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Jacqueline tentatively knocked on the door to her uncle’s study. She attempted a smile at Griffen, who smiled back at her in encouragement. When her uncle bade them to enter, they walked in holding hands to find Uncle Theo sitting in his favorite chair and Aunt Susanna sitting across from him. They were discussing the seating arrangements for dinner that evening. Their smiles welcomed Jacqueline and Kincaid closer. Uncle Theo’s smile held a smidge of victory to it, and his eyes twinkled with his enjoyment.
“I told you, my love. He wholeheartedly approves,” Kincaid whispered in her ear.
“He really does,” she answered in awe.
“Come in, children, and take a seat.” Colebourne waved them toward the sofa.
Aunt Susanna peered at them before looking at Colebourne. “Yes, a mighty fine couple they make. I told you he was the perfect gentleman for Jacqueline.”
Colebourne nodded. “That you did, Susanna. You always had perfect taste.”
“Still do.”
Colebourne roared with laughter. “Yes, I misspoke. Sorry, my dear.”
Susanna chuckled. “I forgive you.”
Jacqueline sighed, shaking her head at their theatrics. “We are sitting right here. I hate to discredit both of you, but Griffen and I made our own match years before you started this matchmaking madness.”
Colebourne raised his brow. “Is that so?”
Kincaid gulped at the duke’s glare. Perhaps Jacqueline had the right of growing nervous at admitting to their affair. “Yes.”
Jacqueline squeezed Kincaid’s hand. “There is no need for an explanation, nor will we offer one. We wish to share with you my acceptance of Lord Kincaid’s offer to become his wife.”
Colebourne frowned. “And if I withdraw my support?”
Jacqueline shrugged. “Then we shall leave this evening for Scotland. But I do not think you will. I, for one, have it on great authority that you already knew of my affair with Kincaid and encouraged it. Also, you pretended displeasure with him, only to further entice him in my eyes. I am onto your devious schemes, Uncle Theo. I have been from the start.”
Colebourne’s smile grew shrewd. “Ah, you think you have me figured out, do you, missy?”
Jacqueline laughed. “Yes, I do.”
“Who gave me away?” Colebourne narrowed his gaze on Susanna.
Susanna gave Colebourne a charming smile. “I needed to take matters into my own hands when you brought Lord Falcone into the scheme. A mistake on your part, one I disagreed with.”
Colebourne sighed. “Yes, a blunder we thankfully recovered from by the sight before me. I apologize, Kincaid.”
Kincaid nodded his forgiveness. He knew Colebourne had acted in desperation when he invited Lord Falcone to the estate. It was in the past, a place he wanted to keep his own blunders. His future sharing a family with Jacqueline was all that mattered.
“May I ask if you still hold on to the fear of losing those you love?” Aunt Susanna asked.
Jacqueline chose her words carefully. “That fear will always remain with me, but with Griffen’s love, I can overcome the struggle and cherish our time together. Some days it might try to break through, but Griffen will help me fight the demons before they take hold.”
“That I will, my love.” He pressed a kiss to her head.
Colebourne clapped his hands together with enthusiasm. “And the babe?”
Jacqueline’s eyes widened. “You know?”
“Aye,” Colebourne and Susanna answered at once.
“And you are not ashamed?”
“Ashamed?” Colebourne muttered. “No, my girl, I am proud beyond words can say. Now I can have another babe to bounce on my knee along with Gemma and Ralston’s babe. Wish those others would hurry. I am not getting any younger.”
Tears streamed down Jacqueline’s cheeks at her uncle’s caring support. “I do not know what to say. I feared I’d brought shame upon our family.”
Colebourne stood up and beckoned for her to come closer. “Ahh, Jacqueline. You can never bring shame to our family. You kept us from sinking into a hole we could never climb out of. With your guidance and love through the years, those girls flourished into amazing ladies. With your support and love, you helped an old man and his son grieve and learn to live without a part of their soul. I find such joy in the love you found with Kincaid and you will make a wonderful mother.”
Aunt Susanna came over to them, wiped away her tears, and pulled Jacqueline into her arms. “You are the strength of our family and will remain so. Allow no one to find satisfaction in judging you because you are above them, and their opinion matters not. They are nothing but a bunch of old English biddies.”
Jacqueline laughed through her tears at their simple acceptance. “I love both of you.”
“And we love you.” Colebourne beamed and held out his hand to Kincaid. “Welcome to the family, Kincaid.”
Kincaid shook Colebourne’s hand and accepted Lady Forrester’s hug. Everyone settled back into their seats, and they discussed the small wedding Jacqueline wanted. Colebourne agreed and sent notice to have the banns read. Colebourne asked for a simple request in return. He wished for them to travel to Susanna and Ramsay’s estate to celebrate Christmas. He explained how the other couples had agreed, and it would warm his heart if they did, too. Colebourne wanted to end the year with his family before they each went their separate ways. They agreed to his wish. Jacqueline could never refuse her uncle, and Kincaid would forever owe the duke a debt of gratitude.
Jacqueline and Kincaid rose to leave. “And Abigail and Lucas?”
“Do not fret, my dear. Susanna and I have plans.” He winked at Susanna.
Susanna smiled mischievously. “That we do.”
Jacqueline looked to heaven. “Ah, the madness continues.”