“Have a care,” Duncan called up.
“Is that why you’ve come, Duncan? To instruct me on how to properly lean out a window?”
“No. Not at all. I—” The moon’s glow played upon her face and illuminated the merry glitter in her eyes.
Charlie sent another elbow into his side. “She’s teasing, Papa.” Cupping her palms around her mouth, she yelled up to Josephine. “Isn’t that right, Miss Pratt? You’re teasing him?”
“You are indeed correct, Charlie. I’m teasing.”
“Who is ‘him’?” the baron asked in exasperation.
At that latest interruption, Josephine shoved her brother out of the way and took up place at the center of the wide window frame. “You’ve not come to advise me on how to stand at a window.” A shadow played with the precious lines of her face. “And you’ve not come round before now—”
“Why should he have come at all?” The baron stormed the window and leaned out. Duncan had sat across from Society’s most ruthless murderers and hardened criminals, but in that moment, he’d have preferred any one of them to the man glaring back with the threat of death in his eyes. “Who are you?” he demanded at Josephine’s shoulder. “I demand to know—”
A plump, pretty, bespectacled woman appeared at the baron’s side. “Hush, Nolan Pratt.” That managed to silence the baron. “Come away this instant.” And by the lack of fight the gentleman put up as he retreated, there could be no doubting the woman in question was the baroness.
“I had this all planned, everything I would say. It was to be romantic, you know.” He whipped his hat about as he spoke. “I was going to re-create our first meeting.”
Did he imagine the smile pulling at Josephine’s lips? “And so you broke my brother’s window?”
“Unintentionally, but… yes.” Tossing his hat onto the ground, he reached a shaking hand inside his jacket. “I came with this.” He held up a palm.
Clouds shifted overhead, covering the moon and stealing with it the night’s natural light.
He squinted.
And he hated the divide of space between them for so many reasons. Because he wanted her near. Because, from this distance, he could not make out much of anything from her always expressive, revealing eyes. He stood there, in the dark, blind to everything but his admission. “I kept it that day in Hyde Park because I was too much a coward to cast it. I was too afraid to ask the world for what I wanted most. It was you, Josephine.” His voice broke. “It was only and always you.”
Josephine’s lips parted.
Her brother sputtered. “What day in Hyde Park?”
“Shh,” the baroness chided from within the room.
“Josephine, I don’t have much to offer you.” He grimaced. “I really don’t have anything to offer for you. Not the life you deserve or the one I wish I could provide you with. Not the jewels that you should be adorned in.”
Charlie tugged at his coat, and he glanced down. “Less of this, Papa,” she said in a loud whisper. “Much less of this.”
“But—”
“Less, Papa.”
He nodded, and when he looked up, only an empty window remained.
Frantic, he searched the spot where she’d been.
Gone.
“I told you less of that,” his daughter bemoaned.
Closing his eyes, he laid his back against the wall. He unclenched his hand and stared at the small stone that had left an imprint there. “I am rather rubbish at this.”
“It is a wonder you win any cases, Papa,” his daughter said, patting his hand in a sympathetic way. “You’re supposed to use words of love and tell her she is the goddess of your heart and—”
How did his daughter know anything about courtship?
As if she’d heard the question there, Charlie rolled her eyes. “I’m a girl, Papa. All women know about love.”
“I was getting to that part,” he said, returning the wishing rock to the place it had occupied in his jacket.
“Pfft. You needed to get there sooner.”
Yes, yes, he had.
A door exploded open at the end of the alley, and he and Charlie swung their gazes to that commotion.
“Is this where the servants order us gone?” she asked, sliding closer to him.
“I…” By the fury that had been pouring from the room above them, his daughter’s was the safest assumption to make.
Footfalls echoed in the alley… and then… He didn’t blink. He didn’t move for fear that if he did, the sight before him would disappear and take with it all of the joy he’d known these past weeks.
“Well, that is most certainly not a footman,” Charlie piped in happily.
“No,” he said hoarsely. “It certainly isn’t.”
Josephine skidded to a stop several paces away from Duncan and Charlie. Josephine, who was winded and her brow damp. At some point in her flight to meet him, the elegant arrangement of her hair had toppled free and left her curls hanging about her back and shoulders. And he’d never beheld a more magnificent woman.
“Josephine,” he whispered, stepping away from the wall.
She cocked her head at an endearing angle. “You were saying?” she rasped, slightly out of breath.
His legs were already moving, closing the slightest space that separated them. He wanted none to divide them, now or ever again.
“I was saying that I have nothing—”
“That wasn’t the part to which I referred, Duncan.”
“Exactly,” Charlie mumbled behind them.
A tremulous smile played about her perfectly bow-shaped lips. “I meant when you said, ‘It was only and always you.’”
“Ah.” Duncan brought a shaky hand up and dusted his palm along her slightly fuller lower lip. Her brother was no doubt near and would likely kill Duncan for daring to touch his sister. But Duncan would gladly take that thrashing. “It is you and will always be you who I want in my life as my friend, and partner, in everything,” he said solemnly.
Her mouth quivered.
“Ah, Josephine.” He cupped her nape and angled his head so that their foreheads touched. “I love you. I love being with you and laughing with you, and I want forever with you.” He fished the stone from his pocket. “That is my wish, Josephine. You are my wish.”
She sobbed and pulled herself up on tiptoe, pressing herself against his body and lifting herself so that their gazes were level. “I don’t want things, Duncan. I want you,” she whispered, giving him a light shake. “And I want Charlie and a life for the three of us.” Her voice broke. “T-together.” Josephine removed something from the pocket sewn upon her bright yellow dress and held it out. “You were my wish that day, too.” She looked to Charlie. “Both of you.”
Duncan dropped to a knee. “Marry me.”
She gasped. “But you don’t… You said…”
He smiled. “Unless you’d rather… not? In which case, I’d have you remain on in the role of clerk—”
Laughing, Josephine launched herself into his arms.
Knocked off-balance, he stumbled but then righted them. “Is that a yes?”
Still breathless with laughter, she kissed him. “That is a yes, you silly man.”
When her merriment had faded, Duncan brushed her heavy curls behind her ears, revealing all of a face so very dear to him. All these years, he’d believed he’d never find a woman who could or would love him, because he’d believed himself unworthy of that gift.
Josephine had helped him heal. She’d reminded him that he was no monster, but a man deserving of a new start and a new beginning.
They linked hands, their fingers twining together like perfect ivy. As one, Josephine and Duncan stretched out their free hands.
Giggling, Charlie came bounding over and grabbed for their outstretched hands.
Their joyous laughter filled the narrow alley.
A new beginning…
Epilogue
“You must admit that I’ve handled all of this v
ery well.” Seated on the opposite side of the carriage, Sybil at his side and his son on his lap, Nolan preened, looking altogether proud and pleased with himself.
Catching Josephine’s attention, Sybil pointed her eyes toward the ceiling of the black conveyance.
“You have,” Sybil allowed.
In fact, Nolan had taken the news of Josephine secretly working with Duncan and her love for the gentleman far better than she would have ever expected.
Though, in fairness, Sybil had helped ease his initial fury and outrage.
And, in complete fairness, Nolan didn’t know all the places she’d gone with Duncan. Josephine, however, was wise enough to know when to opt for fewer details when it came to one’s elder brother.
“You handled it a good deal better than Henry,” Josephine put in dryly.
Henry had been outraged that Josephine had assisted, and now would marry, the man who’d thwarted the public trial that would have catapulted his career.
Some of Nolan’s earlier happiness dissipated. “I’m sorry he won’t be here this day.”
Her wedding day.
Henry had stated in no uncertain terms that he’d never attend or have any dealings with his soon-to-be brother-in-law. “It is fine,” she said truthfully. For it was. She’d not have someone in their lives who didn’t see Duncan’s worth… and who’d put petty feelings above Josephine’s happiness.
The carriage rocked to a stop outside the entryway to Hyde Park. And just like that, Henry was forgotten.
All was forgotten but the gentleman now awaiting her arrival.
Excitement humming through her, she grabbed for the handle and shoved the door open, nearly catching the driver in the face.
“Josephine,” Nolan rebuked. “Let me—”
She was already through the door. “I assure you I’m quite capable of seeing to my own doors and exiting a carriage.”
Her brother frowned. “Of course you are,” he said, reaching for his son with one hand. With the other, he helped Sybil down.
They made their way to the shore of the Serpentine, and Josephine stopped. Her gaze lingered not on the vicar chatting with Mrs. Joy, but on the pair ahead of them.
With his daughter at his side, Duncan stood at the edge of the river. The pair simultaneously launched stones at the water, and those pebbles hopped along the surface before falling into the water below. Charlie said something that earned a laugh from Josephine’s bridegroom, and just like that, her heart stirred with love for the man before her.
Charlie glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of Josephine.
Gathering her hem, Josephine started forward.
Duncan spun, and the love in the gaze he trained on her was like a physical touch.
“Look, Papa,” Charlie cried as Josephine reached them. “Your wish came true!”
“Yes, it did, poppet,” he said softly. “Yes, it did.” And as Duncan and Josephine slid into position, with Josephine’s family and Mrs. Joy watching from the sides, the vicar opened his book and commenced the services.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here…”
As his words filtered around the copse where she and Duncan and Charlie had played not so very long ago, the branches overhead stirred, sending the leaves dancing as if in celebration.
“Duncan Everleigh, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
Duncan held her eyes. “I will,” he said solemnly. “I love you,” Duncan mouthed as the vicar turned to her.
“I love you, too,” she whispered, and as she proceeded to recite her vows, Josephine realized Charlie had been only partly correct.
Both Josephine’s and Duncan’s wishes had come true.
The End
Coming Soon by Christi Caldwell
The Spitfire
Her dream is to open a music hall. Only one thing stands in her way—the man she loves. The final Wicked Wallflowers novel from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Leaving behind her life as a courtesan and madam, Clara Winters is moving far from the sinful life to which she was accustomed in the gaming hell the Devil’s Den. Her more reputable and fulfilling endeavor is a music hall for the masses. One night, when she sees a man injured on the streets of East London, she rushes to his aid and brings him home. It’s then that she discovers he’s Henry March, Earl of Waterson, and a member of Parliament. No good can come from playing nursemaid to a nobleman.
When Henry rouses to meet his savior in blonde curls, he is dazzled. This smart and loving spitfire challenges his every notion of the lower classes—and every moment together is a thrill. But after Henry returns to his well-ordered existence, he strikes a political compromise that has unintended consequences. Will his vision for London mean dashing the dreams of his lovely guardian angel?
Out September 17th! Order Today
Other Books by Christi Caldwell
“The Minx Who Met Her Match”
Book 4 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell
Duncan Everleigh, barrister, widower, father. Accused murderer… Found innocent in the death of his wife, Duncan’s reputation is ruined, his law practice is nearly destroyed, and his daughter hates him. He’s content living for his work. Until one day he meets…
Miss Josephine Pratt…Her life is in tatters. Her oldest brother has brought them to financial ruin. Her betrothed has broken their engagement. Looking to escape, Josephine loses herself in her real passion—her other brother’s law books. A chance meeting in the London streets soon finds her employed by the last man she should, the barrister who’ll be opposing her brother in court.
Soon, Duncan and Josephine, two people who have vowed to never love again, find the protective walls they’ve each built, crumbling. When past secrets threaten to destroy their future, they’ll have to decide if love is enough.
“The Rogue Who Rescued Her”
Book 3 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell
Martha Donaldson went from being a nobleman’s wife, and respected young mother, to the scandal of her village. After learning the dark lie perpetuated against her by her ‘husband’, she knows better than to ever trust a man. Her children are her life and she’ll protect them at all costs. When a stranger arrives seeking the post of stable master, everything says to turn him out. So why does she let him stay?
Lord Sheldon Graham Whitworth has lived with the constant reminders of his many failings. The third son of a duke, he’s long been underestimated: that however, proves a valuable asset as he serves the Brethren, an illustrious division in the Home Office. When Graham’s first mission sees him assigned the role of guard to a young widow and her son, he wants nothing more than to finish quickly and then move on to another, more meaningful assignment.
Except, as the secrets between them begin to unravel, Martha’s trust is shattered, and Graham is left with the most vital mission he’ll ever face—winning Martha’s heart.
“The Lady Who Loved Him”
Book 2 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell
In this passionate, emotional Regency romance by Christi Caldwell, society’s most wicked rake meets his match in the clever Lady Chloe Edgerton! And nothing will ever be the same!
She doesn’t believe in marriage…
The cruelty of men is something Lady Chloe Edgerton understands. Even in her quest to better her life and forget the past, men always seem determined to control her. Overhearing the latest plan to wed her to a proper gentleman, Chloe finally has enough…but one misstep lands her in the arms of the most notorious rake in London.
The Marquess of Tennyson doesn’t believe in love…
Leopold Dunlop is a ruthless, coldhearted rake… a reputation he has cultivated. As a member of The Brethren, a secret spy n
etwork, he’s committed his life to serving the Crown, but his rakish reputation threatens to overshadow that service. When he’s caught in a compromising position with Chloe, it could be the last nail in the coffin of his career unless he’s willing to enter into a marriage of convenience.
A necessary arrangement…
A loveless match from the start, it soon becomes something more. As Chloe and Leo endeavor to continue with the plans for their lives prior to their marriage, Leo finds himself not so immune to his wife—or to the prospect of losing her.
“The Spy Who Seduced Her”
Book 1 in the “Brethren” Series by Christi Caldwell
A widow with a past… The last thing Victoria Barrett, the Viscountess Waters, has any interest in is romance. When the only man she’s ever loved was killed she endured an arranged marriage to a cruel man in order to survive. Now widowed, her only focus is on clearing her son’s name from the charge of murder. That is until the love of her life returns from the grave.
A leader of a once great agency… Nathaniel Archer, the Earl of Exeter head of the Crown’s elite organization, The Brethren, is back on British soil. Captured and tortured 20 years ago, he clung to memories of his first love until he could escape. Discovering she has married whilst he was captive, Nathaniel sets aside the distractions of love…until an unexpected case is thrust upon him—to solve the murder of the Viscount Waters. There is just one complication: the prime suspect’s mother is none other than Victoria, the woman he once loved with his very soul.
Secrets will be uncovered and passions rekindled. Victoria and Nathaniel must trust one another if they hope to start anew—in love and life. But will duty destroy their last chance?
“Her Christmas Rogue”
Lady Winifred Grisham has been in love with her brother’s best friend Lord Trent Ballantine more years than she can remember. The only problem is, Trent is a notorious rogue who doesn’t dally with the respectable. Except, Winnie doesn’t want a dalliance—she wants his heart.
The Minx Who Met Her Match Page 24