds, as well as several other things. We thought she might be useful.
The statue dates back to the Ch’ing Dynasty as does the vase we found, in the event you required a little extra incentive.
All our best in your Endeavors to fill yourNursery.
Yr. Servants
Gervais, Earl of Huntley,
and William, Viscount Wivenly
“I’ll murder them,” he growled.
Grace twitched the missive from him and a moment later laughed. “Oh dear. I suppose now is not the time to tell you I think I am increasing.”
