“I do trust you,” Emma said instantly. “You’re the best of husbands.”
“I am, of course, relieved to hear it.”
Reaching up, she smoothed his lapels, fiddled with his cravat pin. “I planned to tell you about my newest case after I told you … my other news.”
He stilled.
“You’ve noticed that there hasn’t been any, um, interruption to our marital activities as of late?”
“Emma.” Heart thudding, he grabbed her hands. “Are you … are we …?”
Eyes sparkling, she nodded.
“My dearest love,” he breathed, “what the devil are you doing spying in a garden when you’re increasing—with my heir, no less?”
“We don’t know that it’s going to be a boy; it could very well be a girl. And any daughter of ours wouldn’t mind a little adventure … Alaric,” she said breathlessly, “what are you doing?”
“I’m getting you out of here.”
“I noticed. But I can walk.”
“Not as fast as I can.” He strode through the hedges with his duchess in his arms. “You shouldn’t be out in the night air. You should be resting, eating, whatever it is ladies in your condition do—”
“You’re not going to be like this the entire seven months, are you?”
He shot her a look.
She sighed. “I’m a Kent, darling. We’re robust, remember?”
“As to that, there’s to be no more sleuthing until our son is born.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Can’t I?”
Instead of arguing, she smiled. “You are happy about this, aren’t you?”
“Darling, I’m overjoyed.” Halting, he gazed into her eyes and saw his future so clearly and beautifully reflected. “Everything I’ve ever wanted, you’ve given me. And now we’re going to have a bairn as well.”
“I love you so much,” she said.
Words he’d never tire of hearing or saying. Because she’d taught him they were true.
“I love you, Emma.” He kissed her with all that was in his heart.
When he raised his head, she whispered, “Let’s go home.”
“I am home. With you, my love,” he said tenderly, “I finally am.”
The End
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me in the world of Heart of Enquiry! I hope you enjoyed your visit and ask that you consider leaving a review. For indie authors, nothing is more valuable than reader word of mouth, so my gratitude in advance :)
I wanted to extend special thanks to all of you who’ve let me know me how much you enjoyed the Kents (first introduced as Ambrose Kent’s family in Her Protector’s Pleasure, Book 3 of Mayhem in Mayfair). The loveable and unconventional Kent siblings captured my attention as well, and I look forward to sharing their adventures in the Heart of Enquiry series. Up next will be Thea’s story--which I plan to release in Summer 2015. Stay tuned!
I love to hear from my readers, so feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. For updates on my books, prizes, and giveaways (including gift card raffles), please click on the link below to sign up for my newsletter.
Cheers and happy reading!
XOXO Grace
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Heart of Enquiry Series
Catch Will and Annabel’s story in the prequel novella, The Widow Vanishes:
A Lady in Peril
A disastrous marriage leaves Annabel Foster buried in her dead husband's debt and at the mercy of a menacing cutthroat. Faced with death or selling her body, she makes an unthinkable choice …
A Scotsman with a Past
Haunted by his past, Scottish soldier William McLeod seeks forgetfulness in the arms of a tempting wench. What begins as a night of lust, however, transforms into desire beyond his wildest fantasies …
One Night of Passion
Insatiable hunger flares between the pair even as an evil enemy seeks to destroy them both. Can one night of passion lead to their salvation and love forevermore?
Novella Length: approximately 36,000 words
Other Books by Grace
The Mayhem in Mayfair series
Book 1: Her Husband’s Harlot
How far will a wallflower go to win her husband's love? When her disguise as a courtesan backfires, Lady Helena finds herself entangled in a game of deception and desire with her husband Nicholas, the Marquess of Harteford ... and discovers that he has dark secrets of his own.
Book 2: Her Wanton Wager
To what lengths will a feisty miss go to save her family from ruin? Miss Persephone Fines takes on a wager of seduction with notorious gaming hell owner Gavin Hunt and discovers that love is the most dangerous risk of all.
Book 3: Her Protector’s Pleasure
Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven will stop at nothing to find her kidnapped daughter. Having suffered betrayal in the past, she trusts no man—and especially not Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent, who has a few secrets of his own. Yet fiery passion ignites between the unlikely pair as they battle a shadowy foe. Can they work together to save Marianne's daughter? And will nights of pleasure turn into a love for all time?
Book 4: Her Prodigal Passion
Sensible Miss Charity Sparkler has been in love with Paul Fines, her best friend’s brother, for years. When he accidentally compromises her, they find themselves wed in haste. Can an ugly duckling recognize her own beauty and a reformed rake his own value? As secrets of the past lead to present dangers, will this marriage of convenience transform into one of love?
The Chronicles of Abigail Jones series
Abigail Jones
When destiny brings shy Victorian maid Abigail Jones into the home of the brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion … and a dangerous world of supernatural forces.
About the Author
Grace Callaway's debut novel, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and went on to become a National #1 Bestselling Regency Romance. Since then, the books in her Mayhem in Mayfair series have hit multiple national and international bestselling lists. She's received top-starred reviews from Love Romance Passion, Bitten by Paranormal Romance, and Nightowl Reviews, amongst others.
Grace grew up on the Canadian prairies battling mosquitoes and freezing temperatures. She made her way south to earn a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. She thought writing a dissertation was difficult until she started writing a book; she thought writing a book was challenging until she became a mother. Currently, she and her family live in California, where their adventures include caretaking an ancestral Buddhist temple, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.
Grace loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected].
Other ways to connect:
Website: www.gracecallaway.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GraceCallawayBooks
Twitter: @Grace_Callaway
Acknowledgements
The creation of every book needs a village, and this one was no exception. I am so blessed to have the best peeps in the world supporting my endeavors. Tina, thank you for our Fridays and for being the best critique partner and friend—and for supplying a much needed plot element (you know which one!). Diane and Candace, your editorial feedback was invaluable as always. Thank you for understanding and supporting the worlds that I strive to create.
Carrie, you bring my vision of my characters to life with your beautiful art—thank you! Lindsey, hugs for your assistance and making my life easier. To the bloggers and reviewers who have helped get the word out about my books, my heartfelt appreciation. Brian, my books (and life) are better because of you. Kisses!
To my family, who has supported my dreams, especially during this transitional year. Your love sustains me. And for Brendan, my little warrior, who in
spires me every day.
Lastly, to my readers ... because none of this would be possible without you! I’m so grateful that you’ve joined me on this adventure. Here’s to our continued travels together.
Copyright
© 2015 Grace Callaway. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
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Cover Design: © Seductive Musings Design
Image: © Period Images
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License Notes
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
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The Duke Who Knew Too Much Page 31
