you’d simply try harder. Just like we did, Evelyn.”
For the first time that James could remember, his lionhearted aunt blushed. “Darling, we...well, we did try.”
“And had a grand time doing it, didn’t we, my love?” The affection in the duke’s eyes for his duchess was brighter than a summer’s midday sun.
The duchess nodded, then turned her attention to James. “What we’re trying to say is that you must convince Nell of your regard while being mindful of the hurt and betrayal she feels from her own family.” The duchess looked down at their clasped hands and squeezed his gently. “She believes she’s ruined, not because of what happened here today, but because of how her parents used her to pay for their debts. I think she’s withdrawing from the world much like a turtle in its shell. If she’s exposed, she’ll be hurt. If she hides away, her life will be dull, but she’ll be safe.”
The duke nodded in agreement. “Beautifully said, my dear.”
If anyone could understand the monumental task in front of him, his loving aunt and uncle would. “She believes she’s barren,” he said quietly.
The duchess raised her hand to her heart. Tears threatened. “The poor girl.”
The duke slowly rose from his desk, then came to his duchess’s side. “We know that feeling well, don’t we, my dear?”
The duchess gazed directly into her husband’s eyes. “We do, my darling husband.”
The duke rested his hand on his wife’s shoulder and gently squeezed. Their affection ran deep and true. It was the same with him and Nell. No matter the years between them, James would always love her. It didn’t make any difference to him whether they could have children or not. He’d share his Valentina with Nell. A vision of them as a happy family popped into his musings. He wanted to give Nell that life.
“I love her,” James confided.
“Tell her that,” the duke said.
“What about an heir?” James asked. It’d never come up in discussion.
“Of course, we’d love to have the house overrun with little ones.” The duke’s eyes were warm with understanding. “But not at the expense of your happiness and Nell’s.”
“I agree,” the duchess said. “We knew we couldn’t have an heir, but that didn’t keep us from running the duchy to the best of our abilities.” Her gaze held his. “You have a precious little girl who is in dire need of a loving mother.” She lowered her voice. “She’s made her pick. Now, you need to go ask Nell to be the woman who, above all others, you want to share your life with.”
James nodded, then leaned and pressed a kiss against his aunt’s wrinkled but still soft skin. “Thank you, Your Grace. I think that’s the perfect advice.”
“Good luck, my boy,” the duke said as James rose to leave. The duke was a formidable man, and when he took James in a bear hug and patted his back, James felt everything in that hug. It gave him the strength to go and convince Nell to share her life with him.
“Thank you, both.”
“We love you, Jamie,” the duchess whispered as the duke nodded.
They hadn’t called him that since he was a little boy. “I love you both.”
With his heart near to bursting already, James left to go find Nell. It wouldn’t be easy, but he was up for the challenge. He had to convince Nell that she had no choice but to agree to make a family with him and Valentina.
On his way, James stopped at the nursery. When he strolled into the room, Nurse looked up from the book she was reading to Valentina.
“Papa,” Valentina greeted him as she slid off her nurse’s lap.
“Good morning, my lord,” Miss Owens said.
James smiled at the nurse. “Would you mind if I had a word with Valentina?”
The nursemaid nodded. “I’ll just straighten up Miss Valentina’s room while you chat. Shall I ring for tea?”
James shook his head. “That won’t be necessary.” After the nurse closed the nursery bedroom door, he bent down and rested his weight on his haunches.
“What is it?” Valentina blinked those beautiful green eyes.
He pushed a stray curl back behind her ears. “I’m going to ask Nell to marry me. But I wanted to tell you first.”
She threw her arms around his neck almost knocking him off balance. “Oh, Papa. Really?” She drew back and kissed his cheek. “That’s the best present ever.”
James couldn’t help but laugh. “So, I take it you’re pleased?”
Valentina nodded so vigorously that she upset several more curls. “I’ll