Christmas 1840
Warfield Manor
“Well, Alastair,” Aunt Patti said as she sat by the warmth of the crackling fire, “I’d say we’ve done a good job of it.” Her gaze shifted to her nephew and his wife, who stood by the win-dow, watching the drifting snowflakes. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Alastair chuckled. “On occasion, I had my doubts, Pattina. But yes, I do believe we managed quite nicely in the end.”
“Oh, tosh, there was never any uncertainty in my mind. They were meant for each other. Just needed a little prodding, that’s all.” She raised her glass of sherry. “A toast to you, sir, for having the wisdom to unite them.”
“And a toast to you, madam,” he returned, lifting his brandy glass high, “for having the wisdom to make certain they stayed united.”
“Hear, hear!” they both cried in unison.
“By the New Year we’ll be at Sommerfield. I can barely wait to see Eugenia and David again,” Aidan said, snuggling deeper into her husband’s arms, her back resting against his solid chest. “And to think, in two months I shall be a godmother.”
“And I shall be a godfather,” Justin returned, chuckling. “The term sounds a bit doddering to me. Whenever we visit the little scamp, I shall be tempted to lean upon a cane and chuck his chin.”
“Or to kiss her cheek,” Aidan countered, smiling up over her shoulder at her husband. Suddenly Pattina’s and Alastair’s salutes erupted into the air. “What do you think they’re up to?” Aidan asked, frowning.
Justin’s face lowered closer to hers. He nuzzled her ear, almost dislodging one of the amethyst earrings he’d given her. “They’re probably making plans for us again,” he said disinterestedly, for his wife’s creamy neck seemed far more appealing. “Since my reward is on its way”—he smoothed his gentle hand over the purple velvet gown and Aidan’s slightly rounded belly—”I suppose they’re choosing a name for him.”
“Her,” Aidan countered haughtily.
“Him,” Justin insisted, arching a brow.
Aidan smiled. “It matters not. Aunt Patti says, because of the way I’m blossoming, there might be one of each.”
“Twins!” he exclaimed incredulously.
“A double reward, sir. Our Queen should be most pleased.”
“Indeed, she should be. Perhaps I shall ask her for a loan so I might support my issue …uh, issues.”
“The only loan you’ll receive from our Queen is a wealth of advice. As I recall, it nearly tore us apart. Henceforth, I’d prefer you kept your own counsel.”
“Had I done that, sweet wife, the two of us would not be standing here now. Nor would I soon be receiving my reward. It was she who suggested I bed you, love, and get you with child—along with your father.”
Aidan sputtered. “My father!”
He grinned. “Yes …said it was the only way to control you.”
“And I suppose Aunt Patti suggested something similar.”
“She may have. I don’t recall.”
Violet eyes assessed him at length. “It took all those people to convince you to make love to me.”
“Not really. Had your father not come upon us when he did, I most likely would have had you before we were married.”
“In the coach?”
“I’ve heard that somewhere before,” he said, grinning. “Yes, madam, in the coach.”
“Sounds interesting,” Aidan teased, returning his smile. “Shall we give it a try?”
“And risk frostbite?” he asked, affronted. “I assure you, madam, there are certain parts of my anatomy I’ll not purposely expose to such a possibility.”
“Oh, but, Justin,” she cooed, a mischievous twinkle centering itself in her eyes, “where it will be nestled is like hot satin. You said so yourself.”
An agonized groan vibrated in his throat, then flowed through his lips. “Behave, madam, or I’ll discover the truth of it, here and now.” His arms tightened around her, his hands linking at her waist. “Watch the snow, Aidan. It will cool us both—I hope.”
Her light laughter filled the room as Aidan cuddled against Justin. While her hand caressed her husband’s, a flash of red caught her eye, and she gazed down at the large ruby. Explaining how the ring had come into his possession again, he’d vowed his eternal love and returned it to her finger. There it would stay, forever.
Then, as serene violet eyes looked out over the snow-covered lawns of Warfield Manor, Justin’s protective arms surrounding her, his love filling her heart, Aidan knew she was home at last.