Page 90 of The Duke's Pet

“I promise the same, wife and mother that is.”

“I hardly dared hope that you’d say yes.” He kissed her again, softly, sweetly. “But now that you have I feel as if I am on a cloud, so high and happy.” His eyes burned bright and she could see the love in them. “The sooner we are married the better, don’t you think?”

“Yes. We are sleeping in the same bed, after all. It would be right and proper in the eyes of God and society.”

“An arrangement I like very much.” He glanced over at the four-poster. “In fact, why don’t we go back to bed now and celebrate your acceptance to be my bride.”

“I think I’ll say yes to that suggestion too.”

“Mmm, while you are in the mood for saying yes, there are a few other things I might ask of you.”

“Like what?” she giggled as he tugged her to the bed.

“That is for me to know, and for you, little kitten, to find out.”

Epilogue

Five years later

“Jack. Tom. Be careful,” Jemima called. The twins were racing beside the lake, each holding a big stick. It worried her that they might fall on the stick or into the water.

“They are having a good time,” the duke said. He was walking with her, pushing the pram, but his attention was on his sons.

She knew he’d keep a close eye on them. He always did.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take the stroller?” Penelope, their trusted nanny asked.

“I know it is odd for a man,” the duke said over his shoulder to her. “But I find it quite a pleasant task, pushing the baby along.”

“Yes, Your Lordship.”

Jemima smiled down at Nancy. She was eight weeks old now and thriving. She had dark hair like her brothers and Jemima suspected she was also going to be tall, like her father. Her little limbs were long and elegant.

“Father. Father, watch.” Tom held up a stone. “I can skim this.”

“Go on. Show me,” the duke called.

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