by Emma Wildes
“I love you, too,” she responded as he laid her on the rumpled bed. Untying her robe and letting it fall open in graphic invitation, she said dreamily, “Now, that part of the letter about worshipping my body with yours…”
“My particular favorite,” her husband said with a dark smile as he began to undress. “I was inspired.”
Epilogue
“The evening is a minor triumph, I must say.” Ava waved her fan, her gaze scanning the glittering guests. “Everyone is abuzz over you, which is nothing new, but this time they are full of pure envy, not nasty tittle-tattle.”
“It is a nice change of pace.” Patricia took a small sip of champagne, wondering if she were glowing with her inner happiness. She certainly felt like skipping around the room like a giddy schoolgirl, but it would be terribly undignified and she stifled a laugh at the thought.
“Whatever prompted your handsome husband to do such a thing as publish a love letter to you in the newspaper? I believe he is taking a great deal of grief from the husbands in attendance for making such a public romantic gesture, and all the females in this room are positively green over it.”
He had done exactly that, though it was a slightly edited version, leaving out the more personal points. What prompted it exactly was a mystery to her, but Patricia knew the night of her kidnapping had changed their relationship in a very wonderful way. The experience had been horrible, but she had decided it was completely worth it. It seemed to her Jared was just as happy with their newfound closeness and accord, and finally that happiness was not centered just in the bedroom.
Ava still looked at her curiously and she smiled. “He is a very attentive husband, it is true.”
Her friend gave an inelegant snort. “Writing flowery words of love is remarkably different from stalking into a theatre and physically carting you off. The gossips talked about that for weeks.” She lifted her brows. “Speaking of such things, I am sure you have heard about Lady Black. I can’t say as I feel sorry for her as she has never been one of my favorite people. Word has it Sir Henry is actually divorcing her.”
That was shocking, as it was very rarely done and always a horrible scandal. Jared hadn’t elaborated on how he handled the matter but had assured her Lady Black would never threaten her again.
“Divorce is rather drastic,” Patricia murmured.
Ava dramatically lowered her voice. “There’s more. Apparently, she has been ill and is being treated in special clinic somewhere on the Continent. One does wonder, since she has always seemed perfectly healthy to me, the truth behind that particular story.”
Yes, one did have to wonder.
“Pardon me, Lady Lockwood, but may I borrow my wife?” The deep familiar voice sent a thrill through her body.
Ava grinned, reached over, plucked the fluted glass from Patricia’s hand, and inclined her head. “Of course, your Grace.”
Jared led her to the dance floor and whirled her into his arms and Patricia could not help but give him a smile. “This is a wonderful party, Jared, though I must say you are the one who has everyone whispering this time.”
“I accept the entire responsibility.” He didn’t look in the least repentant but instead just gorgeously handsome and uncaring of the avid gazes sent their way as they danced.
“We are not the only ones being discussed this evening. Is Alicia Black truly ill?”
“She had you kidnapped, my love. What do you think? Sir Henry made most of the decisions involving his unbalanced wife. Since neither of us wanted the publicity of an open prosecution and trial, I think it turned out best for everyone.”
“I suppose you are right.”
He grinned. “It happens now and then, but perhaps not as often as I once assumed. But do not worry, I am trying to learn. I am no longer the arrogant duke but simply a humble husband in love with his beautiful wife.”
He was still the arrogant duke in many ways, but as Patricia adored the whole man, it didn’t matter if he occasionally slipped up and was a little high-handed. She actually enjoyed it upon occasion.
Was this the right time to tell him?
Well, she supposed it was as good as any. She asked him demurely, “How many roles can you play, your Grace?”
He lifted his brows in inquiry, looking puzzled. “Roles?”
“Arrogant duke, humble husband, and…father?”
He stopped dancing right in the middle of the waltz, staring down at her. “What?”
“You can’t truly be surprised I’m pregnant.”
Jared Warden, the Seventh Duke of Tellbourne, did indeed look stunned, which was very amusing. However, after a moment he swept her into his arms and gave her a very public, very passionate kiss in the middle of a crowded ball, so there didn’t seem to be much doubt over his feelings on the subject.
She kissed him back with equal joy and resigned herself to the fact the display would not go unnoticed and there would be even more gossip.
It was a good thing they were both getting used to it.
THE LETTER
THE END
WWW.EMMAWILDES.COM
AUTHOR’S BIO
Emma Wildes is the author of numerous erotic novels and short stories. Reading has always been her passion and she finds that vibrant characters with strong personalities have a tendency to draw her straight into the story. History is her passion, and it reflects in her choice of wickedly dashing heroes and willful heroines. She lives in rural Indiana and is working on her next romance. Please stop by and visit at www.emmawildes.com. She would love to hear from you.
Books by Emma Wildes
IN A RECKLESS MOMENT [Brothers of the Absinthe Club 3]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] Cassandra Rollins is innocent and sheltered. Ross Benson is quite the opposite. Though she knows better than to surrender to his persuasive charm, things just could not have gone more wrong in a reckless moment…"Full of passion and suspense. I was fascinated by [the] twist to the storyline. 5 Blue Ribbons" —Romance Junkies.
THE MERMAN [An Adult Fairy Tale]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] Does Lady Cynthia Lucas hear a phantom lover calling to her in the night, or is it a magical illusion and just the sighing whisper of the seductive wind? "Ms. Wildes continues to pen superb characters that breathe life into her imaginative historical stories. The Merman charms and enchants, delivering an absorbing read." —Romance at Heart.
SAVAGE SHORES [The Improper Ladies 1]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical / Multiple Sex Partners] Jenna Hayward is grateful to defy death. Finding herself on a deserted island with three of her other shipmates, she discovers having so many attractive men around can be intriguing… EPPIE Winner for 2007 Best Historical Erotic Romance. "Trapped on a deserted island with three gorgeous men and no idea if or when you’d be rescued, would you be worried about your virtue? I know I certainly wouldn’t! 5 Blue Ribbons" —Romance Junkies, "Emma Wildes has an amazing flair for taking what could be considered controversial subject matter and turning it into a beautiful love story! 5 Flags" —Euro-Reviews.
ARABIAN PEARL [Brothers of the Absinthe Club 1]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] The guest of a foreign prince, Lord Grayson finds an English jewel dropped in his lap when he is gifted a beautiful bedmate. Celia Davenport discovers that perhaps sexual servitude isn't the prison she imagined. A plaything of an Infidel lord, she has a chance of escape if only she pleases him... "edgy and erotic, enough heat to warm you on the coldest of nights. 5 Kisses"—Two Lips Reviews, "very poignant, remarkably breathtaking. 5 Angels"—Fallen Angel Reviews, "WOW!! I was simply enthralled; a beautiful, graphic and erotic love story. 5 Hearts"—The Romance Studio, "Superbly written! This book has become one of my favorites. 5 Roses" —My Book Cravings.
THE BLOODSTONE AFFAIR [Brothers of the Absinthe Club 2]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical Paranormal] An infamous ghost hunter travels to the most haunted hous
e in England to rescue the woman of his dreams and encounters an evil secret that refuses to die… "Masterfully written, the plot is chillingly delicious with some surprise elements and lots of twists and turns. 5 Hearts" —The Romance Studio, "I was intrigued and fascinated ...eagerly awaiting each new addition to this thrilling series. 5 Blue Ribbons" —Romance Junkies.
DANGEROUS BEAUTIES [Print Collection]
Mortal Melody : Bedding a Traitor
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] A war hero and an aristocratic man with a dark gift. Both are jaded, wary, and think they aren't susceptible to the dangerous beauties that captivate them… "5 Kisses/Recommended Read" —Two Lips Reviews, "5 Stars" —Just Erotic Romance Reviews, "5 Flags" —Euro-Reviews, "5 Angels" —Fallen Angel Reviews.
MORTAL MELODY [Dangerous Beauties 1]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical/ Paranormal] Can a man who denies his magical destiny find incredible rapture in the arms of a beautiful, but dangerous, young woman? "5 Kisses. Recommended Read" —Two Lips Reviews, "5 Stars" —Just Erotic Romance Reviews. "5 Angels" —Fallen Angel Reviews. "5 Flags" —Euro-Reviews, "4 Stars. Nominee 2006 Reviewers' Choice Award" —Ecataromance
BEDDING A TRAITOR [Dangerous Beauties 2]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical / Light BDSM] A beautiful widow and a war hero with a tarnished reputation find the ultimate passion in a desperate game of deceit… "This is not your average historical ...a fresh and exciting read. 5 Stars/ Orgasmic" —Just Erotic Romance Reviews, "numerous plot twists that kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. 5 Kisses" —Two Lips Reviews, "4.5 Blue Ribbons" —Romance Junkies
THE SINFUL GENTLEMEN [Print Collection]
The Manuscript : Midnight Without a Moon
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] A reclusive, wounded scientist. A seasoned rakehell. Both have no faith in love, but that just might change. "5 Stars" —Euro Reviews, "5 Blue Ribbons" —Romance Junkies, "5 Stars" —Just Erotic Romance Reviews, "5 Angels!" —Fallen Angel Reviews, "Readers will have a hard time choosing their favorite from these delightful and sizzling tales. 4 Stars" —Romantic Times BOOKreviews.
THE MANUSCRIPT [The Sinful Gentlemen 1]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] A desperate ingénue and a reclusive scientist find love matters more than scandal and some more than intriguing ideas for everlasting passion in The Manuscript. "5 Stars/ Excellent" —Euro Reviews, "5 Blue Ribbons" —Romance Junkies, "5 Stars/ Hot" —Just Erotic Romance Reviews, "5 Angels!" —Fallen Angel Reviews, "4 Stars" —Romantic Times BOOKreviews.
MIDNIGHT WITHOUT A MOON [The Sinful Gentlemen 2]
by Emma Wildes
[Historical] An aristocratic rogue and a determined young woman find danger and heated romance in the darkness of midnight without a moon. "delicious ...carnally passionate and delightfully descriptive. 5 Stars/Hot" —Just Erotic Romance Reviews, "a charming page-turner. 4.5 Kisses" —Two Lips Reviews, "4 Stars" —Romantic Times BOOKreviews.
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