Bewitching the Duke

“Selina, do you think you would mind spending time in London with me?”

“After everything that has happened over the past three days, I never want to be without you. I will go with you to London and be your mistress.”

He rolled over with a lopsided grin on his face. “Are you trying to wring a proposal out of me?”

“No, I just said I would be your mistress.”

He stared into her eyes. “I am not looking for a mistress. I want a wife.” He closed his eyes. “I want to try to have children.”

She reached out and cupped his face with her hand. “You know there are risks with having children. I cannot guarantee the outcome.”

“I know. But if you’re willing to take the risk, I can too.”

She moved her body closer until she was up against him. Closing her mouth over his, she kissed him soundly. “I believe if you force me to, I will be your wife.”

“And my duchess.”

“And your duchess,” she added.

Epilogue

One year later

Selina closed her eyes as another contraction washed over her. They were definitely getting closer together now. She hated the idea of putting her husband through this but it must be done.

“Colin?”

“Yes, darling?” He looked up from the paperwork on his desk. “Do you need something?”

She had curled into a chair by the fireplace and now wondered if she should head for the bedchamber. “Perhaps you should send for Mia and her mother.”

“Have you finally decided to tell me you’re in labor?”

“You knew?”

“For the past hour. I sent for Mrs. Featherstone forty-five minutes ago.”

She laughed softly. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

“I know. But I will worry no matter what.” He rose and walked toward her chair. “Do you want to go upstairs now?”

“Not really,” she replied, standing up next to him. “My mother used to get her new mothers to walk until they couldn’t stand any longer. Would you walk with me?”

“Of course.”

“Oh my,” she said as another contraction slammed into her. “That one came much faster and harder.”

Colin glanced down at his watch, praying Mrs. Featherstone would get here soon. When he had noticed his wife making slight moans and clutching the arm of the chair, he had immediately sent for Hart’s wise women.

“They will be here in time,” Selina said as she walked across the room with him. “Let’s go on the terrace and get a breath of air.”

They walked the length of the terrace twice before she stopped as another contraction hit her. She breathed in and out in deep breaths.

“That one hurt,” she admitted. “Perhaps it’s time to go to the bedchamber.”

“Shall I carry you?”

“I need the walk.”