Chapters (56)
- Title Page
- Copyright Notice
- Dedication
- Acknowledgments
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Chapter 42
- Chapter 43
- Chapter 44
- Chapter 45
- Chapter 46
- Chapter 47
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 49
- About the Author
- Also by Valerie Bowman
- Newsletter Sign-up
“Not to worry. I am resolved to agree with you on as little as possible.” Jane flashed her new husband a smile. “But if two sane, intelligent people could not possibly fall for the antics in Much Ado About Nothing, how do you explain what has happened between us?”
Garrett’s forehead wrinkled in a frown.
“She’s got you there, Garrett,” Lucy replied from her seat on an iron bench across the pebbled walk. The duke and duchess were sitting out this particular game of whist.
“We all went to a house party,” Jane continued, waiting for Cass to set her next card on the table. “You and I were told the opposite one loved us, and in the end, you were even momentarily convinced you’d arrived at a church in order to marry a different bride.”
Garrett’s mouth fell open, astonishment etched across his features. “I— But I—”
“Don’t argue with her, Upton. Believe me when I tell you married life is much more agreeable when one admits the lady is always right,” Derek declared with a laugh.
“And don’t even get me started on the bit about Mrs. Langford and her footman,” Jane said. “Or the fact that your dogs are named Dogberry and Verges.”
Garrett leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. “You’re perfectly right, my love, we’ll just have to find something else to argue about. I’ve no doubt we can think of something.”
“Excellent.” Jane gave him a saucy smile. “I already have an idea. Now that we’ve resolved that eternal argument, just think of the fun we’ll have trying to come to an agreement on what we’ll name our children.”
Garrett rubbed her shoulder. “What did you have in mind?”
“It’s quite simple. If we have a daughter, she will be named Mary for Mary Wollstonecraft.”
Garrett raised both brows. “What if he’s a son?”
“Then just Wollstonecraft, of course.”
Garrett shook his head and studied his cards. “I don’t mind what we name the children. I’m merely content that you’re my wife, and one day will be my countess.”
“I’m the unlikeliest lady, to be sure, but Mama is pleased. Though it is a bit of a shame I must relinquish my former title as the head of the wallflowers. Being a bluestocking spinster was not my destiny, it seems.” Jane laughed. “Do you know I told Mama that Mrs. Bunbury’s excellent matchmaking skills are to thank for our wedding?”
“You didn’t,” Cass said with a gasp.
“I most certainly did. She’s promised to give her a glowing reference. Too bad the poor dear won’t be able to use it. She’s retiring to the countryside, don’t you know?”
“That’s convenient,” Julian replied.