Page 44 of When He Was Wicked

Verity laughed. “Yes,” she said a bit smugly. “This is what it looks like.”

“I daresay should I get married, it will only be for love,” Elanor said wistfully. “Like what mamma had with papa… and what you both now have.”

Then she smiled, dipped in a small curtsy, and continued sauntering toward the walking path of the massive forest bordering their country estate.

“I hope she finds it,” James said gruffly, staring after his cousin. “Our scandal might make their welcome in society difficult.”

James wanted the best opportunities for them, and Verity echoed his sentiments wholeheartedly. To their delight Aunt Judith, Alice and Elanor had moved in with them at Birchmount Manor. At first, his aunt had worried that with the newlywed she would be underfoot, but Verity had reassured her that in a manor with over one hundred rooms, they each had ample space for privacy. Verity had also invited her Aunt Imogen to reside with them, which she had gladly accepted.

Verity rubbed his knuckles reassuringly. “Most of the mentions in the scandal sheets seem to admire my bravery.”

“And they should.”

“I think our hurried wedding is more scandalous than me kicking that odious man in his balls,” she said with a light laugh, still amazed she could reference the marquess with no feeling of dread.

James’s eyes lit with tender amusement. Verity was free of the marquess and her haunting memories, and she had her husband’s belief and love in her to thank.

“And even with the scandal of our hasty marriage, society is insatiable for our presence at their balls and soirees. We’ve gotten so many invitations from our neighbors. We’ll stay in the countryside for the next few months, and next year when we take Elanor with us to London, she will shine beautifully.”

His hands tightened around Verity’s waist, and she snuggled more against his chest. Verity felt such happiness she didn’t know if she should weep or laugh.

“We should discuss babies,” she murmured.

She felt the thump of his heart.

“What about them?”

“How many should we have?”

He seemed contemplative. “Seven.”

She gasped, wiggled out of his embrace, and turned to face him. He had a grin on his face, and his green eyes glinted with deviltry. Verity laughed, snuggling back into the arms of the man who cherished her more than anything in his world.