Claire tilted her head to look into his eyes. “All I ever wanted was for you to share my life and build a family. When you came to find me tonight, it was as if my eyes finally opened. I saw a man willing to risk his life for my cousin because he puts family first. You were willing to protect what I value, my family. You showed me the depth of your love.”
“Claire, I promise I’ll never make you regret marrying me. I know I said the same words that first night, but my only path is to make you happy.”
* * *
“Pembrooke, you’re in for a delightful treat this morning.” William’s deep whisper cut through the quiet in the salon. “When these two get going, it’s quite a sight to behold.”
Claire stood next to her husband and her two cousins McCalpin and William. They were a safe distance from the center of the salon, where a somber Emma sat like Joan of Arc and waited for her lecture.
“Pardon?” Alex’s hand rested on Claire’s lower back, and the weight grounded her and kept her from flying to Emma’s side. “What are you referring to?”
“Emma and Uncle Sebastian. It’s rare he ever reprimands her. With Aunt Ginny beside him, this will not be pleasant for any of us,” Claire said.
Emma stiffened visibly as Uncle Sebastian repeatedly paced the entire length of the room. “Father, I have no notion why anyone would believe I was to meet with Lord Paul in a private dining room at the Falstaff.”
Her uncle stopped midstride and delivered a glare at his daughter. “Oh? You don’t understand the circumstances we’re concerned about? Why do you suppose I had your maid wake you up at the crack of dawn?”
“Father only uses sarcasm when he’s furious. It’s time to stir things up a little bit,” William whispered. His face instantly transformed from humor into solemn concern. “Emma, I would have gladly escorted you home.” His deep voice echoed around the room. “I arrived only an hour after the ball started. I couldn’t find you. I was worried sick.”
“William, stop,” Claire whispered. Emma and her uncle didn’t need any outside interference in this discussion, and Claire wanted to hear every word spoken between the two. How could Emma have left the ball without telling her?
Alex leaned close to her ear. “I’m impressed with the little scamp. She’d make a fine barrister. She said private dining room. That’s not the language written in her note to Lord Paul. She wanted to meet in the tavern or public taproom.”
“Care to place a bet on how long it will be before he spirals out of control?” This time William addressed the comment to his brother.
“No.” McCalpin narrowed his eyes and closed the distance between them. “If you’d done as I’d asked and escorted Emma and Claire last night, neither Father nor our sister would be in the middle of a tangle.”
“There was a time you loved to wager on these matters,” William muttered. “You’ve become an abysmal bore.”
Claire laid her hand on McCalpin’s arm. This upset him as much as it did her. “She could have easily disappeared under William’s nose too.”
“Are you suggesting I can’t keep track of my own sister?” William raised both eyebrows. “Claire, you should be thanking me. If I’d attended the ball with Emma, you and Pembrooke would still be apart. I take full credit for your reconciliation.”
Alex’s lips turned up. “Seriously? It was only several days ago you wanted to kill me.”
Aunt Ginny gracefully sat down next to Emma. “A young woman named Jane Hosmer overheard you say Lord Paul had a book to give you. Is that true?” Her voice was even, but her face indicated she was barely holding on to her ire. Uncle Sebastian had stopped pacing and now stood behind his wife with his hand on her shoulder in a show of solidarity.
“No.” Emma fidgeted. “If I’m interested in a book, I’m always willing to pay a fair price.”
“That’s not an answer,” said the duchess.
The room quieted as everyone waited for Emma’s response.
Eventually, Aunt Ginny let out a long sigh. “Your father and I have always encouraged your interest in books. Last night gives me pause.”
Uncle Sebastian continued his relentless questioning. “Why did Claire receive a summons from Lord Paul Barstowe to come to the Falstaff?”
Emma delivered her own heavy sigh. “I have no idea. The last time I saw him, he approached me at Lady Barrington’s. He asked if I was enjoying my Season, and we talked about books, specifically Mr. Bentham’s essays. It was quite innocent. Then Claire pounced like a protective lioness and ordered me away.”
The duke narrowed his eyes to slits and glared at Emma. “Would you care to comment about the missive?”
“What missive are you referring to, specifically?” Emma lifted a brow. “If I’m to be condemned, I’d like to see the evidence.”
Uncle Sebastian shot a glance to Claire, as if asking if she had the note. She gently shook her head.
“Shall I say that’s not quite what happened?” Alex whispered in her ear. “You really didn’t pounce. You’d been looking for her for quite a while if memory serves me. Plus, I saw the note last night.”
Claire smiled and shook her head. “If we interrupt, it’ll go on forever. I’ll talk privately with her later.”
Understandably, the protective side of Alex had emerged. Since losing Alice, he was always aware of Daphne’s itinerary and plans. Because Emma was Claire’s cousin and his sister’s best friend, Alex’s concern naturally extended to Emma as well. She may not like it, but Emma had a new man in her life who watched over her.
“Let me explain the situation, young lady,” Uncle Sebastian bellowed, like a bull in full rage. “You are to stay away from the likes of him or any other man without my approval.” The duke’s gaze settled on the expansive view of Langham Park through the salon’s windows. The room grew deathly quiet, until finally he turned to Emma and exhaled. “Your mother and I have made a decision. You’ll leave for Falmont tomorrow. An extended stay at the family seat will put an end to this nonsense. Your Season is over.”
Emma stood and gracefully straightened in a movement that caused the silk of her dress to whisper. “If you have further need of me, I’ll be in my room.” With her chin tilted several inches higher, she left without a glance acknowledging her brothers or Claire and Alex.
“I’m glad we didn’t wager.” William scowled. “That wasn’t nearly enough of a show. Emma has learned some strategy. She left them hanging.”
“She’s been bloody sent to Falmont, Will,” McCalpin muttered. “God save me from ripping your head off.”
William’s veiled expression didn’t hide his sympathy for his sister. “I’ll go with her. There’s not much entertainment here anyway.”
Emma’s banishment to the family’s ancestral seat caused Claire a moment of regret for her part in her cousin’s punishment. A year ago, Emma would have never considered such an outing, let alone try it. When Claire and Alex had discussed last evening’s events with her aunt and uncle this morning, Somerton had joined them. He was the one who had found Emma and returned her home without anyone being the wiser.
“How will your family explain Emma’s absence for the rest of the Season?” Alex asked.
The penetrating gray of his eyes had the power to make her forget everything else except for him. “My aunt and uncle will travel with her and stay for a week. When they return, they’ll say it was her preference to stay at Falmont.”
“I’ll go find Somerton, then let’s take our leave,” Alex whispered. His breath felt like a kiss against her neck. “It’s time to go home.”
“I’d like that very much.” It was the start of their new life together. “Perhaps we could go see Emma in a couple of weeks?”
“I’ve always wanted to visit Falmont.” Alex’s astute gaze softened. “We can find your parents’ portrait.”
Claire nodded but didn’t answer. Was it any wonder why she loved this man?
* * *
The next week, Claire woke to find herself
cocooned within Alex’s arms. For the last week, he had kept her close by his side. The sense of peace caused her to smile. A slight hint of thunder sounded in the distance. She chose to focus on her dreams.
She found his hand close to her waist and wove their fingers together. Warm thoughts of Mr. Jordon, her cousins, Sebastian and Ginny, her parents, and, most important, Alex greeted her this morning. Her confidence and belief in herself would grow stronger because of those relationships. They defined her.
Her heart continued to pound even and strong as her future came into clear focus. She loved Alex now more than ever.
Moreover, he loved her. She would never tire of the sentiment.
When he had said those words, her old life had stopped and a new one had started. She said a prayer of thanks for her marriage and for her husband. They were committed to helping each other forget the scars and live the life they were destined to share.
Claire let out the breath she held in relief.
Alex drew her close and nuzzled the back of her neck. “I love you.” He gently kissed her neck. “Wherever you are is where my home is. When you said you belonged at Wrenwood, you were wrong. You belong with me and I belong to you.”
The curse was finally and irretrievably broken.
Epilogue
Eleven months later at Pemhill
Claire allowed a soft sigh to escape. Alex and she had chosen well. Emma and Somerton stood before them, each holding one of the children.
Emma held Michael Alexander Sebastian Hallworth, the Earl of Truesdale and the heir to the Marquess of Pembrooke, during the christening ceremony. A perfect gentleman, he held his cousin’s gaze with a cool, calm demeanor. Emma kissed the little fist he waved at her. She was rewarded for her kind attention with a gurgling smile and a soft “ooh.” Emma returned the flirtation with a kiss to his forehead.
Her son was a natural-born tease, the paragon of the ideal male. Claire pursed her lips to keep from laughing. Truesdale was much like his father.
A bloodcurdling scream erupted in the room. Beside her, Alex started forward to rescue his daughter, but Claire kept him from interrupting the ceremony with her hand on his. With her ears ringing, she assessed the Earl of Truesdale’s older sister, Lady Margaret Virginia Alice Hallworth. Lady Margaret bucked and twisted in her godfather’s arms, then stiffened like a wooden plank. The Earl of Somerton tried to calm the baby with a pleading shhh. He managed only to enrage her more. Resolute, the baby would have none of his heavy-handedness and managed to throttle him in the nose with her little hand.
Though a mere five minutes older, Lady Margaret let everyone know she was in charge and found the whole proceeding, particularly the cold christening water, disastrous. Her personality matched that of her cousin Emma perfectly.
Before the ceremony continued, Emma exchanged Lord Truesdale for Lady Margaret. The baby immediately ceased her protests and closed her eyes.
After the presentation to the family, Emma reluctantly released Lady Margaret to Alex, and Somerton presented Truesdale to her. The earl’s loud sigh of relief garnered hard stares from the babies’ grandmother, the Dowager Marchioness of Pembrooke, and the twins’ great-aunt, the Duchess of Langham, her sweet Aunt Ginny.
Uncle Sebastian pounded Somerton on the back. “You need to practice how to charm the ladies. Lady Margaret made a cake out of you.”
“Excuse us, Father. Lord Somerton and I need to discuss the remaining events.” Emma casually led Somerton to the other end of the room.
Claire contemplated the two godparents as Alex brushed a kiss across Margaret’s temple. “Darling, let’s take them upstairs for a nap. Our daughter looks miserable.”
“Do you think Emma and Somerton will attend their weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations?” she whispered. By then, Uncle Sebastian had strolled over to attend Aunt Ginny.
“Don’t rush things, love.” Alex laughed. “I can’t even think about next week. Besides, the role of a godparent is mostly for appearances’ sake.”
Claire glanced at Emma and Somerton at the far end of the room. Both were standing far too close, with their heads together. Somerton laughed at something her cousin had said and raised his hand as if to push one of Emma’s stray curls behind her ears. His hand froze in the air as if he suddenly remembered the impropriety of touching her cousin.
Claire shook her head, then placed a kiss on her son’s hand. “Not with these precious two. I expect both Emma and Somerton will be heavily involved in their lives.”
* * *
Claire gently rubbed her son’s back after putting him down for a nap. The poor dear had a horrible case of the hiccups after his last feeding and didn’t care for them at all. Every time he closed his eyes for a well-deserved nap, another popped up and surprised him. After his busy day with the christening and the endless cuddles and hugs from the family, he was exhausted.
Alex strolled into her bedroom with Lady Margaret. The baby focused her attention on his face and tried to grasp his nose. Alex deftly avoided her maneuver and caught her tiny hand between his lips. Her eyes widened as she grinned. With a stealth grace inherent in a Hallworth, she lifted her other hand and accomplished her goal. Apparently satisfied with her effort, but unimpressed with her father’s startled chuckle, she let out a yawn. Alex placed her next to her brother in the custom-built cradle shaped like a swan.
Claire’s heart skipped a beat as Alex first caressed their daughter’s cheek, then turned his attention to their son. “They’re perfect, aren’t they, sweetheart?” He placed his arm around her waist and drew her near.
She leaned back and rested her head against his shoulder. “Perfect and beautiful.”
“Just like their mother.” Alex kissed the top of her head. “Remember when I told you I wanted a boy and a girl?”
“How could I forget? You wanted to eat them.” She tilted her head and caught the brilliant light in his eyes. “They’ve certainly changed our lives, haven’t they?”
“Indeed, love.” With a gentle kiss, Alex paid particular attention to his favorite spot directly below her ear. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
“Sometimes I can’t believe my good fortune.” She closed her eyes and savored the moment until her curiosity got the better of her. “Did you see how Somerton and Emma kept eyeing one another throughout the christening? They failed to come upstairs after the ceremony.”
He tightened his embrace. “You’re not suggesting—”
“They’re developing a regard for one another.” She turned in his arms to gauge his reaction to her theory.
“No, you’re seeing things that aren’t there. It would require Somerton get close to a woman. He’s never let that happen in all the years I’ve known him. You saw how awkward he was with Emma when she took Margaret from him. He could barely touch her.”
“I’m afraid you’re wrong. There is definitely something between the two of them.”
“Leave it, wife. I have better things for you to occupy your attention.” He stole one more glance at the sleeping babes, then took her hand and pulled her into their dressing room that led straight to the adjoining bedroom. “Let’s take advantage of the peace and spend some time alone.” A glorious smile spread across his face.
She was only too happy to leave it.
More praise for The Bad Luck Bride
“Readers, rejoice! We have a new writer to celebrate. Janna MacGregor writes with intelligence and heart. The Bad Luck Bride is a full-bodied romance about what it truly means to love, to forgive, and to heal. Plus, it introduces us to characters we will enjoy as they grow and develop. Smart, smart romance.”
—New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell
“Delightful! Janna MacGregor bewitched me with her captivating characters and a romance that sizzles off the page. I’m already a huge fan!”
—New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James
“The Bad Luck Bride is a stroke of good luck for readers—the in
tricate plot, arresting characters, and rich emotional resonance will leave you swooning.”
—New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries
“Janna MacGregor’s The Bad Luck Bride is a seductive tale filled with suspense and unforgettable characters. A must-buy for historical romance readers.”
—USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Hawkins
“A diamond-bright debut, with a passionate heroine and worthy hero to root for.”
—Maggie Robinson, author of The Unsuitable Secretary
About the Author
Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the Bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her at www.JannaMacGregor.com, or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
The Bad Luck Bride Page 31