Never Say Never to an Earl (Heart of Enquiry Book 5)
Page 30
Polly expressed heartfelt thanks to the departing woman. When she turned back to Sinjin, she saw that he’d knelt at his mama’s grave, sweeping off the fallen leaves with his gloves, placing the bouquet he’d brought at the base of the headstone.
When he rose, she went to join him. He pulled her fiercely against him.
“My mama remembered me,” he said in a voice taut with emotion.
“Yes, she did. Even when her mind forgot, her heart remembered,” Polly said softly. “She returned to you every time she sang that song.”
“All this time… and I never knew. How could my father do such a thing?” Sinjin shook his head. “Out of fear and hatred, he hurt so many people.”
“You’ve done your best to stem the damage. By allowing His Grace’s bigamy to remain a secret, you’ve chosen the higher road. You’ve spared Theodore and your stepmama much pain.”
Since the duke had, in fact, already been married, his youngest son was a bastard and his present wife an unwitting participant in adultery. Sinjin could have exposed these facts to the world—but he hadn’t. Despite the fact that the duchess’ behavior toward him was as cold as ever, he’d protected her and his half-brother.
“They don’t deserve to suffer because of Acton’s actions,” he said gruffly.
Her heart swelled with all that she felt for this beautiful, complex man. The rake who’d seen through her wallflower disguise. The god who’d rescued her from an island of fear and self-doubt and who’d let her tame his monsters in return. Her honorable, loving husband and soul mate.
“I’m so proud of you,” she said.
His arms tightened around her, and she hugged him back. They stood together beneath the swaying branches until dusk painted vivid streaks across the sky.
He released a breath and said, “Let’s go home.”
Arm in arm, they did.
Epilogue
“Time to head back, eh?” Sinjin said, reining in his stallion.
“Not just yet.” Pulling up beside him, Harry Kent slanted a discreet look at his pocket watch. “I mean, er, I’d be interested in seeing the crop rotations.”
Sinjin had been giving Harry a tour of the Acton estate, showing off the improvements he’d made since becoming duke. The excursion had gone on for two hours at this point, thanks to the other’s copious questions, and he was ready to return to the house. But this was the third time Harry had stalled the proceedings, and Sinjin knew why.
“Before you try to postpone us further by suggesting an in-depth study of the fertilizer,” he said dryly, “I know what Polly has planned.”
“You do?”
“It’s my birthday. I’m sure the guests have arrived and are lying in wait as I speak,” he said complacently.
Warmth unfurled in him as he thought of his duchess’ sweet scheming, her determination to make his birthday special. Despite the advanced state of her pregnancy, she’d been busy all month making clandestine arrangements for his party. He’d gamely played along, pretending he didn’t know. He didn’t want to spoil her fun. Or his.
Just this morning, she’d woken him up to give him his present. She was too far along for him to make love to her—he would never risk endangering her or their unborn child—but his kitten had gotten quite creative and bold during their year of marriage. Just thinking of her laughing eyes and frolicsome mouth made his loins stir.
Aye, two hours away from her was long enough.
“I told Polly you wouldn’t fall for it.” Looking resigned, Harry said, “Could you at least pretend to be surprised?”
Before Sinjin could reply, he saw the rising dust cloud of an approaching rider. He made out Theodore, a frequent visitor to his home these days. His younger brother pulled to a stop; the friendly greeting died on his lips when he saw the other’s expression.
“What’s amiss?” he said instantly.
“You have to come back to the house,” Theo blurted. “It’s Polly. The babe’s come early—”
Sinjin had already spurred his mount into a gallop, the thundering of his heart louder than the stallion’s hooves. The thriving lands of his estate passed by, and he saw none of it. Within him, the devils stirred. For once, they were united, joined in their concern for Polly.
His wife, his love… his everything.
The past year hadn’t been perfect. He still had his moods, she her insecurities. But they’d made the commitment to meet all challenges together and head on, and that had made all the difference. Her acceptance calmed his devils; his passionate adoration made her confidence blossom into full, stunning bloom. As Polly had predicted, their love had made them stronger than either had ever been alone. He’d never known such happiness, such pure contentment. If he lost her…
He came to a roaring stop, leaping off his horse and tossing the reins to the waiting groom. He took the steps up to the house three at a time, rushing through the door just as the butler opened it. He didn’t pause to greet the guests milling about in the foyer, continuing his path up the sweeping staircase straight to his duchess’ suite. He burst through the door, his heart in his throat, prepared for the worst…
Polly was sitting up against a mound of fluffy pillows. She looked tired, but her face was glowing. She held a small, swaddled bundle in her arms.
Their gazes met.
“Surprise,” she said with a rueful smile.
He stumbled to the bed, cupped her face with hands that shook. “Are you… is everything…”
“Polly did splendidly.” From the other side of the bed, the Duchess of Strathaven smiled fondly at her youngest sister. “Apparently your son has her easy-going temperament for the childbirth took all of a quarter hour. The physician’s already downstairs, toasting your heir with the rest of the guests.”
Relief rushed through him, the current so strong that he couldn’t speak.
In tacit agreement, the others left them to their privacy.
“Would you like to hold your son?” Polly said.
Gingerly, he took the feather-light bundle she handed to him. As he gazed upon the tiny sleeping human, he lost his heart for a second time. Which was strange for the babe looked a bit like an alien creature with his slightly pointed head, red and wrinkled face, a single mahogany curl upon his furrowed brow.
“He looks just like you,” Polly said dreamily.
The babe’s eyelids lifted, and Sinjin’s breath lodged. The unfocused gaze that looked back at him was a clear, brilliant aquamarine. In that moment, he knew that, despite all his faults, he would love, protect, and provide for this child, the miracle that he and Polly had made together, until his dying breath.
“He’s beautiful like his mama,” he said hoarsely. “What shall we call him?”
“I thought Stephan, if it suits you.”
His heart clenched. “Aye. Little Stephan.” He pressed his lips tenderly to his son’s forehead before placing the babe in the waiting bassinet.
Shucking his clothes, he joined Polly in bed, pulling her carefully into his arms.
“Thank you for my son,” he whispered.
“You’re welcome.” She snuggled up against him, her eyes sparkling with the brightness of their future. “After all, I had to keep my promise to make your birthday unforgettable.”
They laughed together.
And then they kissed, with all the love and joy in their hearts.
The End
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me in the world of Heart of Enquiry! I hope you enjoyed your visit with the Kent family and ask that you consider leaving a review. The next installment of the series, The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Rosie and Corbett’s story), will be out Summer 2017. More info on that book and others can be found on my website: www.gracecallaway.com.
I also love to hear from my readers, so feel free to drop me a line at grace@gracecallaway.com. For updates on my books, prizes, and giveaways, please click on the link below to sign up for my newsletter.
Cheers and happy rea
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XOXO Grace
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THE HEART OF ENQUIRY SERIES
Grace’s latest series features the adventures of the Kent family. Each of the unconventional siblings finds laughter, steamy passion, and true love while unraveling mysteries and secrets in late Regency England. Join them in their rollicking and sizzling escapades…
To purchase The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Heart of Enquiry #1), please click here.
When Miss Emma Kent witnesses a depraved encounter involving the wicked Duke of Strathaven, her honor compels her to do the right thing. But steamy desire challenges her quest for justice, and she and Strathaven must work together to unravel a dangerous mystery ... before it’s too late.
~~~
To purchase M is for Marquess (Heart of Enquiry #2), please click here.
With her frail constitution improving, Miss Dorothea Kent yearns to live a full and passionate life. Desire blooms between her and Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, an enigmatic widower with a disabled son. But the road to love proves treacherous as Gabriel’s past as a spy emerges to threaten them both… and they must defeat a dangerous enemy lying in wait.
~~~
To purchase The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Heart of Enquiry #3), please click here.
Former spy Pandora Hudson gave up espionage for love. Twelve years later, her dark secret rises to threaten her blissful marriage to Marcus, Marquess of Blackwood, and she must face her most challenging mission yet: winning back the heart of the only man she’s ever loved.
~~~
To purchase The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Heart of Enquiry #4), please click here.
Sparks fly when feisty hoyden Violet Kent and proper gentleman Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, meet at a house party. Yet their forbidden passion and blossoming romance are not the only adventures afoot. For a guest is soon discovered dead—and Violet and Richard must join forces to solve the mystery and protect their loved ones… before the murderer strikes again.
~~~
To purchase The Widow Vanishes (Heart of Enquiry, Prequel Novella), please click here.
Fate throws beautiful widow Annabel Foster into the arms of William McLeod, her enemy’s most ruthless soldier. When an unexpected and explosive night of passion ensues, she must decide: should she run for her life—or stay for her heart?
THE MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR SERIES
Welcome to Mayfair, where passion and intrigue go hand-in-hand. This steamy romance series brings to life a Regency London of refinement–and depravity. From bawdy houses to Vauxhall, rakish heroes and plucky heroines discover that the path to true love can take some exciting and decidedly naughty turns…
To purchase Her Husband’s Harlot (Mayhem in Mayfair #1), please click here.
How far will a wallflower go to win her husband's love? When her disguise as a courtesan backfires, Lady Helena finds herself entangled in a game of deception and desire with her husband Nicholas, the Marquess of Harteford ... and discovers that he has dark secrets of his own.
~~~
To purchase Her Wanton Wager (Mayhem in Mayfair #2), please click here.
To what lengths will a feisty miss go to save her family from ruin? Miss Persephone Fines takes on a wager of seduction with notorious gaming hell owner Gavin Hunt and discovers that love is the most dangerous risk of all.
~~~
To purchase Her Protector's Pleasure (Mayhem in Mayfair #3), please click here.
Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven will stop at nothing to find her kidnapped daughter. Having suffered betrayal in the past, she trusts no man—and especially not Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent, who has a few secrets of his own. Yet fiery passion ignites between the unlikely pair as they battle a shadowy foe. Can they work together to save Marianne's daughter? And will nights of pleasure turn into a love for all time?
~~~
To purchase Her Prodigal Passion (Mayhem in Mayfair #4), please click here.
Sensible Miss Charity Sparkler has been in love with Paul Fines, her best friend’s brother, for years. When he accidentally compromises her, they find themselves wed in haste. Can an ugly duckling recognize her own beauty and a reformed rake his own value? As secrets of the past lead to present dangers, will this marriage of convenience transform into one of love?
~~~
CHRONICLES OF ABIGAIL JONES
To purchase Abigail Jones (Chronicles of Abigail Jones #1), please click here.
When destiny brings shy Victorian maid Abigail Jones into the home of the brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion… and a dangerous world of supernatural forces.
About the Author
Grace Callaway's debut novel, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and went on to become a National #1 Bestselling Regency Romance. Since then, the books in her Mayhem in Mayfair and Heart of Enquiry series have landed on multiple national and international bestselling lists. She's received top-starred reviews from Love Romance Passion, Bitten by Paranormal Romance, and Nightowl Reviews, amongst others.
Grace grew up on the Canadian prairies battling mosquitoes and freezing temperatures. She made her way south to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Michigan. She thought writing a dissertation was difficult until she started writing a book; she thought writing a book was challenging until she became a mom. She’s learned that the greater the effort, the sweeter the rewards. Currently, she and her family live in California, where their adventures include remodeling a ramshackle house, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.
Grace loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at grace@gracecallaway.com.
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Acknowledgements
First of all, to my readers: thank you for your continued support and interest in my work! You mean the world to me. I’m so grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to share the stories in my head with you.
For my writing posse and those who’ve helped bring this book into beautiful reality: Tina, Diane, the Montauk 8, Brian, and Carrie. Don’t know what I’d do without you. Hugs and heartfelt thanks.
For my family: You are everything.
Copyright
Never Say Never to an Earl © Grace Callaway, 2016.
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
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Cover Design: Seductive Musings Designs
Cover Image: Period Images
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License Notes
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