Page 82 of The Duke and the Hellion Bride

“She?” Diana frowned.

Magnus chuckled and then took her hand. “Speaking of, shall we be heading home? Wife.”

“Yes.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “I think we shall. Husband.”

And that was exactly what they did.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Diana and Magnus took the carriage home together, while Theodore chose to ride ahead on his lone horse. It was as they came closer to the manor that Diana saw Theodore ride ahead, disappearing over the horizon as if he had somewhere he needed to be.

“Where is he off to?” Diana asked.

Magnus frowned as he watched his friend vanish. “Where Theodore is concerned, who knows? I told you he was odd.”

Diana laughed snuggled in closer to Magnus, caring little for his eccentric friend. Still, she could not believe what had happened, and how it had happened. Still, she could not believe how everything had turned out and that from this point onwards, happiness was what awaited her. His arm was around her, holding her close, and never had she felt more comfortable. Life truly was perfect.

And it became even more so when they arrived at the gate of the estate, able now to see the front of the manor. In that moment, the question of Theodore’s sudden exit was answered, for he stood outside the manor waiting for them, and with him were Evelyn, Josephine, and Adeline.

“Evelyn!” Diana gasped when she saw her. “So, that is how...”

Magnus shrugged and attempted to look coy. “I would have preferred the narrative that I was so overcome with feelings of sorrow that I endeavored to come after you and change your mind, regardless of circumstance...” He grimaced. “Alas, you cousin was the reason.”

“She went to you?”

“Aye, she appeared in my home last night and told me everything. And although I am beyond grateful, I cannot help but feel a little sorry for her.”

“Sorry for her?” Diana frowned, not understanding his meaning.

He nodded through the carriage window where Diana saw immediately what Magnus was speaking of. Evelyn stood behind the two girls, her hands on their shoulders to keep them from charging the carriage. But beside her was Theodore, and he spoke joyously to her, his expression animated. Evelyn rolled her eyes at something he said and shook her head, but she did not look at all put out by his clear interest. Not even a little bit.

My cousin the spinster, looking to have spun her final web. At least if Lord Northwood has anything to say about it.

The second that the carriage came to a stop, the girls sprung from Evelyn’s grip and charged ahead, screaming their heads off in delight.

“Diana!” Josephine cried as Diana opened the carriage door.

“Diana! Diana! You’re back!” Adeline joined the chorus.

Diana beamed for them both, her heart swelling at the sight of their happy faces. They were not her own offspring, but in the moment, she did not care because it felt as if they were. In a small way, she felt a little guilty for having asked Magnus if he wanted to produce an heir with her, as if these two girls were not enough to satisfy for her need for a child. Yet at the same time, seeing how she felt for them, and how they felt for her, she also knew that the two were ready for that next step.

“Girls!” she said happily as she climbed down, taking them both in her arms in one big hug. “Did you miss me!”

“Where have you been!” Josephine huffed. “Father would not say.”

“Nowhere worth worrying about.” Diana crouched down to better look at them. “I am just glad I am back.”

“Me too!” Adeline agreed, refusing to let her go as if doing so might see her leave again.

“Girls, give her some room,” Magnus chuckled as he came in behind them. “And where is my hug?”

“We saw you this morning,” Josephine said.

“Which means I do not get a hug?”

The two girls scrunched their faces, but they relented and soon the four of them were holding one another in a giant embrace. A family is what they were, one that would never be parted again.

It was as Diana stood that she saw Evelyn slowly edging toward her, Lord Northwood behind her as if for support. Evelyn wore a look of reservation, tinged with smugness, likely knowing she had done the right thing but still not sure if Diana would agree.

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