Page 26 of Discovering the Duke

She rolled over and lazily regarded him with tender affection. “And thank you.”

He lifted his brow for her to go on.

She chuckled. “For teaching me to love so beautifully.” Her wink was coquettish. “For saving me. Twice.” She stroked a hand over his jaw. “For letting me discover you.”

“My love.” He pulled her into his arms and lay her head on his chest. “It has been my pleasure.”

Epilogue

May 1816

London

Julia opened the small card with anticipation. Lady Bursbury’s notes always included welcome news and invitations. This one was no exception.

“We’ve been invited to attend a musical featuring Lady Penelope,” Julia said to William as she scanned the neat script. “I cannot believe she’s come out already. It makes me feel positively ancient.”

William peered at her from the edge of his paper. “You’re far from ancient, darling.”

She smiled at him. He was always ready to compliment her, even when two years had passed without her producing any children. “And Lady Jane is getting married.”

William scoffed. “Poor Hesterton.”

“No, to Lord Mortry,” Julia corrected.

“Then poor Lady Jane.”

“Hesterton hasn’t been excluded, it appears.” Julia read on. “Nancy is attempting to set up a match between Noah and the Craig heiress.” She set the invitation on the table with a flick of delight.

This time the paper did not move a single crinkle. “It would take an extraordinary woman to edge her way into Hesterton’s heart. If he has one.”

“Oh, come now. Everyone has a heart, and there’s one perfect person for the edging.”

William turned the page.

The invitation was not the only thing that made Julia’s stomach flutter with excitement. She bit back a grin. “Kittens or puppies?”

“Puppies.” Another page turn.

“Kittens have their own qualities: slender little tails that jut out like shaky sticks, squeaking mewls, tiny paws. Are you certain?”

“Puppies. Always.”

Her heart tripped over itself. “Boys or girls?”

“For puppies or kittens?”

“Neither.” A smile curled at her lips as she spoke. “Children.”

Whump! Hands and paper dropped at once to the table. William regarded her with tentative excitement, his brows poised halfway up his forehead. “Dare I ask what could inspire such a question?”

She rose from her seat and let her fingers tenderly stroke her lower midsection. “I’m sure you can guess.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

“Our family will be growing by one more in the next few months.” The emotion bubbled up from Julia, and she laughed at the sheer joy of sharing such news. “We’re going to be parents, William.”

“Are you certain?”