Accidentally Compromising the Duke (28 page)

BOOK: Accidentally Compromising the Duke
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Life indeed had been wonderful to him and Adeline. After the birth of their boys, within a couple of weeks his duchess had been back to her exuberant self, refusing to stay abed. Then when he had been hesitant about making love too soon, his duchess had seduced him with shocking sensuality, over and over. Hell, he wouldn’t be surprised if she were to tell him soon that she was once again with child, because of how often they were wrapped together in passion.

“I think it’s time we joined them,” Edmond said.

Westfall frowned, canting his head left and Edmond knew who he searched for. Lady Evelyn.

“You cannot avoid her forever,” Edmond said with some amusement. “You are both godparents to Jordon and Drake. I daresay there will be many occasions where yours and Lady Evelyn’s paths will cross.”

Westfall grunted. “Thank you for inviting little Emily to play with Rosa and Sarah.”

There was a throb of emotions in Westfall tone and Edmond consider him. “The circumstances of her birth does not matter to me or my duchess. Your daughter is my daughter, and she will always have my support.”

Tawny golden eyes met Edmond’s, and then with a small smile Westfall clasped his shoulders.

“Thank you, my friend.”

They exited the library and made their way outside. Edmond walked slightly ahead, his heart light, wanting to be in the presence of his wife and children. Rosalie saw him and with a shriek she barreled in his direction. Sarah followed, and then he had his hands full with hugging his girls. Adeline waved, a wide grin splitting her face.

Westfall’s six-year-old daughter, little Emily—who was a replica of him with her dark hair and golden eyes—ran into the marquess’s arms. Holding their girls, they walked over to the several blankets spread on the lawn. Edmond lowered himself by his duchess and planted a firm kiss on her lips.

“Eweeee!” Rosa shrieked, and Emily and Sarah giggled.

Adeline’s answering laughter tinkled like bells, and the love glowing in her eyes made Edmond’s chest squeeze. “I love you, Adeline.”

“And I you, Edmond.”

Then he reached for his sons, who stared at him already with piercing intelligence. They had stunning hazel eyes like their mother, the only thing they seemed to share with Adeline. Then under the incredulous gaze of Westfall, Edmond proceeded to have a rousing conversation with his sons, who stared at him enraptured. He was as certain as his duchess that somehow from their kicking legs and gleeful chortling, they understood.

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Author’s Note

I took the liberty of naming my own numbers in relation to the death rate in the Regency era. In truth, there was really no way at the time to be certain of the amount of childbirth death recorded in England because there were no well document records. It was in 1837, the Registrar General’s office started to record maternal deaths. This was also encouraged by the Presidents of the Royal Colleges and the Master of the Society of Apothecaries, and people were urged to supply voluntarily copies of certificates of death, if possible with cause. It was not until about 1870, when the registration of cause of death was made mandatory, that rates became reasonably accurate.

Acknowledgments

I thank God every day for allowing me to find my passion.

To my husband, thank you for being my biggest fan and supporter! You are so damn wonderful.

Thank you to my wonderful friend and critique partner Giselle Marks. Without you I would be lost.

Thank you to my amazing editor, Alycia Tornetta, for being so patient when I miss my deadlines and overall a kickass amazing editor.

To my wonderful readers, thank you for picking up my book and giving me a chance! Thank you.

Special THANK YOU to everyone that leaves a review—bloggers, fans, friends. I have always said reviews to authors are like a pot of gold to leprechauns. Thank you all for adding to my rainbow one review at a time.

About the Author

I am an avid reader of novels with a deep passion for writing. I especially love romance and enjoy writing about people falling in love. I live a lot in the worlds I create and I actively speak to my characters (out loud). I have a warrior way “Never give up on my dream.” When I am not writing, I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from
The Walking Dead
, Lucas Hood from
Banshee
, watching Japanese Anime and playing video games with my love—Dusean. I also have a horrible weakness for ice cream.

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Table of Contents

For Dusean: I love you

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Acknowledgments

About the Author

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