Page 42 of The Reclusive Earl’s Scandal (Vows and Vanity #1)

Several Months Later

“Did you hear of Lady Catherine’s and Lord Billy’s betrothal?” Rebecca asked, walking into the library where her husband, ever predictably reading by the fireplace, looked up from his armchair.

“I did not,” he responded. “Admittedly, I thought they already were.”

She held up her scandal sheet. “Officially, they now are.”

“Heavens, do read it out to me.”

Rebecca laughed, moved over to him to perch on his lap. “Has my husband become a gossip, influenced by me?”

“You, a gossip? You must be mistaken for another Countess of Thornshire.” He gave her a wink, and she loved that her heart still raced whenever he wooed her in such simple ways. “Go on, do read it out.”

Rebecca cleared her throat, and began. “‘ All will want to gather around today’s gossip column to discover that the eligible Lady Catherine, who has long awaited her match after a publicly failed courtship with Lord Thornshire this Season, has announced her engagement to Lord Billy Harcroft. With the couple wasting little time, the wedding is set to be in one week’s time.

And who can blame the two? After endless searches for a perfect match, it seems the two have found one another and proven that opposites can attract, but so can two sides of one coin.

‘Furthermore, it seems that Lady Catherine and the newly-wed Lady Thornshire, formerly Lady Rebecca Bancroft, have continued their feud. Could it be that there was dissonance between the friends from the start, or did the two both seek Lord Thornshire and find themselves competing for his attention. Regardless, it appears Lady Mary Avery, the last in the well-known socialite trio, has found her own happiness with Lord Thomas Willoughby. Who knows, perhaps there will be weddings for them both, following in their former friend’s footsteps.

One wonders if they had a pact all along to have a successful Season.

Lady Mary has also been seen in good spirits with Lady Elena Thornshire, formerly Lady Catherine’s best friend.

One wonders what went on between all four women.

‘Either way, we have welcomed the new Countess of Thornshire with open arms, and it appears all shadows of her past have retreated, including that of the convicted Harry Maudley, who attempted to publicly shame Lady Thornshire during her Season.

‘Still, a question remains: will there be talk of a Thornshire heir soon?’”

Rebecca blushed profusely at that last question, but much enjoyed Edward’s face at the mention of Catherine’s and his courtship.

“It was not a courtship!” he protested. “It was a handful of dances I felt forced into. How ridiculously inconceivable. And to suggest there was competition!” He laughed, shaking his head. “Heavens, they do enjoy writing utter nonsense.”

“It is entertainment,” Rebecca insisted. “Besides, you are the one who begged me to read it to you.”

“Oh, I begged?” Edward teased, tugging her close to his chest. She squealed and let herself tumble into him, tucking her legs around his.

His hands went to her waist as he held her, kissing the curve of her jaw.

“Although, I must ask that last question, too. I do hope we… that we can…” He broke off, swallowing hard.

“Well…” Rebecca whispered, setting the sheet down. “I got diverted by the gossip sheet, but I did initially come in for another reason.” She shifted on his lap, facing him. Next to them, the fireplace crackled. Soon, they would retire and stay warm next to one another, but for now…

Rebecca took one of Edward’s hands and placed it on her stomach. It was only slightly rounded, but it had been enough for the dowager countess to notice and pointedly ask, prompting Rebecca to seek confirmation.

“I am with child,” she whispered. “I do believe I am perhaps already two months into my pregnancy, so we do not have long to wait at all.”

“We are to have a child. Goodness, Rebecca , oh!” He broke off to kiss her, clasping her face in his hands. “ Rebecca .” He laughed through another kiss, another emphasis of her name. “Heavens, you are going to make the best mother. I cannot believe it. We are going to be parents.”

A cloud passed over his eyes, and Rebecca quickly kissed it away, for she knew he would only think of the parent he had lost, and she did not want him to fall into such despair.

They had been attending more balls recently, their married life publicly adored, but she had found her favorite evenings consisted of sitting in front of the fireplace with a book in her lap and her husband at her side.

She was content.

“We are going to be parents,” she confirmed, pressing her forehead to Edward’s.

She smiled into another kiss as he picked her up to spin her around.

The sound of Rebecca’s delight filled the room, and Edward cried out in happiness alongside her.

Their lives were rather perfect, and she never would have had it any other way.

The End

Thank you for completing “The Reclusive Earl’s Scandal” !