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Two Months Later
“I am so pleased with the companion the introduction agency suggested, Mrs. Walker.” The Marchioness of Whirlenhall’s beaming smile caused Beatrice to smile in return.
“That’s wonderful to hear.” Would she ever grow accustomed to being called by that name? Of course, she and Daniel had been married only a little over a month. She had years to become used to it. The thought brought an even bigger smile to her face. They’d enjoyed a trip to Bath soon after their wedding. This evening’s soiree was her and Daniel’s first social function as newlyweds.
The gathering was a celebration for the introduction agency with the hope of garnering notice. Daniel had suggested they also start a charity to help fund the endeavor with what remained of the money he’d taken from the brothel, so they announced that as well.
Beatrice had started the agency small but had plans to expand it to provide lodgings for the women to stay for a reduced fee until they obtained situations. For now, those plans would have to wait.
But it seemed as if anything were possible now that Finch was imprisoned. Daniel and Aberland had discovered the magistrate Hurdy reported to was firmly in Finch’s pocket and dismissed any cases brought against the man. He’d convinced Hurdy that Daniel and Beatrice’s claims were groundless. As evidence mounted, Hurdy had done what he could to work around the situation rather than report it, slowing the investigation.
Thank goodness all of that was behind them now.
Beatrice could hardly believe how wonderful the evening had been as she looked around the drawing room. The guests were generous and the conversation intriguing as other problems the city faced were discussed.
She searched for Daniel, meeting his warm gaze across the room. He was the reason her dreams were coming true and that she’d dared to reach for happiness and a fulfilling life.
Lady Granger, Caroline’s cousin and the marchioness’s daughter, joined them. “Miss Ramsey is a gem. I’m so pleased you found her for us.”
“Indeed,” the marchioness agreed. “With Louisa married, it’s been lovely to have someone to assist me this past month. Especially such a delightful young woman.”
“I’m pleased it’s working so well,” Beatrice said. She’d had no doubt Sarah would be the perfect companion for the marchioness. “We’d be appreciative if you would consider recommending the agency to your friends.”
“I’ve already told several,” the marchioness reassured her. “I must ask, what made you decide to start the introduction agency?”
The image of the brothel and the memories of the night she escaped filled Beatrice’s thoughts, sending a wave of panic through her. A voice in her mind insisted this was the moment she’d feared when all the world would know she’d been ruined, at least in Society’s view.
Yet Lady Whirlenhall’s eyes held no judgment, only curiosity. With that realization, Beatrice’s doubt eased as did her worry.
“As someone new to London, it occurred to me how difficult it must be to find reliable help for those requiring it as well as trustworthy employers for those seeking positions. It seemed that connecting the two would fill a need.” Beatrice lifted her chin with pride, knowing her father would be pleased.
“Quite clever of you.” The lady nodded her approval.
“Caroline was disappointed to have missed your soiree,” Lady Granger advised. “But she is looking forward to having us for tea on the morrow so we can tell her everything that happened.”
“I missed having her here as well. The baby will arrive before we know it.” Beatrice was so excited for Caroline and Aberland. They would make wonderful parents. She couldn’t wait to present Caroline with the christening gown she’d embroidered.
The Earl of Granger and Count Eastov, Lady Whirlenhall’s friend, joined them. The men’s warm regard for their ladies was touching.
“The soiree was delightful,” the count said, his friendly blue eyes twinkling.
“We’re so pleased you could come.” Daniel moved to stand beside Beatrice, his smile causing her heart to dance. “The charity and the agency are important to both of us, and we are happy to think they are aiding not only those seeking work who are new to London but our friends as well.”
Soon the marchioness and count took their leave, followed by Lord and Lady Granger, and many of the other guests departed too.
“The soiree was a smashing success,” Annabelle said as she hugged Beatrice. “I hope you’ll see additional donations to the charity as word spreads.”
“We’ll do our best to see that it does.” Mr. Raybourne raised a brow at his wife. “Didn’t you already mention it to Graham and Charlotte?”
“I did, indeed.” She looked at Beatrice. “I believe the Earl of Carlington, Thomas’s eldest brother, and his wife are in need of a nanny and will soon be contacting the agency.”
“Excellent.” Beatrice was thrilled.
Hugh Raybourne, Thomas’s other brother, joined them. “The agency is a tremendous idea, and I wish you the best of luck with it. Thank you for a lovely evening.”
“Thank you for coming.” Beatrice curtsied then watched him say his goodbyes. He and Thomas were quite different but the bond between them was evident.
“Do you think he’ll ever marry?” Annabelle asked her husband as Hugh departed.
“He seems to have decided the time has come and is intent on finding a wife with a fortune, so he can start his horse breeding business.”
Daniel chuckled. “We shall see whether fate steps in to knock his plans off course.” He held Beatrice’s gaze. “Love often arrives when we least expect it.”
“That is because it’s a gift.” Beatrice would be forever grateful for it.
“Very true,” Mr. Raybourne agreed, and Annabelle nodded knowingly.
“Will I see you at Caroline’s tomorrow afternoon for tea?” Beatrice asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Annabelle leaned close. “We can compare notes on being newlyweds.”
“I look forward to it.” Beatrice felt heat rise in her cheeks.
When the last guest was out the door, Beatrice breathed a sigh of relief.
“You were amazing, my dear wife.” Daniel took her hands in his.
“As were you, my dear husband,” she said with a smile. “The evening was both delightful and exhausting.”
“Indeed. In fact, why don’t we retire?” he suggested as he drew her into his arms and kissed her.
Beatrice sighed again when he eased back, but this time for an entirely different reason. Her love for Daniel seemed to grow each day.
“Have I mentioned how much I love you?” he asked.
“Perhaps once or twice, but I would enjoy hearing it again.”
“I love you.” He drew her up the stairs.
“Perfect. Because I love you as well.”
“I intend to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much.” He lifted her into his arms when they reached the top, causing her heart to tilt. “What do you say to that?”
“A rogue coming to my rescue again?” She wrapped her arms around his neck as passion sent tingles of awareness along her body.
“I’m sorry to inform you that I have set aside my roguish ways as I now have a wife. And she requires all of my time.” The teasing glint in his eyes that she so adored sent her heart pounding.
“Yes, she does and she is very needy.” Beatrice wound her fingers in the hair at the back of his neck then drew him close for a long, heated kiss. She eased back to hold his gaze. “How much time do you have?”
“Forever and a day.”
“Perfect. That might just be long enough.” She kissed him once more as he crossed the threshold of the bedchamber, kicking the door closed behind them.
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TURN THE PAGE FOR A sneak peek at A ROGUE AND SOME MISTLETOE, Book 5 of The Rogue Chronicles, available exclusively in Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology!
