Page 37 of The Gentleman’s Confession (Matchmaking Mamas #3)

A month after their wedding, Jemma tumbled into Miles’s office, the door banging against the wall. Miles dropped his pen and jumped to his feet. “What happened? Is everything all right?”

Jemma grinned, her bonnet strings untied and her eyes alight. “I received my first check from the ladies’ magazine for my sketches!”

He laughed and came around his desk. “The poor of London are rejoicing while the rich ladies parade their fashionable wares.”

“Only because we gathered such a large sum for the people of Chios.”

“Speaking of them, you are not the only one with news.” Miles retrieved an open letter from off a small stack of correspondence. “I received a letter confirming our aid to the Greek Revolution has been received. The government thanks us for our substantial donation and the lives we are saving because of it.”

Jemma gave a happy sigh of relief. “We’re doing it, Miles. We’re really helping people.”

“It feels good, doesn’t it?”

“It certainly does.” She closed the gap between them, setting her hand on his waist. ”Listen. About my sketches. I have a better plan than just reaching out to London charities.”

He set the letter back on the desk. “Oh? Tell me what you’re scheming now?”

“I was not aware of how many were struggling in Brookeside until you showed me. I am splitting all my proceeds so the poor of Brookeside can benefit too.”

He tugged her closer. “I thought you said you would be a terrible vicar’s wife.”

She gave a dainty shrug. “I will try to limit my scandals to yearly ... if I can help it. Otherwise, yes, I will still be terrible. However, I will be the best supporter of you—which makes me at least a good wife in general.”

He removed her bonnet, tossing it on his desk and kissed her forehead. “Not just a good wife, but the best. Now, how should we celebrate all our good news?”

She played with his cravat. “Couldn’t you recite a bit of poetry for the occasion? Perhaps a ballad to my name?”

He studied her, never growing weary of every detail about her. “Let me guess—you would like each stanza to include my undying love for you?”

“If you would be so gracious.”

He laughed. “I no longer have the need to vent my feelings through poetry when I can kiss you instead.”

She lightly punched his arm, but her feigned anger disappeared with sudden wide eyes. “I almost forgot. Lord Kellen is insisting Ian go to London for the Season. There is a strong rumor he has found Ian a wife.”

Miles frowned. “You never put so much stock into gossip before.”

“This rumor did not come from any newspaper. There has been a musical meeting called.”

“The Matchmaking Mamas?” Miles pursed his lips. Ian would not like this at all.

Jemma nodded. “It appears there is to be an unofficial contest between Lord and Lady Kellen.”

Miles did not know whether to smile or cringe. “You know what this means? Ian does not stand a chance.”