Jane stared at her husband in a new light. He was still the powerful Duke of Elbourne, but after all they had endured, he seemed to have quite a different understanding about life.
“I suppose that is what life is about, is it not?” she replied. “You have changed so much, Roderick. I can hardly believe you are the same man. Not that I did not love you before…”
His finger continued to trace her bottom lip. “Now, now, little mother, have a care. I have not lost all my stubbornness.”
Jane laughed, grateful they were together again. “And I have to admit, I have not lost all of mine either.”
“Ah, we are not perfect then. How wonderful. But I will tell you this. Your Mrs. Hobbs came to visit me a few days ago, along with the captain, and I would not have it. Oh, I was nice, but I insisted I did not need any of her treatments. She may attend to you, but as for me, I insist on my man from London. Men are different creatures with different needs, my dear.”
Jane burst out laughing. “Then I must tell you, my love, the tea you have been drinking came from Mrs. Hobbs. It is a combination of many different herbs.”
Roderick jerked, shooting a glance toward the teacup. “Devil take it! I wondered why it tasted so foul.”
“But you have to admit,” Jane said. “You have made a miraculous recovery.”
His smile widened. “Well, then,” he said, his brows moving up and down suggestively. “I believe I should kiss you a little more. I distinctly heard the doctor say I needed to increase my physical activity.”
Jane tried scooting off the bed, but Roderick would not have it. “Not yet, wife. I want to love you first.”
She blushed. “Roderick, it’s broad daylight.”
“The better to see my beautiful wife whom I love with all my heart.”
With a groan, she dropped her head into his arms, and her shoulders started to shake.
Roderick stiffened. He put a tender hand to the back of her head. “What’s this? You don’t love me anymore?”
“Of course, I love you,” she mumbled against his dressing gown.
“But you love someone else?”
She nodded.
“The captain?” he asked, his voice filled with jealousy.
She shook her head, no.
“Someone else?” he asked in a dangerous tone. “What’s his name? By Jove, Jane! This is too much for any man.”
She looked up, frowning. “That’s the problem. I don’t know.”
“What the devil do you mean, you don’t know?”
She kissed him long and hard. “We have yet to name our son. I believe we should call him something other than son or baby. Do you not think so, Your Grace? Who knows what Lady Philomena and Lady Horatio would say?”
Smiling, Roderick sagged in relief. “You little tease. As to those old biddies, I told them I did not want to see them for a year!”
“You did not.”
He nodded with a scowl. “I did. They are visiting their people in America, I believe. And Horatio, what kind of name is that for a woman?”
“Oh, Roderick,” Jane said, giggling, resting her head near his. “You are wonderful. But back to our son, I was thinking about some names.”
Roderick wrapped his arm around her. “I was thinking too. If Marcus is to be the godfather, we shall name our son Marcus. It only makes sense.”
“I do not believe that would be a good idea,” she said, sitting up.
“And why the devil not?’
“Because Marcus is not going to be the godfather.”
“He certainly is, madam, and make no mistake about that.”
“I am sorry, Your Grace. But Marcus will not be the godfather.”
He narrowed his eyes. “It shall not be Captain Argyle, no matter what he did for the child. I forbid it. The man is, well, a bachelor!”
Jane smiled. “Oh, Roderick, you are so adorable when you are jealous. But the man did save our baby’s life, along with you, of course.”
She kissed him on his nose.
“Very well,” he said, letting out a sigh. “I suppose we could call the baby James, and still have Marcus be the godfather.”
She combed a gentle hand through his blue-black hair. “I think not, my love. In fact, we are going to have to call our son George.”
“George?” he exclaimed, his eyes popping in shock. “That is the king’s name.”
“And that is the very reason. Our monarch has requested to be the baby’s godfather.”
Roderick sat up on his elbows and winced. “Devil take it! That is above and beyond the call of duty! I have done everything for the Crown! But I will not be forced to name my firstborn son after the king! Not if I choose differently. And that’s all I have to say on the matter.”
She wiped a wet rag over his sweating forehead. “Would you have me tell him differently? He is waiting in the drawing room to talk to you.”
“Thunder and Zeus! You have to be jesting!”
She laughed louder. “I admit it was a cruel jest. The king is not here. But he does want to be the godfather. And if he is, I think it only right we call our son George.”
Roderick pressed his lips together, his gray eyes dancing. He took hold of her hand and squeezed. “I will think about it.”
“My, you have changed, Your Grace,” Jane said, her heart in her eyes.
“Come here you little witch.” Roderick yanked her on top of him.
She yelped.
He tickled her. She yelped again.
They froze when there was a knock on the door.
Jane scooted off the bed and straightened her clothes. She glared at Roderick. “See what happens when you try things like that in the middle of the day.”
He winked at her.
Another knock.
“Come in,” Jane said, patting her hair.
Milli walked into the bedchambers, holding their son in her arms. Her dark gaze took in the couple, and she sent them a knowing smile.
Jane felt a blush cross her face. Milli might be young, but the newly married woman knew all about love. She and Marcus had recently returned after spending many months on a long European holiday. They looked more in love than when they had left. Jane was happy for the couple. Although their courting had included a few wild months, it seemed the time away had been wonderful for them.
The wail of the baby made Jane frown. She put out her hands. “I can take him now.”
“George was missing his mama,” Milli said, placing the child in Jane’s arms. “He did not want me or anyone.”
Roderick’s stunned gaze snapped toward Jane. “George? You, madam, are a weasel of the worst kind.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Jane said, laughing. “I take that as a compliment.”
Milli chuckled and patted Roderick’s covered feet. “Oh, did Jane tell you about our school? It’s heavenly. I hear the young women moved into the new place last month. Of course, Captain Argyle has been helping out since I was off with Marcus. What a sweet man. Those green eyes and broad shoulders almost make me swoon. Why, if I were not married to your brother…” The young female batted her eyes and swayed against the bed.
Roderick’s jaw dropped in shock. He ignored Milli’s dramatics and turned to Jane. “What’s this about a school?”
Jane kissed George’s cheeks and smiled at her husband. “It’s a joint venture. I thought I told you.”
“No, madam,” he said. “You did not.”
Jane shrugged. “Well, Milli and I have bought a school for young women. And the captain has been kind enough to help us with the details. It’s in Bath. But the previous owner was a vulgar man. He tried to swindle us.”
Roderick’s face contorted. “You have bought a school without my permission?”
Jane scowled. “Now, Roderick, control yourself. George should not hear you raise your voice.”
“I am not raising my voice,” he said, eyeing Milli. “Am I?”
Milli chewed her lip. “I daresay you need a little
more time in bed to recuperate.”
Roderick’s lips thinned. He shifted a suspicious gaze between the two women. “How much is the captain involved?”
Roderick swung his bare legs around the bed and sat up. Milli blushed.
Jane’s brows dipped into a frown. “Roderick, a lady is present. You are in your dressing gown.”
His eyes danced with mischief. “I know. Now, let me hold our son.”
Jane stared at him. “Say his name, please.”
“George,” he said, his eyes narrowing.
The ladies laughed, and the baby was placed in Roderick’s arms.
Jane watched as Roderick’s entire face lit with joy when two little gray eyes peeped back at him. A warm glow spread through her.
“Hello there, George,” Roderick said in a soft voice. The baby curled its little hand around Roderick’s finger and let out a soft little mew.
Jane looked on as Milli’s eyes glistened with tears.
Roderick lifted a tender gaze toward Jane. “Duchess,” he said, clearing his throat. “You can have anything you want in the world.”
Jane let out a light laugh. “I was wondering when you would get around to that.”
Milli giggled. “Goodness, I wonder if Marcus will say the same thing when I tell him I am going to have a baby. Well, at least that’s what I think is happening.”
Roderick’s eyes widened in surprise. “Marcus will—”
“Ah, do I hear my name?”
Marcus strode into the room, grabbing Milli by the waist. “Is my little wife causing trouble already?” he replied, laughing.
Roderick’s eyes gleamed with laughter. “Trouble? Milli? Of course not. Is she causing trouble, Jane?”
Jane tilted her head, her smile widening. “I do not believe buying a school in Bath is trouble.” She stared at her son. “And I certainly do not believe having a baby is trouble. But what do you think, Marcus?”
Marcus’s dark brows knitted into a frown as he shifted a wary gaze back to his wife. “You bought that school?”
Milli grabbed his arm and walked toward the door. “Now, dear—”
Jane watched Roderick’s eyes widen in shock at the way Marcus was quieted by the tiny female.
“Give it thirty seconds,” Jane said to him. “They have been married more than a few months. Marcus will come around.”
Roderick smoothed his hand over his son’s soft hair. “I think Marcus will be—”
“A baby!” Marcus’s shout made George flinch.
Roderick glanced warily at Jane.
Milli ran into the room and rang the bell pull. “He fainted. I think he just needs some water. No need to worry. I can handle this.” She ran out again, closing the door behind her.
Jane fell onto the bed, laughing.
“Oh, Roderick,” she giggled. “I do love your family.”
Roderick stood and placed their son in a small cradle beside the bed. He kissed George and went back to Jane who couldn’t stop chuckling.
“And my dear wife, I love you too.”
He sank into the bed and kissed her with a hunger that made the room tilt. A wave of fiery passion flowed through her veins. Her body ached for him, and her husband knew it.
She could barely catch her breath. “Roderick, the baby.”
He lifted a wicked brow. “Perhaps he will have a sister who can attend that school you just bought.”
She bit her lip to keep from laughing. “I think that would be a very good idea. Did you know that Lord Vexfield’s daughter might teach there?”
“That little mouse?”
“Rebecca is not a little mouse. She’s just…shy.”
“If you say so,” Roderick said, slipping his arms around his wife. “Thunderation, sweetheart. I love you more each day.” His lips traced a lazy path down her neck.
She fell against him, breathing softly into his ear. “And I love you.”
A moment later, the door flew open and Marcus marched into the room. Jane wanted to scoot off the bed, but Roderick held a hard hand to her waist and glowered at his brother. “You, my man, have your nerve!”
Marcus didn’t seem to hear him or even care that Jane was there. He pulled up a chair and stared at the baby sleeping in the cradle beside them.
“The thing is, Roderick. I think, well, Milli thinks, I am going to be a father.” Marcus put his hands to his face and groaned. “I am going to be a father! Can you believe it?”
Jane blinked at her husband, then shifted a confused gaze Marcus’s way. “You do not wish to be a father?”
Marcus looked up, his face twisting in agony. “That is not it at all. If Milli is correct, then there is no two ways about it. I am going to be a father. But the thing is, Milli is going to be the mother.”
“I should hope so,” Roderick said somberly.
Jane pinched him on his backside. He yelped.
Marcus’s head snapped toward them. “You do not understand! Milli is going to be the mother. I love my wife to distraction. But good grief! What in the name of the king am I going to do if I have a daughter?”
Jane’s brows dipped. “You do not have to provide an heir. So, why are you worrying?”
“Why am I worrying?” Marcus exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. “The child will be Milli’s daughter. A beautiful, mischievous elf!”
Roderick frowned. “Jupiter and Zeus. I see your point.”
“Exactly,” Marcus said with a grim nod. “Do you know how many men will be knocking at my door?” Marcus banged his head against the bed frame. “I have been on the battlefield, but by Jove, I do not believe I can handle this.”
Roderick stared at Jane. “Sons are easier, Duchess. I hate to tell you, but daughters will be too much trouble.”
Jane shook her head and laughed, kissing her husband with all the passion she held in for months.
Marcus mumbled something and excused himself.
“Very well,” Roderick finally said, his eyes gleaming with purpose. “You, my lovely wife, may have any type of baby you want.”
“Why, thank you, Your Grace. I will keep that in mind.”
Laughter bubbled from Roderick’s chest. “Come here, you sneaky little thing.”
A teasing light smoldered in those gray eyes, and Jane’s lips quivered with mirth. “I am sneaky, am I not?”
His gaze captured hers. “Come here, wife.”
His command was more of a caress, stoking the glowing embers of their love, transforming it into a blazing flame. He leaned toward her and pulled her to him. Her entire being felt intoxicated by the sweetness of his touch.
Although he was still recovering, he still made passionate love to her, bringing them together where no marriage license or government documents from the Crown could define their union, only God.
Minutes later, she snuggled against him and sighed in delight. “I love you, Your Grace.”
“I believe you said that,” he smiled. “But I love you more, Duchess.”
Yawning, she straightened her gown and rubbed her eyes. “I must get up. I have so much to do, but if I could just rest here for a few minutes…” She sank into her pillow, lowering her lashes against her cheeks.
George let out a whimper.
Roderick glanced toward the baby, giving the cradle a gentle push. “I love you too, George.”
His son opened his light gray eyes and stared at Roderick. They held each other’s gaze for a few silent seconds, then the baby closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
Roderick stared at his sleeping wife, feeling his chest tighten with love. His throat clogged with emotion. He would not be able to control everything in his son’s life, but with God’s help, and Jane’s of course, he would direct the child the best he could. After all, George would be duke some day.
He swallowed hard, catching sight of the family bible sitting on his nightstand. Jane had read to him every day the past week.
He stretched out his hand and touched the holy book, letting his though
ts drift upward in thanks for his beautiful family.
With a peaceful sigh that eased into a smile, he went straight to sleep.
Beside him, Jane looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes. Careful not to wake her husband, she reached over him and placed his hand back on the bed.
George looked up at his mother and cooed.
“I agree, little one,” she said with a smile, sinking her head against her husband’s arm. “He is a wonderful man, and we are blessed to have him. But you must not wake him. Your papa needs his rest.”
Without warning, Roderick turned and flipped her onto her back. “I am also a strong man too. Did you tell him that?”
Jane laughed hysterically. “No, but I love being the duke’s bride. Did I tell you that?”
Roderick smiled as he glanced at George. “You have told me in more ways than I can count, sweetheart.” With a chuckle, he sank against his pillow, pulling her close. “I am a fortunate man. A fortunate man indeed.”
Suddenly the door whipped open and Agatha marched into the room.
Shocked at the intrusion, Jane jumped from the bed, straightening her gown.
Roderick scowled. “Madam, do you know how to knock?”
Agatha waved her parasol in the air. “Knock? Who cares about knocking on a door? You are a sick man, are you not?”
Jane pulled the wayward strands of her hair behind her ear. “Agatha, he needs he rest.”
The older lady looked at Jane and smiled. “Ah, yes. I can see that.”
Jane blushed.
“La, never mind,” Agatha snapped. “We have another problem on our hands.”
“Problem, you could say that again.” Roderick pointed toward the door. “You may leave. Now!”
Ignoring him, Agatha took a chair beside his bed. “The problem is with the captain. I fear he may never marry. Since he saved your baby, I believe we owe him. Jane, Emily and I have talked about this, but we need your help.”
Roderick growled. “Madam, if you do not leave, I will—”
The parasol slapped the bed, making Roderick flinch.
The Duke's Bride: Book 5 (The Clearbrooks) Page 27
