Page 75 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
Instead, he had shredded it to pieces and proceeded to contact Lady Genevieve’s father regarding the harassment. Anna did not think this important enough to mention to Alexander. Again, it didn’t matter. That woman was no longer their concern.
“She was?” Anna inquired. “I didn’t know that.”
“Yes!” Lady Pentor nodded importantly. “It seems your husband has disclosed to her father her futile attempts to pursue him, and that they were even bordering on harassment!”
They did even more than that,Anna thought. But she didn’t want to reveal more than Alexander saw fit to do. So, she bit her tongue and simply listened to what Lady Pentor had to disclose.
“So, Lady Genevieve’s father apologized to the duke on behalf of his daughter, of whom he was very embarrassed. Apparently, this was not the first time she has shown such obsession toward that man, but he simply did not know it!”
Anna was certain that he did, he was simply too much of a gentleman to reveal that he knew. Still, she continued to be silent and proud of her husband for always giving people a chance to save themselves, to rectify their own mistakes before being caught in a flagrant lie.
“As a consequence,” Lady Pentor continued, as Anna’s silence spurred her on, “the viscount sent his daughter away to live in the family’s country estate for a year, a decision which he has framed as a time for her to grow up.”
“That seems fair.” Anna smiled. The repercussions of Lady Genevieve’s actions would serve to her as a reminder that sometimes, an obsessive pursuit of desire came with unexpected consequences.
At the same time, she was glad to hear that Lady Genevieve’s father was taking matters into his own hands. For what it was worth, Anna’s own mother had decided to do the same. She had written to Anna recently, expressing a desire for a conversation. Anna had wrestled with the idea for a long time, but finally agreed.
The subsequent conversation had led to a slow mending of their relationship. They were still far from a loving mother and daughter, but Anna hoped they could reach that point eventually. As for her brother, he was still adamant that Anna was no concern of his. And Anna didn’t mind keeping it that way.
“I should say so.” Lady Pentor nodded importantly. “I just wish I knew something of this, my dear. I would have lent you a helping hand. You know, I never liked her.”
Anna chuckled, placing her hand on Lady Pentor’s shoulder. “Thank you for those words, Lady Pentor. I hope neither of us finds ourselves in such a situation ever again.”
“I shall drink to that, my dear,” Lady Pentor gushed, leaning over to Anna and kissing her on the cheek. “That and, um… a prolongation of the family line.”
The two ladies chuckled together, like two little girls who shared a very important secret. To be quite honest, Anna was a little stunned that Lady Pentor would mention it. Was it obvious? Had she somehow revealed it herself? Her monthlies were only two months late. While it was still early, to be certain, she could almost feel a new life growing inside of her. Instinctively, she pressed her hand to her belly.
“Thank you, Lady Pentor.” She smiled. “Your friendship has truly been invaluable.”
“You can always count on me, my dear. Remember that.”
With those words, Lady Pentor disappeared into the crowd. At that moment, Anna’s gaze caught a heartwarming sight. There, in a graceful twirl, stood Tom and Eliza, their smiles radiant with happiness. As the couple moved in harmony with the music, Anna couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy for them.
The affectionate glances exchanged between Tom and Eliza revealed a love that mirrored the happiness found in Anna’s own heart. She knew exactly the cause of those radiant smiles. She continued to watch them, their love evident in very touch, every breath, every step they took together.
It seemed everything was finally as it should be. Lady Genevieve would no longer be bothering them, especially now that she was no longer in London and it was questionable whether she would ever return. An angry father’s punishment could last far longer than a single year.
As for Sir Rupert, Tom had once again divulged what he knew. He had been assigned to follow Sir Rupert’s activities and whereabouts, and the last piece of information he had on him was that he had left for the continent, to start over far away from the possibility of anyone finding out that his name was ever tied to a blackmail scheme.
Anna was glad to hear it. She had no desire for vengeance in her heart. All she wanted was to be left alone to be happy with her husband and lead her life the way she saw fit. With those two gone, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
“Are you ready for another round?” Alexander’s voice asked from somewhere behind her.
“Always,” she replied playfully, accepting his professed hand and allowing him to lead her back to the dancing area, where the music flowed like an endless river, filling everyone’s hearts with glee.
“You dance so beautifully,” he whispered, once the music allowed them to come close enough to speak to each other.
“It is only because of my partner,” she replied playfully. “He is the leader.”
“Oh, I see,” he answered with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Can he then lead you away from this hustle and bustle for some privacy?”
She loved it when he was naughty at the most inopportune moment. In fact, that had become almost a habit with them, as they both wished to keep the fire going, blazing for many years to come. She could not imagine her life with him unfolding in any other way.
“Did you have something in mind?” she answered equally playfully. It would not be the first time that they took refuge in the lush labyrinthine greenery of the garden for some physical affection. However, it would be the first time with others actually present there. As he replied, it seemed that he had something else in mind.
“A bargain,” he spoke softly right into her ear. The touch of his hands was warm as he welcomed her back into his arms after every swirl. His embrace felt like home. It was where she wanted to remain for all eternity and then some more. “I will be your lover every night for as long as it takes until we make a baby.”
“A baby?” she whispered back, but she almost shouted with joy. She didn’t want to tell him, not yet, not until she was absolutely certain of it. However, now that he himself had introduced the topic, she could not keep quiet about it any longer.
