Page 27 of The Duke's List

“Of course.”

“I think it is high time we proceeded to complete the fourth item on your list, Your Grace.” He placed a tender kiss atop her head. “Would you care to accompany me to the ducal chambers?”

In answer, she gave him an impish smile and unlocked the chest.

Epilogue

Christmas 1828

Bocollyn House Game Room

Jane carefully guardedher cards from Sidmouth’s prying view whilst she and his ward, Nicholas, exchanged eye signals. Nicholas was home for term break from his studies at Eton.

“Your Grace, I believe I’ve overcome you at your own game.” Sidmouth laid down his cards.

Nicholas and Jane gave each other furtive looks.

“I’ve won.” He nearly shouted out his victory.

Her Grace stood suddenly and pounced on a child hiding beneath the settee. “Elizabeth Dora Wyndham. How many times have I told you it is impolite to spy on another person’s cards?”

“But…but you and Nicholas spy on Papa’s cards all the time.”

Nicholas joined the duchess and leaned down to smile at the small perpetrator. “Yes, but we’ve been cheating at cards for years. Your papa expects no less from us. Right, Uncle Sid?”

The Duke of Sidmouth did not reply but gave them a mysterious smile. “I now have my own accomplices to even the odds with you two Captain Sharps.”

At that, two small boys with wild shocks of ginger brown hair leapt from behind the curtains, brandishing toy swords. “Mama won,” they shouted. “Mama won.”

Jane shook her head. “Perhaps we should call this game a draw?” At the sullen looks from all of her offspring, she added, “Who wants hot chocolate and ginger biscuits with the dogs by the fire in the kitchen?”

All three children, with their nurse and Nicholas in pursuit, raced out the door and down the hallway leading to the kitchen.

“Are we raising a tribe of miscreants?” The duke moved close to Jane and placed his arm around her waist.

“I suppose that depends on your point of view.” Jane snuggled close and leaned her head against his chest.

“From my point of view, I wish you still had that costume you wore to play Beatrice.” Sidmouth let one of his hands drift close to Her Grace’s breasts.

“You mean the one with nothing but some laces holding the bodice together?”

“Ah, yes, that one.”

“I think I could pull that old dress from one of the chests up in the theater storage on the ballroom floor.” She tilted her head to the side. “But that’s a long way to go merely to look at a costume.”

“Oh, I’m fairly certain we’ll do more than just look.”

“In that case, we should leave before they all storm back here for another game.” She plucked at his sleeve.

In one fast move, Sidmouth slung his duchess over his shoulder and headed for the stairway to the ballroom. The footman they passed in the hallway averted his gaze. Carrington, who was hurrying toward them to enquire if they needed anything, ducked into another room off the hallway when he spotted Sidmouth carrying off his duchess.

Over Sidmouth’s shoulder, Jane laughed. “You’re shameless. You know that, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do, but then I’m the duke. I can do whatever I please.”

THE END