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A ngelica bustled into the Whitmore town house and waved the missive that had just arrived from India. “Benedict, I believe this is from Whitmore.” She sat beside Benedict, who cradled their twelve-week-old daughter who was soundly asleep in his arms.

“You read it, dearest, little Rose is asleep, and I do not wish to disturb her.”

Angelica broke the seal and scanned the letter before reading it aloud.

“It says that he’s in India and has enjoyed his time there. That the heat is ghastly, but the people are friendly and kind.” She read a little farther on. “He says that he’s preparing to travel home. That is good news.”

Benedict raised his brows and nodded in agreement. “Yes, and then we shall be able to travel to Kent and start our lives just as we wish. With the estate back in my brother’s hands, I can retire from playing lord of the manor and enjoy our little family away from London and the ton .”

“We cannot leave too soon. Isabella has just started her Season and I so want to guide her as well as I can.”

“I do not think that my brother will be back in London tomorrow, dearest. It will take several months for him to travel back, more than enough time to see Isabella married.”

That was true and relieved some of her concerns, although Isabella’s start to the Season had not been as smooth as Rosalind or herself would have liked. In fact, her sister did not seem at all interested in the events, the balls and parties that had commenced at all.

“Whitmore writes,” Angelica said, continuing to read.

“That by the time we receive this letter, he will have already set sail. How exciting to see him again. I’m so glad his innocence with Lord Cheswick was outed.

That man ought to be ashamed of himself, pretending to be shot when all in fact did happen was he fell over and scratched his leg with a stick.

To think Whitmore was forced out of England by that fiend makes my blood boil. ”

“And mine,” Benedict growled. “But we always knew Cheswick was a liar and a thug. I’m glad he’s fled to his country estate where he will hopefully do no more wrong, but I do not hold out much hope of that.”

“True.” Just then nursemaid entered the drawing room and dipped into a curtsy. “My lady, it is time for Miss Rose’s feeding. May I take her upstairs?”

“Of course,” Angelica said, watching her husband kiss their daughter’s pretty brow before standing and handing the child to the nursemaid.

Benedict came back to sit at her side and pulled her into his arms. She snuggled up against him, enjoying the quiet and peace of their home.

“I must say that I’m looking forward to leaving London and seeing our home in Kent once more.

We shall be able to make it our own and not have to leave unless we want diversion in town.

Our private sanctuary just for us.” She leaned up and Benedict dipped his head, kissing her softly.

“And I shall have you all to myself, and the dreaded paperwork that is never ending here as acting marquess will end. I do not envy my brother his position.”

“It has been a great deal of work, but you’ve done Whitmore proud.”

“I hope so,” her husband said, watching her. “Have I told you today how beautiful you are with your hair down and pretty blue morning gown on? Almost good enough to eat.”

Heat licked along Angleica’s spine, and she shivered at his words.

They had not been intimate since she’d given birth to Rose twelve weeks before and she ached for her husband terribly, almost wantonly.

“I also saw my doctor this week, and while everything is well I assure you, he did also mention that we can resume normal marital acts.”

Benedict frowned before his eyes widened with interest. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

She chuckled and pressed into him, ensuring he received a good view of her low-cut bodice. “That is exactly what I’m saying.” She wiggled her brows and laughed when he understood her meaning. “We have some time now while the baby is asleep if you wish to join me upstairs?” she questioned.

Benedict stood and pulled her from the settee, dragging her from the room and up the stairs before she knew what he was about.

“You need not ask a second time. I’m more than willing to join you anywhere.”

Angelica grinned. “Have you missed this by chance, husband?” she teased as they came to stand before their suite of rooms door.

“Twelve weeks without loving you in that way, hell yes I’ve missed it.” He swung their bedroom door wide and swooped her up into his arms and carried her across the threshold and into their wonderful future.

Their wonderful life.

Together.

If you loved Jewel of the Ball , don’t miss Ruby in the Rough , book four in The Heiress Series , out this August!

Overflowing with scandal, desire, and irresistible longing, this next instalment pulls you deeper into the glittering world and complicated hearts of the Duke of Ravensmere’s daughters.

Happy reading!