"It matters little anymore, my love. I would not give you up now for anyone or anything." He looped an arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. "And I refuse to wait any longer to make you mine. 'Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.'"
"You quote my favorite poet," she replied with a smile.
"The words may be Dryden's, but the sentiments are mine." He kissed her deeply. "I feel as if I have already waited a lifetime. Let us be done with secrecy, Mariah. Let us declare our love to the world."
EPILOGUE
"Love is love's reward."- John Dryden
Morehaven Manor, Derbyshire—Five years later
THE DAY WAS PERFECT. The sun shone brightly overhead, creating shimmering light on the rippling waters of the ornamental lake. Lydia and Mariah reclined on a blanket amidst the remains of a picnic under the shade of an ancient oak. A blissful smile played about Mariah's mouth as she watched Nick and Marcus frolic with their four sons.
A sudden flutter in her belly made her start. A moment later, it repeated. Lyddie," she whispered excitedly. "I think the babe quickens.'
"Is it the first time you've felt it?"
"Yes, but I didn't expect it for several more weeks. I was much further along with little Ned before I felt anything."
"You are just more aware now that you've already experienced it."
"I suppose you are right."
"Have you told him yet?"
"No. I wanted to wait until I was certain."
Nick came upon them, breathless from a game of tag, with his young son clinging to his back, pretending to jockey. He peeled the toddler from around his neck and threw himself down on the blanket beside her. "My lady, you have something I need."
"What is it?" Mariah asked. "Nicolas! What are you doing?" she exclaimed as he proceeded to pull off her shoe.
He grinned up at her. "I am in dire need of a stocking. Our son has asked to learn cricket. We've already practiced bowling. Now he wishes to bat."
"I'm going to hit the ball just like Papa!" Little Ned chimed.
"So you wish me to sacrifice my silk stocking?"
He reached under her skirts and untied her garter. "It won't be the first time."
She shivered at the intentional caress of his hand down her leg as he removed the stocking. His lightest touch always made her react, but the look in his eye hinted at bigger and better shivers yet to come. "Nick?"
"Yes, love?"
"Our babe has quickened."
He returned a blank stare. "What?"
"Our child is moving inside me."
"Our child is on my back."
"Our other child."
"Other child? You are carrying another one?"
"Yes!" She laughed at his shocked expression. "Marcus and Lydia have already done their part to establish your team, I thought I should do mine. Are you happy, Nick?"
He drew her into his arms for a long and lingering kiss. "Happy does not begin to describe my sentiments, Mariah. My dearest love, I didn't even know what happiness was until I met you. I have everything a man could ever desire, but it would all mean nothing without you."
END
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Keep reading for an excerpt of Marcus and Lydia's story, A BREACH OF PROMISE.
A BREACH OF PROMISE
(The Rules of Engagement Book #1)
When charm and persuasion fail...Only seduction remains...
On the night of her betrothal, Lydia Trent receives just a taste of what ecstasy will be at the hands of her fiancé...and then he leaves her wanting. After waiting six years, and tired of being neglected by her exceedingly reluctant husband-to-be, Lydia decides to break it off.
When Marcus, Lord Russell, receives Lydia's letter requesting a release from their contract, he is stunned by her audacity. Confident he'll have her eating out of his hand with his usual wit and charm, he's determined to repair the damage. However, the headstrong woman she's blossomed into is equally determined to thwart his every effort to win her back.
Marcus discovers, in spite of her conviction to end the union, Lydia is more responsive to his touch than he ever imagined. He just needs to get her alone to unleash the promised passion he sees within his wanton virgin. Marcus will use any tool in his arsenal to exploit her weakness--his kisses, his hands, his mouth...her own body. In short, he'll just have to ruin her!
EXCERPT: A BREACH OF PROMISE
Derbyshire, England—1742
LYDIA ALBINIA TRENT was giddy with anticipation as her new abigail Molly slid the fine silk over her petticoat and stays. Lydia ran her fingers over the luxurious fabric with sheer delight. It was a custom-made confection of soft, petal pink with white bows and matching pink, satin slippers specially ordered for this momentous occasion and her first silk gown.
Now dressed, Molly put the finishing touches to Lydia’s hair, pinning her usual braids into a ladylike coronet atop her head and ornamenting the coiffure with pink ribbon and white roses.