Cadoc had welcomed them, Emmeline had forgiven them. Things were not easy, not all the time. Millie’s mother still made occasional comments meant to slight her sons-in-law, but the family did their best to ignore her when she behaved that way. And their father—he was happier than his daughters had ever seen him, declaring there was nothing so wonderful as having grandchildren.
What a change a year could bring.
“Very well,” Millie conceded at last. “But we will not stay for the whole of the Season. I should much rather be home in the spring. I think our first child ought to be born at Woodsbridge.”
Isaac stopped walking abruptly and turned to look down at her. “Our first—Lady Fox. What did you say?”
She grinned and stood on her toes to give him a kiss upon his jaw—the only thing she could reach unless he bent to give her greater access. “Our first child should be born at home. Surrounded by the people who love us most.”
Isaac wrapped his arm about her, pulling her close enough to lift her from the ground and twirl her about. He was laughing, the sound joyful and bright. Then he hastily set her back upon her feet, his eyes widening with alarm. “I am terribly sorry. Are you well? Dizzy? Perhaps the walk has fatigued you. Come. Let me get you home to rest.”
Millie laughed, and Isaac stared at her, with an expression that bordered on panic.
“My love, are you going to be so overly protective the entire time?”
Esther and Silas had come up close enough to hear that question. Silas had little Isaac in his arms and a smirk upon his face. Esther came up to Millie and shared a commiserating look with her. “Told him, did you?”
Isaac glared at her, then his expression immediately softened when he looked back down at Millie. “Essie knew?”
Millie grinned at him and shrugged. “She guessed.”
Millie kept walking, smiling to herself. Isaac looped his arm around her waist, holding her close as they walked.
“A child,” he whispered, barely loud enough to be heard over the waves. “I hoped—”
“As did I.” Millie snuggled closer. “And we will come home for the birth.”
“Whatever you wish, my dear.”
It was as Emmeline had said. Not perfect. Isaac had nightmares still, but Millie was there to soothe him when he woke. The marquess’s family made it a point to avoid Silas, Esther, Isaac, and Millie. But her reputation, as insignificant as it was, remained intact.
And they were happy. There was joy in the laughter they shared, gentleness in the sorrow, and hope for what was to come.
“I love you, Sir Isaac.”
“And I love you, Lady Fox.”
While she had begun as the villain in her own love story, Millie had ended the happiest of heroines.
* * *
If you enjoyed this story, and if you’re just as confused by Lord Neil’s behavior as Sir Isaac, you might want to check out Reforming Lord Neil, the fifth book in the series. Do you think Lord Neil could ever be someone’s hero?
Acknowledgments & Notes
Writing isn’t easy. No matter how hard an author tries, they can never be perfect. I have yet to publish a book completely devoid of typos or minor mistakes - even the largest publishing houses in the world usually have what they call “an acceptable error rate.” No book is perfect, because no author, editor, or proofreader, is perfect, either. So I am all the more grateful for the wonderful people on my team who help me polish my drafts until they shine.
Thank you to Jenny Proctor, an incredible editor, and Carri Flores, my proofreader and assistant. Thank you to Shaela Kay, a dear friend, my designer, and my favorite sounding board for all my author struggles.
I must express my gratitude to my wonderful readers! There are so many of you who reach out through email and messenger to let me know what you think of my books. I do this for you, and I’m grateful my stories have touched your hearts. Thank you especially to those who are part of my Sweet Romance Fans on Facebook.
My darling husband is my greatest support, my hero, and the man who makes certain I have the time and emotional energy to write. My children are understanding, kind, and they will never know how much I need their sweet hugs and encouragement.
My favorite people in the world, after my family, are all my author friends. Thank you to Joanna, Arlem, Heidi, Megan, Jen, Mindy, Ashtyn, Sarah, Martha, Jennie, Deborah, Jess, Kasey, and ALL the authors who consider themselves Obstinate, Headstrong Girls.
Also by Sally Britton
The Inglewood Series:
Book #1, Rescuing Lord Inglewood
Book #2, Discovering Grace
Book #3, Saving Miss Everly
Book #4, Engaging Sir Isaac
Book #5, Reforming Lord Neil
The Branches of Love Series:
Prequel Novella, Martha’s Patience
Book #1, The Social Tutor
Book #2, The Gentleman Physician
Book #3, His Bluestocking Bride
Book #4, The Earl and His Lady
Book #5, Miss Devon’s Choice
Book #6, Courting the Vicar’s Daughter
Book #7, Penny’s Yuletide Wish (A Novella)
Forever After:
The Captain and Miss Winter
Timeless Romance:
An Evening at Almack’s, Regency Collection 12
Entangled Inheritances:
His Unexpected Heiress
About the Author
Sally Britton no longer lives in the desert with her husband and four children. Instead, she calls Texas home no matter where her adventures take her.
Sally started writing her first story on her mother’s electric typewriter, when she was fourteen years old. Reading her way through Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and Lucy Maud Montgomery, Sally decided to write about the elegant, complex world of centuries past.
Sally graduated from Brigham Young University in 2007 with a bachelor’s in English, her emphasis on British literature. She met and married her husband not long after and they’ve been building their happily ever after since that day.
Vincent Van Gogh is attributed with the quote, “What is done in love is done well.” Sally has taken that as her motto, for herself and her characters, writing stories where love is a choice.
All of Sally’s published works are available on Amazon.com and you can connect with Sally and sign up for her newsletter on her website, AuthorSallyBritton.com.
Engaging Sir Isaac: An Inglewood Romance Page 27
