Page 28 of From Rakes to Riches

“He’ll have some book learning too,” Evie, ten, said. Evie was adamant about books, reading every one she could find. “He will need that.”

“In time,” Lewis scoffed. “Let him have a bit of fun, first.”

“I do agree Lewis,” Guy said affably. “Every gentleman must enjoy his life. But ladies like book learning, and every gentleman wants to please the ladies.”

Lewis frowned, dubious, but Gemma suspected that in a few years he’d understand. Lewis was already manifesting the handsomeness of his father, and not long from now, young ladies would be trying to catch his eye.

“You mentioned riding,” Guy said to Lewis. “More than once, in fact. I believe there are horses waiting in the stable yard who need some exercise. Shall we?”

Guy kissed Gemma once more, this time a lingering kiss on the lips that reminded Gemma of the passion they’d shared the night before, alone in their bed, a soft breeze brushing their bodies as they touched and kissed in sweet afterglow.

Guy finally broke away to lead an eager Lewis toward the stables. Ash, who greeted Gemma with a gentle kiss on her cheek, followed, the two girls scampering on either side of him. Helena happily gathered up Alden from the nanny, who sped to the house to check on the nursery arrangements.

“How are you, Gemma?” Helena asked with a wise look once they’d gone.

Gemma softly jounced Clem, who gurgled his pleasure. “Very well, Helena. Exceedingly so.”

“Well, you have done it. Congratulations, my dear.”

Gemma, who’d believed herself barren, let joy fill her. She watched Guy stride to the stables, giving in to antics for a few paces to entertain Lewis.

“Guy is so very happy,” she said to Helena. “I am pleased I could do this for him—give him a son, I mean.”

“You’ve given him more than that, Gemma darling.” Helena kissed Alden’s silken hair as he gazed longingly after his siblings. “Ash has known Guy a long time, and I have come to know him well. He was incomplete, always searching for a part of himself, though I think he did not realize it. You gave him that completion. Your love. You.”

“You will make my head quite large,” Gemma said with a smile.

“Nonsense. You are a lovely woman, and he is lucky to have you.”

“And I him.” Gemma’s heart swelled, and she kissed Clem’s forehead, the love in her threatening to overwhelm her. “Can any woman be as lucky as I am?”

“I feel rather fortunate myself.” Helena’s grin held sparkle. “But we will let our husbands dote upon us. They enjoy it.”

Gemma burst out laughing. Alden, sunny natured, joined in, and Clem burbled his enthusiasm.

Helena laced her arm through Gemma’s and the two ladies turned for the house, which glowed gold in the sunlight. Three figures emerged from it—Tristan heading to join the gentlemen, Sonia racing across the lawn toward Helena, and Aunt Margot following her at a more decorous pace.

Sonia … She still searched for her own happily ever after, and Gemma was determined she’d find it.

Guy’s laughter surged from the direction of the stables. Clem cooed, recognizing his father’s voice. Then Sonia and Aunt Margot reached them, wrapping Helena and Alden in hugs.

Gemma gazed across the green to Guy, who saw her and waved. Then her handsome, laughing, gallant gentleman sent a kiss winging to her on the wind.

Gemma caught it in her hand, inducing his warm smile, and all was right with her world.

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