Page 125 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
“So to see him now, to see the man he has become, makes me prouder than anything. He is happy and in love—that is all a father, in blood or in the heart, wishes to see of a man like Alexander.”
Alexander grinned at Horace, nodding to him. “I only pity you for the amount of work you now have to endure,” he laughed.
Not long after Donald’s true death, Horace had approached Alexander and the two had concluded that full ownership of the Raven’s Den was better in Horace’s hands. He could handle any threats, and was heavily guarded at all times.
He was now the full, true owner of the gambling hell, leaving Alexander free to enjoy his marriage and focus on Felix’s new business venture, and his other avenues of income.
“To the Duke and Duchess of Silverton,” Felix called, raising his glass. “May these grounds be overrun with children very soon, and that you shall never know another full night’s sleep.” He laughed, joined by Eloise, who raised her glass, too.
One by one, everybody toasted them.
As the afternoon waned into evening, and glasses were emptied and refilled, Colin and Tessa came over to congratulate Madeleine more personally.
“Now, Silverton,” Colin said, “if I hear of you having Madeleine out of her home one more time I shall?—”
“John has already made such threats,” Madeleine said quickly. “There is no need for further ones.”
“Oh, there is. I respect this man a great deal and wish to have a friend in you, Alexander.”
“I do not claim friends.”
“An acquaintance, then.”
“Perhaps.” But then Alexander was smiling, and Tessa linked her arm through Madeleine’s.
“Did you hear that Lady Rowthern has fled to France with a lover? He has been unnamed but apparently he is not of noble status. How scandalous!”
“Good riddance,” Madeleine laughed. “I do wish her happiness, however. I am simply glad she cannot be involved in my life.”
“And neither can Nellie Trent,” Alexander joined in. “For she found herself married to a very wealthy businessman.”
Madeleine expected to feel some pang of annoyance at the reminder of the woman they had met at the boardinghouse all those months ago. Madeleine had pitied her but it seemed she, too, had found her happy ever after.
“I wish her well,” Madeleine said, smiling. “However, it isourday and I would like to?—”
“Actually, we also have an announcement,” Tessa said. “We are not being so public yet but…” She reached for Colin’s hand. “We are to have a child, Madeleine.”
A thrill went through Madeleine—first for her friend, and then for the news she herself had been sitting on for a day or two, waiting for the right moment to tell her husband. However, thatwas not yet. She did not wish to ruin her friends’ announcement, but in the back of her mind. She smiled at the fact that theyhaddiscussed having children at similar times.
Now they would.
“Tessa, congratulations!” Madeline cried, throwing her arms around her friend. “Colin, I do hope you are already looking after her.”
“Pardon me, I do anyway! I am the most devoted husband.”
“Notthemost,” Alexander muttered, stepping closer to Madeleine protectively.
Madeleine laughed, free and happy, utterly without any worries.
All she had to do was look at her husband, and she knew she would never have to face another cold, lonely night again.
Epilogue
“Ihave waited to get my hands on you all day,” Alexander growled, pinning Madeleine’s hips back against the wall.
She let out a sharp exhale at the rough push and bit his lip, drawing him back into a kiss.
“I thought they would never leave.”
