Page 24 of Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship (Paddy’s Peelers Mystery #1)

September 1821

Mattie stepped from the carriage, her hand in Harry’s as they returned to the same spot in St. James’s Park where they had first met. He carried a basket with lunch and a blanket slung over his arm. She held a parasol above their heads, twirling it and pretending to protect them from the bright sun.

“Please tell me the location is the only part of this anniversary we are recreating. I do not relish getting near the swans,” Harry said as he spread the blanket.

“No, you ninnyhammer.” She sat down and tucked her legs beneath her. Their townhouse was close to the park, just off Haymarket near St. James’s Square. They were on the outskirts of the wealthier neighborhoods, but theirs was very acceptable and well-to-do. Appropriate for the salary Harry made, and suitable enough for any friends of a higher station to visit.

Mattie had been surprised at how quickly their year of courtship had passed. They were married the following February, after securing the home they now shared. Harry had refused any financial help from Nicholas. Though her brother had insisted on buying them a carriage and a matching pair of horses as a wedding gift.

“Your mother smiled at me last week when we visited the baby,” Harry mused as he studied the clouds passing above them. “I think it may be the first voluntary and sincere smile since we’ve met.”

“She said you are growing on her,” Mattie told him.

“Like a moss on a stone?”

She laughed. “It doesn’t matter. Mama is finally accepting you, as we all knew she would.”

“Are you happy?” he asked out of the blue. “Is there anything I could do to make you happier?”

Mattie shook her head. Marriage was everything she had hoped for. Her hand went to her belly, remembering their passionate morning together and the babe growing inside her.

“Look,” she said, pointing at the pond. “Another family of swans.”

“Don’t attract their attention, please. I still carry a scar from the last encounter.”

“Well, I understand their protectiveness. I only hope I’m not quite as waspish with our baby.” An impish grin turned up her mouth. “Though perhaps with this first one…”

“When we have—” Harry gave her a side-glance and read her face. “Our first one?”

She nodded.

“You’re with child?” he whispered.

She nodded again. “Papa Walters.”

He jumped up and pulled her to him, giving her a lusty kiss in front of God and whoever else passed by. He waved to a couple staring at them.

“I’m going to be a father!”

The couple nodded in understanding, smiling and waving back as they continued their walk.

He put his head back and yelled to the sky, “We’re having a baby!”

But when their eyes met again, there was panic darkening his brown gaze. “What if I’m a terrible father?”

Mattie laughed, her shoulders shaking. Her orphaned husband already played benefactor to Roger’s brother and sister. “You’ve become a wonderful father-figure to Mr. Lynch. And his siblings. You will be a wonderful papa, Sir Harry .”

“Only because I married the best woman in London. No, in all of England, Lady Walters .”

“Shall we tell my family first or yours?” Mattie took a deep breath, thinking of the chaotic O’Brien household when they announced their news. Both Sampson and Clayton were married now, but Harry would give the family the first grandchild.

Life was full of promise and hope and love and family. The years ahead fanned out like a welcoming parade. And the shy girl who had first met her heart’s desire here, in this park, was now the master of the parade.

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