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It was a private affair with a very exclusive guest list, but everyone who was invited had some standing in Society or at least some significant influence among the ton—and for a very good reason.

At the height of the ball, everyone gathered around for a message from their hosts, with many of the guests whispering, wondering what it could be about.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Colin’s voice was loud and clear and filled with pride. “We are honored that you have come here to celebrate with us tonight. As you might have noticed, my beloved Duchess and I are not exactly too fond of throwing such affairs.”

There was a slight ripple of laughter from the crowd.

“However,” the Duke of Blackthorn continued, “there are some things that cannot be kept hidden for much too long, so allow us to share with you our good news—the Duchess of Blackthorn iscurrently with child, and we shall be expecting his or her arrival in the spring of next year!”

There was a burst of applause and a number of awed exclamations.

“A child!” a viscountess gushed. “An heir for Blackthorn!”

“No doubt they spared no expense for this ball,” another lady remarked, nodding her head. “Now, if only my lord husband showed as much excitement about the coming of his heir duringmypregnancy!”

Indeed, it could not be denied that the Duke of Blackthorn adored his Duchess beyond everything in the world. And the child in her belly? Why, it would only be the most privileged, most cared for infant in all of Society this spring! Everyone was quite certain of it.

As they walked around the ballroom, Phoebe could not help but fall back into her usual demeanor reserved for social functions. She graciously accepted and shared in the joy of her brother-in-law’s announcement, with nary a hair or a finger out of place. Her smile was just right and not overly bright.

She simply could not help it—old habits were very difficult to get rid of.

She was, however, far more relaxed than she usually was as she leaned into Ethan’s strength, allowing him to lead her around asthey mingled with the other guests who shared in the celebratory mood.

“Your Grace, allow me to express my enjoyment of your book,” a voluptuous countess told her in a hushed whisper. “It was an absolutely scandalous delight to read!”

Phoebe smiled warmly. “I am glad you find it so, Lady Pelham.”

“My husband says it is absolutely ridiculous,” Lady Pelham confided. “But do not listen to him, I implore you—just the other day, I saw him locked up in his study with a copy of it. He has come out a bit changed, and I have you to thank for that, Your Grace!”

As the Countess happily bustled away to chat with her other friends, Phoebe shook her head and murmured, “I wonder if the change in Lord Pelham is a good one or a bad one.”

“I would say it is a good one.” Ethan smiled at her. “After all, the Countess seemed rather pleased with it, did she not?”

Phoebe chuckled. “When you put it that way, I suppose youareright…”

He gently patted the hand she had tucked in the crook of his arm earlier, his caress lingering sensually on her knuckles and the suddenly sensitive digits beneath her gloves.

“I told you I am right about a great many things,” he told her with a mischievous wiggle of his eyebrows.

She met his smile with her own. “And I seem to recall telling you that I am right about a great many more.”

“Then I shall defer to your good judgment, wife,” he replied readily. “Who better to keep me on the straight, narrow path than my own angel? Although…”

Phoebe looked at him with a slight frown when he trailed off. “Although what?”

“Although I have to say I do like how much of a devil you are between the sheets.”

“Ethan!” she hissed, looking around in horror.

Goodness, if anyone heard them, they would probably think them the most lascivious couple alive!

“I do not care the slightest bit, Duchess.” He grinned impenitently at her. “I do so enjoy the process of corrupting you, bending you to my desires… as well as other things.”

Dear God in heaven, he just had to say that in the middle of a crowded ballroom!

Phoebe fluttered her fan a little more energetically even as she glared at her unrepentant husband, who continued to stroke her fingers most erotically.

Later, he seemed to promise.I will do much more than this.