Page 84 of Three Rules to Wed a Duke

“Mine or Abigail’s, I should think.”

Frances entered the room and turned in a circle. She walked along the perimeter of the old rug and let her fingers trail along the objects, the wood gleaming through where the dust was brushed away. She smiled to herself, trying to envision Anthony as a small boy at play. No images came to mind, for his stoic nature was too pronounced.

“Here,” Anthony said, coming forward with his handkerchief and wiping the dust from Frances’ fingertips. When they were clean, he kissed them softly. “I’ll make a note to have Mr. Bailey discard of these things. There’s more than enough dust in the house as it is.”

“I don’t know, I should think they can be cleaned. Perhaps a new rug if you feel that this one cannot be salvaged. But everything else can surely be restored.”

“To what end? We have no need of all of this old—”

Anthony stopped when he took note of Frances’ expression. She fought to keep her expression placid, but too soon, the proud grin broke through. She couldn’t contain her happiness or the secret she’d had for weeks.

“Are you toying with me?” Anthony asked cautiously, though the hope in his voice was evident. Frances shook her head. “You’re certain?”

“I’ve not seen a physician, if that’s what you’re asking, but all the signs are there,” she answered happily. “By my counting, the baby should be born sometimes before the start of next Season.”

“I cannot believe it. I’m to be a father?”

Anthony paused, his emotions as unreadable as ever. Frances began to worry that he would be displeased, that somehow his own upbringing was weighing on him, causing him to wonder what sort of father he would be, what sort of child he would have. Frances placed her hand on his arm to reassure him, and he grinned happily, looking elated.

“I’m to be a father!” he cried, throwing his arms around Frances’ waist and pulling her close, lifting her as he turned around. His shouts of laughter drowned out her amused cry to be put down once more.

“Anthony, there is something you must know about ladies when they are in a delicate way… do not spin us around,” she said, grasping his shoulders and fighting a sudden wave of dizziness.

“I’m so sorry! Here, sit.” Anthony shrugged out of his coat and covered the old chair with it before guiding Frances to be seated.

“Whew. Much better,” she said, smiling.

Anthony dropped to his knees in front of her, looking up at her adoringly. He took her hands in his and kissed them before pressing them to his cheek.

“Yes. It is much better. Everything was perfect before, but somehow… in a way that I cannot explain… everything is much better now, my love.”

Frances leaned forward and kissed Anthony tenderly, the longing she’d felt all her life evaporating. He was hers, her family, one that truly belonged to her. Their love—and their family—was growing in ways she could never have imagined but would always be grateful for.

“Come,” Anthony said, standing up and slowly pulling Frances to her feet. “I feel there is a certain cousin who is going to want to hear about this.”

Frances laughed aloud as they raced through the house to find Juliet, her heart bursting with joy.So, this is what it means to truly be loved, she thought.I shall never tire of it…

The End?