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He paled and Richard tried not to smile at the look his cousin was desperately trying to hide. Swallowing the lump in his throat, William tried to sound nonchalant, wondering what she was about. “Yes, madam, every word.”

“Then I have a request. Millie has no living relations, and her mother would have wanted her to have a mother and a father—not be condemned to an orphans’ home. Do you know of any people, good folk, among your acquaintance that might take Millie and raise her as their own? I ask because, to be honest, you are wealthy and have connections. Anyone you recommend, I am sure, could offer Millie a much easier life than those with whom I am acquainted. She has had such heartache in her short life. I wish to give her every chance for a good future.”

William exchanged glances with Richard and saw him nod. “I think I know the perfect couple.”

“I can tell you are a good man with a kind heart, Mr. Darcy, but I must insist on one thing before you take this precious child from my guardianship.”

“You have only to state your conditions, madam.”

“I would have your solemn promise that no matter who you deem worthy of raising Millie, you will take an interest in her affairs for the rest of your life—take on the role of a godfather, if you will. Since there is no parent to designate you as such, I will do so here and now, in front of all these witnesses. Do you accept?”

William’s eyes flicked to Richard, then back to Mrs. Browning’s steely gaze. “I accept most heartily, and I assure you, I will be in close proximity to Miss Millie as she grows. Her welfare will be my utmost concern.”

Large tears filled the housekeeper’s eyes. “I knew you were an honourable man, Mr. Darcy, the minute Mrs. Bingley told me what you were doing for Miss Elizabeth.”

“You are too kind. I am only doing what anyone would.”

“No, sir. You are doing what few men of your station would, both for Miss Elizabeth and now Millie.”

Her handkerchief now soaked, she swiped at her tears with the back of her hand and leaned down to kiss the top of Millie’s head. “It will be best for the child to get things settled quickly. When you leave, you shall take Millie with you. Arthur will go along to see after her, as she is as comfortable with him as he is with her. Once you are home, you may put him on a coach back here.”

Just at that moment, Arthur returned with the chest. As he walked into the room, every eye fixed on him, causing him to blush as red as his hair.

“What?”

~~~*~~~

Chapter 15

Rosewood Manor

Evan’s Study

“I say, Ana, if you do not stop leaving your books ...”

Evan Ingram’s words died on his lips as he stood, the offending tome that he had just tripped over, in hand. Georgiana sat behind his desk, smiling provocatively. His eyes followed her long delicate limbs to her perfectly shaped feet propped on the edge of his desk. She wore no shoes and her skirts were pulled up enough for him to see that she wore no stockings either. His mouth hung open for so long that she had time to slide her feet off the desk and glide over to place her arms around his neck.

“Breathe,” Georgiana whispered as she leaned in to capture his lips in a searing kiss. Finally coming to his senses, Evan pulled her into a tight embrace, his mouth answering hers in a battle for dominance, even as he hardened with desire.

Pulling back for air, he leaned in to whisper, “I locked the door.” He could feel her smile against his cheek.

“I knew there was a reason that I married you, Evan Martin Barrett Ingram.” She slipped his coat off, and it fell to the floor unnoticed. “You are a very considerate man.”

While they kissed, she began undoing the buttons of his waistcoat as his hands ran up and down her bare arms. Done with the waistcoat, it joined his coat on the floor. “I think I might be persuaded to keep you,” she purred. Her delicate rosewater perfume wafted over him, fanning the flames of desire.

“So you MIGHT keep me, Mrs. Ingram?” Evan retorted, sounding as though he had more self-control than he did. Quite easily picking her up, he headed to the nearest sofa. Stopping to capture her mouth once more, his tongue found hers and they duelled until he broke away to lay her down on the soft cushions. Quickly he joined her, lying down beside her, then rolling on top. She felt some cool air as the hem of her gown was slowly raised, and then the warmth of a hand as it slid up her legs to the junction of her thighs.

“When will you know for sure?” Evan murmured, his voice as smooth as warm syrup.

“Hmmm,” she murmured dreamily. “I—I think I shall know very shortly, if you keep to your present occupation.”

And he did.

Afterwards they lay in contented bliss, neither wishing to break the spell by parting even to straighten their clothes. Lying with his head in the crook of her neck, he began to kiss the softness available to his lips.

“I love you so much, Ana. I cannot imagine my life without you. You are all I need to be happy for the rest of my life.”

Georgiana’s reply, whispered in his ear was barely audible. “Wh—what if we never have children?”