Page 73 of The Duke Meets His Match

Chloe blew her a kiss. “What will you tell people about her?”

“That Emily is the daughter of a deceased cousin. I know we cannot claim her as our own, but I promise to treat her as one of ours.”

She gave him a cocky smile. “One of ours? Does that mean you have decided you want children?”

“A dozen. You have cured me of that fear, my lady.”

“Goodness! That’s a rather large family.”

“Then the wedding will have to take place quickly so that we can get started. I’m a duke, after all, and can obtain a special license. Henry shall be my best man.”

“Truly?”

“We have his blessing. And deep inside, I know I have his father’s as well.”

He was perfect. She leaned up on tiptoe and kissed him. “Then I look forward to a new beginning.”

Epilogue

Six Months Later

“Miss Chloe! Come see what the duke has brought home.”

Chloe smiled at Emily and extended her hand. Together they walked to where Michael stood in the gardens of their Berkeley Square home. Chloe’s eyes filled with tears when she thought of how far Emily had come. With Dr. Graves’s care, her health had improved. She’d started to walk, a miracle for sure.

Michael had let it be known that Emily was a relation and no one had questioned it. As far as Chloe was concerned, Emily was their daughter.

Michael waved as the two women approached. In his arms was a black cloth bag.

They sat on a bench, and he joined them and set the bag on his lap. He looked as handsome as ever with his broad shoulders and dark eyes and hair, and she marveled that she was now his duchess. Their wedding had been the event of the Season. Eliza, Amelia, and Huntingdon and Vale had all been present.

The bag wiggled.

Emily’s eyes grew large. “What is it?”

“Go on,” he said. “Open it.”

Emily reached out and pushed the black cloth aside to reveal a tiny kitten with jewel-green eyes. The feline was entirely black, except for four white paws.

“Oh! He’s lovely. Is he for me?” Emily asked.

“It’s a she, and yes.” Michael removed the kitten from the bag and set the tiny creature on Emily’s lap.

“Thank you!” Emily stroke the kitten’s soft fur and was rewarded with a meow.

“What will you name her, darling?” Chloe asked.

“Stockings, for her white feet.”

“Stockings. I like it,” Michael said.

“May I play with her?” Emily asked.

“Of course,” Michael said. “Cook has some fish and water inside.”

Emily cradled the kitten in her arms and hurried into the house.

Chloe turned to Michael beside her. “That was very thoughtful of you.”