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“Speak,” he said, tensing.

Leopold glanced over Gilbert’s shoulder, noticing Diana half-sitting in bed. He averted his gaze politely.

“I have discovered the source of the rumors that plagued both you and the duchess.”

Diana felt a chill pass through the room.

“You have?” she asked, leaning forward.

Leopold nodded, frowning. “It was Josephine Halfacre. I have found letters and confirmations from several people in her circle. She fed them gossip to keep the scandal alive, hoping to undermine you.”

Gilbert’s jaw set. “I suspected she was behind it. Where is she now?”

Leopold shrugged. “Likely at her townhouse or at some salon, but you can be sure she expects no retaliation.”

Gilbert’s eyes narrowed.

“She will quickly learn differently.” He turned to Diana. “Stay here, my love. I will handle this.”

Diana’s heart fluttered at the endearment, but she nodded in solemn agreement.

“Please be careful,” she said, recalling Josephine’s vicious streak.

Gilbert cast her a comforting look before following Leopold out into the corridor. Diana sank back against the pillows, a hand pressed over her heart.

She dozed fitfully until midafternoon, stirring when Gilbert returned, a grim determination evident in his eyes. He set aside his coat, crossing to her side.

“It is done,” he said, taking her hand. “I confronted Josephine. I warned her that if she so much as breathes another vicious rumor about us, I will ruin everything she holds dear—her finances, her social standing and anything else of note. She seemed to realize her advantage has been lost.”

Diana exhaled relief. “She will not trouble us again?”

He squeezed her hand.

“I made certain of it.” He bent to kiss her brow. “I regret it came to threats, but she left me no choice.”

She let out a shaky breath, her lips curving in gratitude. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I feel safer now.”

He eased onto the bed beside her, gently curling an arm around her waist. “You and our child will never again face such gossip alone,” he said resolutely. “I vow to guard you both, no matter what shadows linger.”

Tears welled in her eyes. She recalled the morning’s tender moment, the shared confessions of love, and the passion that had followed. They had forged a vow that transcended fear, and neither Josephine’s cruelty nor the ton’s rumor-mongering would tear them apart again.

“I love you,” she said, resting her head against his shoulder. “And I believe in you… in us.”

He let out a breath of wonder, pressing a slow, reverent kiss to her temple. “I love you,” he echoed. “Now and always.”

In that tranquil afternoon light, they remained close, their future bright with the promise of healing and hope. Josephine’s threat had been neutralized, the vow that once divided them laid to rest. The quiet hush of the bedchamber cradled them in an unspoken promise: no fear, no rumor, nor any old tragedy would ever stand in the way of their love or the family they would soon become.

The End?