Page 74 of A Countess of Convenience

“No. I may never give her up again.” Judith rose, Anna still in her arms.

As she did so, the little girl opened her eyes, fisting the sleep out of them, before flinging her arms around Judith’s neck. “Mama! Mama! Oh, Mama, I missed you so.”

“I missed you too, my love.” She looked at John, all her love on her face. “Oh, Anna, I love you so much.” She squeezed the little girl tightly and over her head, she mouthed the words, “I love you.”

The tableau before him would be etched in his memory forever, mother and child, adoring and adored. No wonder the great masters took this as their subject time and time again. The raw emotion the two evoked could not be bettered, no matter the hand of the artist. The only thing that could augment its perfection would be the addition of a child of their own. Pray God that would come soon enough.

They slowly wound their way down the staircase, John holding Mary’s hand. He’d been unwilling to leave her all alone in the nursery. According to Mary, her governess had left a short while ago, though she didn’t know why. In this case, he suspected Swindon’s lack of funds was the culprit.

By the time they entered the library, Sir Reginald had concluded his treatise on horses and turned to the sins of kidnapping. “Even a peer can be arrested for stealing a child.”

Swindon started to object, but Matthews raised his hand and the words dried on the earl’s lips.

“Now I suggest you take a long, hard look at what assets you have left. Sell what you can, invest if you can, but for God’s sake, stop the lavish life until your fortunes change.” He waved his hand at the handsome library and his gaze settled on Lord Fenton, who had leaned back in his chair, sipping on another glass of brandy. “Perhaps your son would be better off to eschew his Grand Tour and set himself to marrying a woman with an acceptable dowry.”

“Advice is free to give at least,” Swindon shot back.

“And to take as well.” Matthews sobered. “My last piece of it is to forget what you know or think you know about Simon Harper. I believe if you do, you will find Lord and Lady Haxby have short memories when it comes to the subject of kidnapping.”

“We will set this all aside if you will, my lord.” John straightened and released Mary’s hand. She ran immediately to Lord Fenton and climbed in his lap. That was well then, if nothing else was. “If we, and I mean any of us, hear the least word about the scandal, not only will I inform the Bow Street Magistrate, but I will personally throw this glove down,” John drew the remaining glove from his hand and held it up, “and challenge you for the honor of my family. I think you understand that I am in all earnestness in this, Swindon?”

“I do, Haxby.” The gentleman looked more sober than before, so perhaps he did.

* * * *

Judith held Anna the whole trip home, even though John had offered to take her and give Judith a reprieve from the heavy weight in her arms. She didn’t mind at all.

She was finally persuaded to part with her when they reached the room that had always been designated as Anna’s room in the townhouse. Gently, she laid the precious child on the fresh sheets and tucked the covers around her. Drawing up a chair, she made herself comfortable and settled down, perfectly content to watch her daughter sleep the night through.

Some time later, she became aware of another presence and turned to find John standing in the doorway, watching her watch Anna.

“How is she?” He came forward, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Perfect.” She rubbed her cheek against his strong hand. “I don’t believe I have ever been this happy in my life.” Gazing up at him, all the love for her and her child showing plainly on his face, Judith thanked God she’d had the faith and good sense to marry such a man. It might have been for convenience’s sake at first, but now he was her life’s blood just as much as the child he’d sworn to return to her. And, by the grace of God, had done so.

“Then, love, why don’t you let her sleep?” He motioned to the doorway, and a young maid appeared. “This is Sarah. She will stay with Anna tonight. Tomorrow we shall begin the search for a governess.”

“But John, I can—”

“Sweetheart, she’s safe. You need not stay with her every moment, especially while she’s asleep. Come away for a little while.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Tomorrow you may stay with her and play to your heart’s content.”

As if given permission to stand down a watch, Judith relaxed her shoulders and sighed. “Perhaps you are right, John.” A final touch to Anna’s hand, another kiss goodnight, and she rose.

John nodded to the maid, who hurried to the chair and sat, eyes fixed on the sleeping child.

They walked slowly down the steps, Judith leaning on her husband, his calm strength soothing her as she willed the cares of the day away. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new life. Their perfect life.

“I believe a little something to soothe us would be welcome after today’s events.” John continued down to the first floor, to the library. He led Judith to the sideboard and poured a small glass of a light, amber-colored spirit and handed it to her. “Madeira?”

Eagerly, Judith took the glass and waited while he poured his own. “I think a toast is in order after this fine day’s work, don’t you, my love?”

“Absolutely.” He set the bottle down and raised his glass. “What will you toast to, sweetheart?”

“Our perfect life. I have the perfect child and the perfect husband. Who could ask for anything else?” She stared deeply into his eyes, willing him to understand how passionately she loved him.

“Our perfect life.” They saluted one another and drank deeply of the rich, smoky wine. Then as of one mind, they set the glasses down and John seized her lips in a kiss that seared her to the bone. Weariness vanished as he deepened it, probing within her mouth, the taste of him and the rich wine igniting a fiery frenzy at her core.

“Ahem.”