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John placed an arm around her shoulders as she scanned the brief letter. She’d confessed to him her fear that her second book wouldn’t be as well received as the first. He hadn’t offered meaningless words of comfort—it was highly unlikely, after all, that all her books would be released to the same fanfare. But he had told her that he believed in her and that if her fears proved true, he knew she wouldn’t give up and would try again with another book and then another. His unwavering support had given her the confidence to start writing again.
Her concern turned to joy, and she handed the letter back to her husband. “They’re planning to do a second printing.”
His smile widened, matching her grin. But there was something in his eyes that hinted at uncertainty.
She searched his features, trying to decipher what could be troubling him, before asking, “What is the matter?”
John gazed down at the letter again. “They’re going to print again next month with a larger number of copies.”
She didn’t care that she was beaming. It seemed she would never stop smiling when she thought about the success of her book. “I’m sure they’re hoping for an increase in sales given all the young debutantes that are even now descending on London.”
John gave an exaggerated shudder. “Thank heavens I was able to avoid that scene! Not that I won’t be content to escort you to any event you wish to attend, but it is unsettling being at the center of all that attention. I’m still recovering from the ball we hosted last summer.”
“Are you nervous about Parliament then? Your brothers-in-law will support you.”
He shook his head. “I’m not worried about that. But I was thinking… when we arrive in town, we can speak to your publisher about having your name printed as the author on this second edition. I know they didn’t think it was a good idea, but I hate to see your accomplishments go unacknowledged.”
Warmth spread through her at the earnest expression on his face. She’d known he still felt guilty about the way he’d reacted all those months before, but it amazed her that he would suggest such a thing. They knew what would happen if the public learned just who had written that book. Their every movement would be observed, and speculation about their private life would be rife just as he was making his first appearance in the House of Lords. They’d survive the scandal, of course, but the next few months would be unbearable, and her husband was very much a private man.
She settled deeper into his embrace.
“Maybe one day. But for now I am content knowing that my writing is being read and enjoyed. And if I’m being honest, I rather enjoy the speculation.”
“You’re not upset that everyone is intent on giving credit to someone else? People who might gain unearned notoriety from your efforts?”
She shook her head. “No. Truthfully, I’m sure the mystery has helped with sales. Once that mystery is gone…” She lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug.
“Still, it hardly seems just—”
She placed a hand over his lips. “For now, I have another creation that will require most of my attention.”
She could tell he still had his doubts, but he raised one of her hands and dropped a kiss onto her palm. “Your new book is going well?”
“That and…” She turned his hand that still grasped hers and brought it to her midsection. “The midwife visited while you were on your ride, and we’re fairly certain I am with child.”
His mouth dropped open for a moment before he broke into a wide grin. After being so careful to ensure she wouldn’t fall pregnant with their nightly activities before they’d wed, little had changed when they stopped being so careful. Month after month, she’d been disappointed when her courses arrived on time. At least all speculation about the haste of their marriage had been firmly put to rest.
He pulled her into an embrace, laughing. “How is it possible that I can be this fortunate?”
When he drew back to gaze down at her, a besotted smile on his face, she lifted one hand to rest along his smoothly shaven cheek. Their lives had already changed so much, and now they would change even more. Notoriety might await her when people learned she was the author of scandalous novels, but for now she had everything that she wanted with the man she loved.
* * *
