A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,108

Just remembering his tender proposal made her feel as if anything and everything were possible in her life.

They’d agreed the soiree would be in two weeks. Though it wasn’t much time to prepare, Christian had assured her that Wheatley and Morgan were up to the task of preparing the house for the party. They’d decided that Kat would ask Helen for help in developing the guest list. As the premier London hostess, Helen knew practically everyone in society. Finally, Christian had convinced Kat that they should announce their betrothal at the end of the event.

Shortly, they arrived at her house and made their way upstairs, where they met Willa on the landing with a basket of laundry. Willa’s gaze skimmed Kat’s face. “You look like the cat licking the stolen cream from its whiskers.” She turned to Christian. “You also, Duke.”

Christian bent close to Willa’s ear. “You’re looking at the future Duchess of Randford.”

Willa reared back with a grin. “You don’t say?” She dropped the basket, then tugged Kat into her arms. “I’m so happy for ye, lass.”

A fresh set of tears, this time happy ones, erupted. “Thank you.”

Willa eyed her again and nodded. “You chose well.”

“Thank you for saying that,” Christian said softly. “I’ll take excellent care of her.”

“You better,” Willa teased. “I don’t wanna have to use my evil eye on ye.”

“We’re here to tell Constance about the Earl of Sykeston,” Christian said.

Willa let out a sigh. “I hope there’s good news for that sweet lass too.”

“There is,” Kat said.

Willa grinned, then escorted them to Constance’s bedroom door. “The duke is ’ere tae see ye.”

Both Constance and Beth looked up from their reading. Each of their faces was expressionless. Constance nodded, then straightened as best she could into a sitting position. She seemed on the verge of giving birth. How could a human body stretch like that? Truly, it showed that women were the stronger of the human race if they could tolerate such an amazing physiological transformation.

“Come in, Your Grace.” Beth stood and pulled a chair close to Constance’s side.

Christian nodded and bowed over Constance’s hand. He then repeated the same for Beth. “I’ve come today with hopefully happy news.”

Beth had moved to the other side of Constance’s bed. Her brow wrinkled slightly, but she didn’t say anything.

“What is that, Your Grace?” Constance spread her hands over the bedcovering, smoothing out the wrinkles.

Christian’s gaze focused on Constance. “The Earl of Sykeston has agreed to marry you.”

Constance’s dark eyelashes flew open, but she didn’t utter a peep. Instead, she simply stared.

“Have you changed your mind?” Kat asked.

“No.” She shook her head. “It’s been years since we’ve seen each other. I can’t believe he said yes.” Her voice trembled slightly. “How is he?”

“As well as can be expected.” Christian smiled slightly. “He came home with a severely damaged leg. He has trouble walking at times.”

Constance’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, God. Poor Jonathan. I haven’t had a chance to see him. He was never home in Portsmouth when I tried to call on him.”

Christian leaned a little closer. “He’s willing to marry you before the baby is born. He said he didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl.”

Constance dipped her head. “Really?”

“Really,” Christian said softly. “He had to travel to Portsmouth but will be back in London as quickly as he can.”

“I can’t tell you how relieved I am at the news.” Constance stared out the window with a winsome smile before turning back to Christian. “Thank you for all your help, Your Grace.”

“You’re welcome,” he answered.

Beth stood and clasped Constance’s hand. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Beth.”

Affection swelled in Kat’s chest for her friends. She leaned over Constance and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so happy for you and your baby.”

Kat wasn’t the only one affected as Constance’s eyes grew bright with tears. “Thank you, Kat, for everything.”

Christian turned to Beth. “I must leave shortly, but I wanted to ask if you’ve given any more thought to your future?”

“I’m happy as I am. Don’t think for a second that I want to marry,” Beth said with a sure nod and radiant smile. “But there is something I think we should address.”

Constance nodded. “Beth and I would like to ask about Katherine?”

“Me?” What were her friends up to?

Christian leaned back in his chair with a grin. “I’m all ears.”

“Marriage is what we want to discuss, but only if she wants to,” Beth said earnestly. “But if and when she does, Constance and I believe he should be