“I suppose we have a wedding to plan,” he said. “Where would like to get married?”

  She thought a moment. “Do you think Their Graces might host the ceremony?” she asked. “I know you are close friends with His Grace. That way, Lord and Lady Kingston could also attend.”

  “I think that is an excellent idea, Lady Bedford.” He kissed her again.

  “Not yet,” she told him. “But very soon.” Then she kissed him.

  As they left the solicitor’s office, Devin asked, “So, what are you going to do with your dowry funds? You mentioned something charitable.”

  “I had thought to help women who find themselves in need.” She took his mangled right hand and brought it to her lips, kissing it tenderly. “Or perhaps we could help soldiers who have come home and need assistance. It is something that will take time and thought to execute well.” She hesitated. “There is something else I must tell you.”

  Worry creased his brow. “You have already said you will marry me, Julia.”

  “Oh, I plan to. But I don’t want any secrets between us.” She took a deep breath. “I am bringing more into this marriage than my dowry. I have money of my own.”

  He smiled gently. “Anything you made from your governess or companion days is yours, as well.”

  Julia bit her lip. “Well, it might be something to put into the marriage contracts, now that I think about it.”

  He cradled her cheek. “I don’t think a piddling amount will need to be added, sweetheart. What’s yours is yours.”

  She smiled shyly. “Even if it is twenty thousand pounds?”

  His jaw dropped. “What?”

  Julia explained about the legacy Lady Sowbury had left to her. When she finished, her fiancé smiled at her. “I look forward to this future endeavor and seeing what you do with the money which is all yours.” He caressed her cheek. “And the marvelous future in store for us.”

  Devin kissed her again, sending Julia to Heaven.

  Epilogue

  Five years later

  London—June 1821

  Devin left the nursery after playing for an hour with his son and daughter. The two children were miniature versions of their parents. At four, their son had Devin’s dark hair and startlingly blue eyes, while their daughter, who had just turned two, had the same silvery-blond hair of her mother. Both children were happy and healthy and Devin couldn’t ask for more in life.

  Coming down the stairs, he wondered where Julia might be. When he didn’t find her in her office or his study, he decided to look in their bedchamber and found her there, asleep in their massive bed. He eagerly doffed his clothes and slipped underneath the bedclothes behind her, his chest pressed to her back and his arm going around her.

  He lay beside her, not wanting to wake her, knowing she’d had a restless night and needed more sleep before tonight’s performance. She was part of a group of women, the Second Sons’ wives, who would be performing at an exclusive musicale at the Duke and Duchess of Camden’s townhouse this evening. Most musicales featured a well-known songstress or musician. Tonight would focus on a group of talented friends.

  Devin smiled to himself. Though Julia had been reluctant to attend that first Season with him years ago, she had been warmly welcomed by the wives of the Second Sons. Win and Sera, along with Percy and Minta, had drawn Devin and Julia into this special community and they were richer for knowing those friends.

  Adalyn, the Duchess of Camden, had admitted she had absolutely no musical talent. Organization was one of her fortes, and she had put this evening together. Her cousin, Tessa, the Countess of Middlefield, would accompany the group on the piano, while Sera would play her violin and Vanessa her flute. Julia, who had a wonderful voice, would join Louisa, the Countess of Danbury, whose contralto blended perfectly with Julia’s soprano one. The five women had been practicing for several weeks now, with their husbands recommending songs for them to sing and play. They had all gathered two nights ago at Spence’s residence for a final rehearsal.

  Just as Julia had been accepted by the women of this circle, Devin had grown close to the other six men. Five of them had been friends for many years and had served together as officers in His Majesty’s army. Reed, Viscount Boxling, was the only Second Son who had not gone into the military. Though he was born a second son, Reed’s brother had died when they were young and so he had always been raised knowing he would one day hold the title.

  These men had helped Devin in immeasurable ways, from offering advice on topics from horses to farming to helping him navigate the world of the ton. Along the way, he had formed strong friendships with each of them and considered them the brothers of his heart.

  Tonight would be the culmination of the Season for the Second Sons and their wives. It was the group’s habit to attend the first few months of the Season and then retreat to their country estates once London grew hot and smelly. They enjoyed being around one another, however, and much of the rest of the summer was spent visiting one another in the country. Three years ago, the tradition of an annual summer house party had begun at Owen and Louisa’s suggestion. They had hosted the first one for all the Second Sons’ families. Last summer, Percy and Minta had taken a turn doing so.

  This summer, Julia and Devin had offered to be the hosts. The house parties had turned into wild times, not because of raucous, licentious behavior but because all of the Second Sons brought their children with them. Spence and Tessa’s daughter, Analise, was the oldest of the children at eight and the leader of all that went on in the nursery. Devin had grown to look forward to this house party more than the Season itself.

  Julia began to stir and a thought occurred to him.

  She was with child again.

  His marchioness began stroking his bare forearm and he tightened his hold on her, his lips caressing her nape. Soon, they were making sweet love, his absolute favorite thing to do with his wife. He would never tire of this wonderful woman who had helped him accept who he was at his lowest point after leaving the military and built his confidence so that he was now proud of the man he had become.

  She lay in his arms in the afterglow and they talked of things to be done once they left town tomorrow morning. Everything was packed, according to Julia, and so they focused on discussing their upcoming house party and matters of the estate. Devin had learned so much from Julia in regard to their estates and he was proud they were true partners in every aspect of their lives.

  Julia smiled lazily at him. Her fingers stroked his cheek as she said, “I have some news for you. I was waiting to make certain before I shared it with you.”

  He captured her fingers and kissed them tenderly. “Might another little Hunt be on his or her way to us?” he asked.

  “Well, bloody hell, Devin. I wanted to surprise you.”

  “I simply had a feeling, my love,” he told her. “Do you feel well enough to perform this evening?”

  “I would not miss doing so for the world,” she replied. “I have been looking forward to this evening for weeks. These women have become so dear to me, Devin. Yes, my feelings toward the ton have never really changed but these friends are dearer to me than any sister ever could be. I thank you for urging us to attend that first Season years ago. I am also looking forward to hosting our first house party for the Second Sons of London and their wives.”

  “We should ring for something to eat,” he suggested. He hesitated. “Do you even feel like eating?”

  “My belly is not queasy now. You know that usually happens in the mornings. You are right, though. I need to have a little something before tonight’s performance.”

  He rang and asked for a light supper to be brought up to them and then Julia said she wanted to visit with the children before it arrived. She threw on her dressing gown and rang for a maid, who returned with the nursery governess and their children in hand. They spent half an hour playing with them until their food arrived. Devin kissed both of them and the nursery governess left with the children in hand.

  He and Julia ate, talking about the child they would have. Julia thought the babe would come in early February.

  “Will you wish to attend the Season so soon after giving birth?”

  “We can make that decision at a later time,” she told him. “You know I do bounce back quickly after giving birth. And I love spending time in London with you and our friends.”

  She left their bedchamber and returned to the one designated for the marchioness, where she kept her wardrobe. He rang for his valet and dressed in evening wear before going to her room, where her lady’s maid was putting the final touches on Julia’s hair.

  Once the servant left, Devin pulled a rectangular box from behind his back, where he had kept it out of sight. Julia’s eyes lit with interest.

  “What have we here, my lord?”

  “I thought you might need something special to wear this evening as you make your singing debut in Polite Society.”

  He handed the box to her and she opened it. Her eyes widened and she beamed as she looked up at him.

  “These sapphires are breathtaking. No wonder you asked for me to wear blue this evening.”

  “Let me put the necklace on you,” he said, taking the box from her as she went to sit at her dressing table and removing the necklace from it before setting down the box.

  Devin lifted the necklace over her head and then fastened the clasp at her nape. The necklace sparkled against her fair skin. Julia placed the matching earrings on her earlobes and stared at her image in the mirror as Devin placed his hands on her bare shoulders and squeezed lightly.

  “They are stunning,” she said.

  “You are the stunning one,” he told her, his lips grazing the side of her neck.

  Playfully, Julia swatted at him. “If you think to distract me, my lord, you have failed. My focus is entirely on the performance ahead.” She swiveled to face him. “Of course, after that, I will give you a proper thank you for my wonderful gems.”

  He brought her to her feet and gave her a slow, lingering kiss.

  Breaking the kiss, he said, “I will hold you to that, Lady Bedford. I will expect quite a bit of gratitude from you,” he teased.

  They went downstairs and, in the foyer, the butler told them, “Lord Boxling’s carriage has just arrived, my lord.”

  They went outside, climbing into the vehicle and greeting Reed and Vanessa. She glowed, thanks to the babe she carried. She was due to give birth near Christmastime and her belly had just begun to display a small bump.

  “Are you excited about tonight?” Reed asked them.

  “I want them to be successful,” Devin said. “But not so successful that they wish to leave their husbands and go on a grand European tour.”

  They arrived at the Camdens’ townhouse and alighted from the carriage. Devin took Julia’s arm and escorted her inside, up the steps and to the ballroom. Though the event tonight was exclusive and only five dozen guests would be in attendance, Adalyn insisted it be held in the ballroom. He looked around at the seating and the small, raised stage that had been erected so that all would be able to see the five performers with ease. Julia and Vanessa went to join the other four women who were already present, while Devin and Reed stepped to the circle of Second Sons.

  “Louisa was violently ill just before we left,” Owen revealed, a broad smile on his handsome face. “We should have a new little one come the new year.”

  Devin couldn’t help himself and said, “Your new babe will be joined not only by Reed’s but by ours, as well. Julia told me this afternoon that we should expect an arrival in our household come early February.”

  Congratulations were given all around as the women joined their husbands.

  “Have you already blabbed our news?” Julia asked, pretending to be put out.

  “If Devin did, then Owen did as well,” Louisa said, shaking her head.

  Owen grinned. “Guilty as charged. I did beat Dev to the punch, however, and spilled the beans before he did.”

  “I think men gossip more than women do,” Minta declared.

  Footmen arrived with champagne and Adalyn insisted everyone take a glass. Devin held his crystal flute in one hand and with his free hand laced his fingers through Julia’s.

  Adalyn looked to her duke and nodded.

  Ev smiled at the large group gathered and said, “I was blessed to have Owen as my playmate from the cradle and added to my blessings when we went off to school and met Spence. New friendships were born when we made it to university and drew Win and Percy into our midst, the Second Sons of London being born. Addie and I are grateful that Reed and Vanessa found love during a house party we attended and they were added to our number. We were further blessed with the arrival of Dev and Julia to our group, thanks to Win and Sera.”

  Ev raised his glass. “To this close community of friends. The brothers and sisters of our hearts. I toast the Second Sons of London and the wives who keep us content—and in line.”

  Devin raised his glass, along with the others, and echoed in unison, “To the Second Sons of London and their wives!”

  He sipped his champagne and then turned to his lovely wife, softly saying, “And to Julia, the only woman meant for this marquess.”

  Devin kissed the woman he loved, ready for whatever their future would hold.

  About the Author

  Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love.

  She is the author of Regency and Medieval romance, including: Dukes of Distinction; Soldiers & Soulmates; The St. Clairs; The King’s Cousins; and The Knights of Honor.

  A native Texan, Alexa lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys a good Netflix binge; travel; seafood; and can’t get enough of Survivor or The Crown.

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  Aston, Alexa, Meant for the Marquess

 

 

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