He smiled, taking her hand. “But you will put up with it because you love me.”

  Julia sighed. “Apparently, I do, foolish woman that I am.” Then he saw the hesitancy in her eyes. “Do you truly love me, Devin? I have no family to speak of. You are the son and brother of a marquess. I was turned out of my home and forced to earn my living. We are not close to being equals.”

  His hand brushed her brow. “That is the beauty of our situation, my love. We are equals. More than we would have been if we had met in Polite Society during the Season at some ball. I believe we see each other for who we truly are. You are the most intelligent woman I know, as well as the most beautiful. I almost find it hard to believe you truly want me.”

  Her mouth trembled. “Oh, I truly do, Devin. I am surprised that a man such as you would even be interested in me.”

  “I love you, Julia. I want to marry you. I want to have children with you. Grow old with you. Here, at Woodbridge. I know the boys will eventually go to school. I have told Win that I agree to be his steward—but once his nephews leave, you are to help me run the estate.”

  “You told the duke that?” she said, clearly startled.

  “I did. I also told him and Sera that I loved you. Sera already knew.”

  “Her Grace . . . knew?” She shook her head. “I don’t even think I knew until a few minutes ago, Devin.”

  “Sera is quite wise. And she will be a good friend to you. Yes, I know you and I, as ones who manage their ducal estate, will not be on the same rung as they are socially, but they are not ones to stand on custom. They will accept us and be our friends.”

  She sighed. “Is this really happening, Devin? Did you just tell me you loved me and I revealed the same? Did we truly just make love?”

  He grinned. “Well, I can attest part of that. Yes, we have admitted our love for one another. As for making love? I gave you pleasure, my darling, but you are still a virgin.”

  She thought a moment. “I suppose I am because your member did not enter me. I have seen horses and pigs and even squirrels at their love play. I have an idea what is involved.”

  “I didn’t think I should make love to you until we are wed.” He smiled. “After all, you are a most proper governess.”

  “Does it hurt?” she asked suddenly. “In witnessing the animals, they made some fairly awful sounds.”

  “It does the first time,” he replied honestly. “After that, it never does.”

  She gazed into his eyes, piercing his very soul. “You truly want to wed me?”

  “I do.”

  “Then I think we should make love as a married couple who loves each other does. If it hurts and I cry out, no one is around to hear.”

  “You are certain?”

  “I suppose we can risk a child being made if we are truly to wed.”

  “I can help prevent that,” he told her.

  “You can?” she asked, amazed.

  He kissed her deeply. “Leave it to me.”

  Devin rose and pulled her from the bed, getting her to play valet to him and help strip the clothes from him.

  Her eyes roamed his body. “You are perfectly made, my lord.”

  He chuckled. “Let’s see if you are.”

  Undressing her slowly, he then kissed every inch of her gloriously, naked body. By the time he was ready to enter her, his cock swollen larger than he’d ever seen it, he dipped his fingers into her and found she was ready for him.

  With a quick push, he broke through her maidenhead. She gasped, digging her nails into his shoulders. He waited, not moving, allowing her to get used to the size and feel of him.

  “Is there more?” she finally asked. “It hurt a moment but no longer does.”

  “Is there more, she asks,” he teased. “Oh, my darling Julia, there is much more.”

  Devin began to move within her, kissing her all the while, her hands roaming his back and stroking his arms as her hips rose and met his every thrust. He slipped his left hand between them and found her precious bud, playfully teasing it until she panted and then cried out, her body overwhelmed by another orgasm. He then pumped into her several more times before quickly withdrawing, spilling his seed on her belly.

  “That is what makes a baby,” he said, pointing to it. “Hopefully, I pulled out in time and none is inside you.”

  He pushed up and retrieved a cloth, dampening it and bringing it to clean her. She looked sated, a new awareness about her, her gaze tender.

  “I only regret one thing,” she said and he held his breath, worried what that regret might be. “I wish I would have removed the pins from my hair so I could feel your fingers—all eight of them, mind you—running through it.”

  Devin tossed back his head, roaring in laughter. He then kissed her, hard and possessive, branding her as his.

  “We will need to tell Win and Sera of our plans,” he said.

  “Could we wait a few days?” Julia asked. “It would be nice if it were only between the two of us for a short while. Our secret.”

  Kissing her, he said, “All right. How about a week from today we announce it to them?”

  “Agreed,” she said, pulling him down to her for another drugging kiss.

  He curled up beside her and they talked for hours. Little was said about their pasts. Instead, they spoke more of their future. What they might accomplish at Woodbridge. The children they both longed to have. He realized their pasts would be best left alone. He never wanted to see Prentis again and certainly wouldn’t run into his brother since he and Julia would never go to London for the Season. She seemed reluctant to bring up her half-brother. Devin recalled how he had wished to kill the man and decided making Julia a widow while he swung from a gibbet would not be in either of their best interests.

  Finally, they grew sleepy and he said, “You must return to your room. It has grown late. The bonfire ended long ago. The house has bedded down for the night. We cannot afford to fall asleep and have Larson find you in my bed tomorrow morning.”

  Julia’s palm cupped his cheek. “I hate leaving you but I understand. We will share many nights together. Soon.”

  They rose and helped one another dress again. Devin insisted on accompanying her to her room, despite her protests that they might be seen.

  “No one is awake now,” he told her, hearing the old grandfather clock chime twice in the distance. “I will see you upstairs safely.”

  They reached her room and he cradled her face in his hands. “It is now Friday. We should announce our plans to Win and Sera a week from now. That way, they can read the banns starting on that Sunday.”

  “If that’s what you wish,” Julia said.

  “Very well.” He glanced from left to right, seeing no one in the deserted corridor. Kissing her, he said, “Goodnight, my sweetest love.”

  She entered her bedchamber and he returned to his own. He decided he would rather enjoy future celebrations of All Hallow’s Eve at Woodbridge because it would mark the night he told his wife he loved her.

  He wondered if they could keep their news from Win and Sera for a week, figuring Sera would know merely by looking at Devin and Julia. Win, too, would eagerly ask how things had gone. Perhaps he could convince Julia to tell them sooner.

  That way, the first banns could be read in two days—and they could wed a week earlier.

  Devin stripped off his clothes again, struggling a bit, but knowing, soon, he would have his wife there to help him. He fell asleep, thinking of Julia’s image, and how, for the first time in his life, he was truly, utterly happy.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Devin’s happiness did not even last past breakfast the next morning.

  He made his way down to the breakfast room, hoping he could keep a poker face when Win or Sera asked him about Julia. He smiled broadly just at the thought of her. It was an unexpected life he was now living, one far different from his military days, but he knew it would be more than satisfying because of the woman he loved.

  Entering the breakfast room, he found it empty. He took a seat and Farmwell stepped forward.

  “Her Grace is feeling a bit poorly this morning,” the butler informed Devin. “His Grace has decided to breakfast with her in their rooms.”

  He didn’t think it was too serious, knowing Sera’s condition. They had probably been out late, too, at the All Hallow’s Eve celebration and might actually be sleeping later than usual.

  “Thank you for letting me know, Farmwell,” he said, placing his breakfast order.

  “Might you be interested in reading the newspapers?” the butler asked. “His Grace has them sent down once a week from London, along with the rest of the post.”

  He couldn’t think of the last time he had picked up a newspaper. “Yes, I would be happy to peruse them.”

  “Very good, my lord.” Farmwell signaled a footman, who brought a small stack of newspapers to the table.

  He flipped through them, noticing they were in order by day and decided to read them in chronological order the oldest news first, finishing with the most recent.

  His breakfast arrived and he continued reading as he ate. When he finished his meal, he looked to Farmwell.

  “I believe I will finish reading these. Where shall I place them for His Grace?”

  “His Grace usually reads them in his study, my lord.”

  “Then I will place them on his desk. Thank you, Farmwell.”

  Devin headed to the library, preventing himself from heading upstairs and to the schoolroom. Though he yearned to see Julia, she would be busy starting lessons with Freddie and Charlie. He did not wish to interrupt them. He would go riding with them this afternoon, however. It would give him an excuse to be near her.

  Devin wondered if there were any way she could slip into his bed tonight. Last night had been a revelation for him. He believed for the first time in his life he had made love with a woman. All encounters before had been different. What had passed between him and Julia was special and he knew it was because they loved one another.

  He arrived in the library and settled into a chair that overlooked the back lawns. The day was overcast, as befit November, and the new year would be here before they knew it. Knowing now that Julia had tremendous knowledge of estate affairs, Devin did not mind taking the reins early from Kepler. The retired steward would still be available on the estate if Devin had any specific questions, but he believed between himself and Julia, Woodbridge would be well taken care of.

  He spent a pleasant hour reading, finally reaching the last edition with the newest date. Turning a page, he froze at the headline catching his eye.

  His stomach dropped.

  The Marquess of Bedford was dead.

  Devin gripped the page, the newsprint swimming before his eyes for a moment. He blinked rapidly, trying to bring it into focus. His mouth grew dry as he read the article.

  Prentis Hunt, the Marquess of Bedford, has passed away in his London home after experiencing a fall two months ago which severely injured him, leaving him incapacitated.

  According to his solicitor, Mr. Bradford Billman, the marquess suffered a severe head injury in the fall, in addition to numerous broken bones, and never regained consciousness after the tragic accident.

  Lord Bedford was unwed at the time of his death and thus had produced no heirs. The marquessate will now pass to his only brother, Major Devin Hunt, who has served in His Majesty’s army since his graduation from university.

  The marquess will be buried alongside his parents at Easton Ridge, his country estate in Kent.

  Devin released the newspaper, numb from what he had read. He doubted it was merely a fall in which his brother stumbled. Prentis had been a heavy drinker from his mid-teens. Devin would venture his brother had been deep in his cups when this fall occurred, injuring his head.

  That meant he was the Marquess of Bedford now. His mind raced as he tried to comprehend what this would mean. The changes in his life. Taking over his family’s estate. While he had gained enough confidence to agree to become Win’s steward, stepping up to be a marquess was altogether a different story. He would be in charge of Easton Ridge and two other properties his brother had owned. He would also be expected to take his seat in the House of Lords.

  Devin didn’t wish to do any of this. Yet how was he to refuse the marquessate? He didn’t think it could be done.

  He felt woefully unprepared to step into shoes never meant for him to wear. He glanced up at the date and saw the newspaper was dated October twenty-fourth, a little over a week ago. Mr. Billman, the family solicitor who was based in London, would be searching for Devin. The first thing he would have done was to write to Devin in France. It might have taken him several days after Prentis’ death and burial to even locate where to send the post. Then the letter would have to be sent to France. Most likely, it would be directed to Devin’s commanding officer. Devin had left no forwarding address. He tried to recall whether he had mentioned to anyone that he was coming to visit Win and didn’t think he had.

  That meant the colonel would return the letter to Mr. Billman’s office with an accompanying letter, stating that Devin had sold his commission and departed France for England. That would buy him time. With the letter having to travel to France and then returned to England, Devin thought it would be a good six to eight weeks—possibly longer—before Mr. Billman learned Devin had left the army.

  What would Billman’s next move be?

  Since the solicitor’s firm was in London, Devin supposed the next logical step would be to hire a Bow Street Runner to track down the new marquess’ whereabouts. If Devin remained in the country, he doubted any runner could trace him. He had gotten off the ship from France in London and made his way to Woodbridge. He doubted anyone would recall his name, especially with so many soldiers returning home. If the army released the thousands of men they were supposed to in the next several weeks, Devin might be lost in a sea of men and names. He wondered how long they would search for him before moving on to the next person in line who would inherit the title. His father had been a cold, angry man and had cut ties with all of his family. Devin grew up not knowing if he had cousins or if he did, how many existed. Surely, one of them could become the Marquess of Bedford. It didn’t have to be him. He wanted a quiet life. Here at Woodbridge. With Julia. He felt inadequate and did not believe he could command the respect of anyone at Easton Ridge with his crippled hand.

  He gathered the newspapers, leaving out the most recent one. Win wouldn’t miss it since the others were in consecutive order. By the next time they arrived a week or so from now, his friend would not notice one newspaper not being delivered. Even if by some small chance he did, the news would be so old that Win wouldn’t care to pursue the matter.

  But what about Percy? Devin wondered if he, too, had the newspapers sent down from London. If he did, how closely did Percy peruse them? After all, his wife was heavy with child and his attention might be on other matters.

  Devin knew it was cowardly, wanting to retreat like a nervous turtle into his shell, but he simply did not want the life that Prentis’ death forced upon him and Julia.

  Was he wrong to keep this from her? After all, she had been exiled from Polite Society by her half-brother. Devin did not know the man’s title but he doubted it was equal to a marquess. Julia might enjoy returning triumphantly to Polite Society, outranking the half-brother who had done her wrong.

  Torn, he went to Win’s study, where a fire cheerily burned in case the duke came here. Placing all but the last newspaper on Win’s desk, Devin moved to the fire and dropped the damning evidence of his marquessate into the flames, watching the pages curl and burn to ash.

  He needed to get away. To think. Immediately, he headed to the stables and had Harrison saddle Domino for him. Devin rode the estate for several hours, his mind in turmoil. He stopped at the same ridge where he had been only days earlier with Julia and the boys. Looking out across Woodbridge, he wondered what it would be like to own Easton Ridge, as well as other properties. He had no idea what kind of condition the estate might be in. Prentis had always done everything to excess. It was possible his brother had left the estate in financial disarray. If so, Devin was responsible for the tenants and would need to wed a woman with a considerable dowry.

  Julia wouldn’t be that woman. Not with her meager earnings as a governess. He rebelled against the idea of parting from her. Yet responsibility weighed heavily upon him.

  What should he do? Hide at Woodbridge and see if he might be found? Or go to Easton Ridge and claim his birthright?

  Devin hadn’t a clue what to do.

  He returned to the stables, leaving Domino with a groom, and headed toward the house. On the way, he ran across Julia and her charges, in the midst of one of their lessons. The boys greeted him enthusiastically and shared what they were learning about. He nodded and smiled, trying to appear interested.

  “Go on to the stables and have our horses saddled,” she told the young pair. They rushed off and she turned to him. “Why are you so distracted, Devin? What is wrong?”

  She knew him too well. He would talk things over with her. She was reasonable and calm and would advise him on what to do next.

  “Would you come to my room tonight?” he asked.

  “I cannot.” She glanced around and took his hand. “Last night was an exception. The house was empty and it was easy to do so. You know, however, that servants lurk everywhere. If I were seen entering or leaving your room, the gossip would be fierce. Most likely, whoever witnessed the occasion would go to His Grace and report the infraction. You do need to tell your friend of our plans to wed, Devin, but we must wait before we are together again.”

  He started to speak and hesitated. She grew very still. It was odd how aware he was of her, even her breath. She released his hand and took a step back.

  “Have you changed your mind?” she asked, her voice small.

  Devin saw the doubt he had placed there and moved to her, taking her hand. “I love you, Julia. No, I am not a rogue who deflowered you and then leaves you.”