Baron of Bad (Lords of Scandal 5)

Malice shook his head. “I can’t write for a hill of beans. I’m her secretary, recording her words since she injured her hand.” Malice ran his hand through his hair. “What’s more astounding is that I love the task. To listen to her voice, to see her mind at work.” He gave a quiet sigh. “I’ve completely fallen under her spell.”

Bad didn’t look at his friend. Instead, he stared at the woman who had bewitched him. “I’d throw myself in the Thames to protect Grace. Hell, I chased her across half of England to save her. Even managed to get myself shot.”

Malice laughed. “Not so unusual for you.”

Bad quirked a brow. “We’re moving to the country.”

A laugh burst from Malice’s chest. “Well, that is interesting indeed. Love has struck you for certain.”

The blacksmith’s shop lay just ahead, the sound of his hammer, permeating the quiet street. “I can’t wait to make her my wife. I—”

Malice clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad I get to stand next to you when you do. No one deserves a happy ending more than you, my friend.”

The air whooshed from his lungs as gratitude filled his chest. He was thankful to Malice for being here but also to Daring for suggesting this. It wasn’t just Grace who benefitted, but himself. He’d lost his family long ago but he’d gained a new one without realizing it. The men who’d ran the club with him, they’d become his brothers. “I’m glad too. Thank you,” he said, then hugged Malice, something he’d never done before in his entire life.

And Malice hugged him back.

The blacksmith was ready within a quarter hour to see their nuptials completed. He tied their hands with ribbon, joining them together as they promised to love and cherish one another for the rest of their days.

As he stared into Grace’s eyes, he had the distinct feeling that his love for her would not only be with him in this life but into the next.

Epilogue

Two months later…

Grace stood in front of the church looking onto the busy London street as carriages and people passed noisily by. She could see her parents’ house from the front steps. In fact, she’d grown up attending this very parish. She snapped her fan open and gave it a wave, cooling her skin from the summer heat. The country was so much more comfortable this time of year.

Her mother twitched next to her. “Did you see the flowers inside? Aren’t they marvelous?”

“Of course, mother. With you planning this blessed occasion, how could they be anything but?”

Her mother beamed. “Thank you, dear.” Then she turned to her daughter. “Of course, this was supposed to be your wedding.”

Grace sniffed as Diana chuckled next to her. “Yes, Grace. You went off and eloped without even inviting me.”

Grace reached for her sister’s hand. “I’m sorry for that. But Ben and I simply couldn’t wait. Other than missing you, I’ve not a single regret.”

“What about me? Didn’t you miss having me?” Emily said as she climbed from her carriage. She wore a lovely pale blue empire waist silk and lace gown that mostly hid her growing belly.

“You know I did.” She grinned at her eldest sister. “And you look absolutely stunning.”

Emily gave a quick curtsy as Minnie stepped out from the carriage behind Emily. Her eyebrows were raised. “Which begs the question. Why did you give up this opportunity? No one likes beautiful gowns and ribbons more than you.”

Grace gave a shrug but inside, happiness and love filled her chest. “Some things in life are more important than pretty dresses.”

All of the women laughed. “My God, Grace. How you’ve grown,” Diana gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m so happy for you and Lord Baderness.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. But then she turned to Emily. “But today is about Emily and Lord Effington.”

Emily blushed. “It was a rough start but I think we’ve finally found our way.”

Grace covered her heart with her hand. “I’m so glad for both of you. You deserve to have a happy ending.”

Emily winked. “And mother deserved the opportunity to plan one wedding.”

Mary, their spinster cousin, stepped out of the carriage. She gave a long sigh. “It’s moments like these that I wish I’d been able to find someone.”

Mary was four and twenty and had never married. A petite blonde, Mary had a delicate beauty and an even kinder heart.