The Making of a Duchess

by Shana Galen

  "Has he shown any reaction when you mention Bastien?" Julien asked.

  His mother shook her head. "Nothing. I'm not certain he recognizes the name."

  "I'll speak with Gilbert. Perhaps he knows something."

  His mother reached out and put her hand on Julien's arm. "Don't raise your hopes too high."

  The table was silent for a few moments, and Sarah could feel the hole Bastien's absence left in the family. But then Rowena smiled and said, "Let's talk more about the wedding plans!"

  Hours later, Sarah lay in Julien's arms, in Julien's bed, blissfully naked and blissfully satisfied. Her eyes were closed, but she felt Julien rise up beside her. She opened her eyes, smiled at him, and reached up to smooth back a lock of his hair.

  "I love you, Sera," he said quietly. "Je t'aime. I don't think I told you before. I should have."

  Her heart was pounding so fast and so loudly she feared she had heard him incorrectly.

  "You love me?" she whispered, still finding the idea incredible. Still finding the use of her new name—her true name—wonderful.

  "Very much. And I like my mother's idea of another wedding. This time we'll have a huge ceremony, the one of your dreams. Make it as romantic as you want. I'll even propose again. I'll bend on one knee and scatter rose petals around the room."

  She laughed. "Oh, Julien. I love you so much. But I don't need any of that."

  He frowned, the crease between his brows endearing. Why had she never noticed that before? She traced it with two fingers.

  "But I thought you wanted romance."

  "No." She shook her head, ran her fingers through her hair. "Not at all." She had never needed a grand gesture. She just wanted him.

  "Then what do you want?" he asked, and his fingers dipped to caress her bare shoulders. "What can I give you?"

  She bit her lip, looked away, then back again. "I want a family, Julien. All my life I've had phantom dreams of a family, but never a real one—never one I could touch. I want that. With you."

  He grinned. "Well, if that's all you want, let's get started on it right now." He pulled down the bedclothes, bent to kiss her breast.

  She caressed his hair, but her thoughts were a jumble. "What do you think will happen to Sir Northrop?"

  Julien looked up, leaned back. "I hope he's drawn and quartered. He deserves it for all his crimes."

  She nodded, and he leaned down to kiss her again.

  "Your mother seemed hurt but not surprised that my parents are dead. Do you think she knew that all along as well?"

  Julien shook his head. "I don't know. She's resourceful."

  She opened her mouth to ask another question, but he put a finger over her lips. "Why don't you ask her tomorrow?"

  She nodded, but just as he would have kissed her again, she said, "Armand seemed better tonight, don't you think? He's improving."

  Julien sighed and pulled back again. "Yes. He's doing better. It will take time, but I hope he'll make a full recovery."

  "And what about you? Are you done with trips to France? Done searching?"

  He raised a brow. "Tricky question. I still have one brother unaccounted for. He could be this Captain Cutlass."

  "A pirate?" She gave him a worried look, but she had known before she asked the question that Julien would never disregard his duty. It was part of why she loved him. If Bastien was alive, Julien would not stop until he found him.

  "Have I ever told you my father's motto?" he asked.

  "No."

  "Ne quittez pas. Never give up."

  She laughed. "How appropriate."

  "I thought so. Versatile as well."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Let me show you." He pulled her into his arms, stripped off the bedclothes, and kissed her breathless.

  Sarah kissed him back. She could worry about Armand and Sir Northrop and Julien's search for Bastien later. Right now she was in Julien's arms. And that was all that mattered.

  He leaned close, whispered in her ear, "Governess, are you ready for me to teach you something?"

  Sarah smiled. "Oh, yes."

  Acknowledgments

  I am indebted to Pascale Zurzolo-Champeau and Veronica and Pierre Ramondenc for their help with the French phrases and terms in this novel. Of course, any mistakes in the manuscript are mine completely. This book would not have been possible without the insightful comments and critiques of Linda Andrus and Christina Hergenrader. In addition, I'd like to acknowledge my agents Joanna MacKenzie and Danielle Egan-Miller for believing in me and in this novel, and I'd like to thank Deb Werksman for her suggestions and comments. Finally, much love and thanks to my family for all of their support—my sister, Danielle, and my parents, Earle and Nancy.

  About the Author

  Shana Galen is the author of five Regency historicals, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston's inner city, Shana now writes full-time. She is a happily married wife and mother of one daughter and two spoiled cats. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com.