Page 21 of Ordered Home for the Holidays
“I think I’ve received the best Christmas present ever this year.”
He smiled against her neck. “The necklace.”
She turned to face him. “Of course not. I’m talking about you.”
Anthony cupped her chin and kissed her deeply.
Epilogue
The Duke of Webster’s Estate, England – One year later
Harriet peeked out the carriage window as they approached Webster Hall. It had been one year since she and Anthony had fallen in love. They’d married a month after becoming betrothed, shocking London. It probably would have gone unnoticed, but around the same time, it was discovered that Anthony and Jon were behind the King of Garnets' ventures.
She and Anthony didn’t stay long. Instead, they embarked on a honeymoon, which culminated in a few months spent in Bohemia. Harriet loved the region and looked forward to returning there every year. She rubbed her belly, excited that someday the child she was carrying would call not only England home but also Bohemia.
She was six months along now. They’d kept the secret to themselves, wanting to reveal it during their Christmas visit.
“Are you feeling well, my love?” Anthony asked, seated across from her.
She smiled. “I’m excited to see everyone.”
“Me too. Philip said in his last letter that George was starting to crawl.”
Harriet's chest filled with warmth, giddy that they could spend time with their nephew. While Philip and Lillian had stated that they’d be happy with a boy or a girl, Harriet suspected Anthony had been relieved when a boy was born. Hewas no longer Philip’s heir. It gave them more freedom to travel and spend part of the year in Bohemia.
The carriage came to a halt, and they entered Webster Hall to find their mothers, Philip, Lillian, and their nephew in the drawing room. Harriet had to stop herself from bursting into tears. She’d become so emotional since becoming pregnant. Still, the picture before her was perfect. Smith, the butler, said, “Lord and Lady Webster.”
Lillian smiled and handed George to Philip, rushing to Harriet. “I’ve missed you.”
She squeezed her sister tightly. They stepped back from each other, and Harriet’s eyes dropped to her sister’s stomach. Lillian grinned. “I’m with child again.”
She did cry then, and everyone looked at her with concern. Anthony rubbed her back. “She is fine.”
Harriet nodded. “I’m with child too.”
Everyone cheered and hugged her, Anthony, and each other. This Christmas would be just family, and Harriet couldn’t imagine it any other way. That included Jon and his family, of course. Lillian had said they would be there, along with a secretary working with Jon. Where were they?
Harriet asked, “Where is Jon and his family?”
Philip snickered, and Harriet glanced at him curiously. Lillian smiled. “Jon’s parents are resting. Jon is in the study with his secretary.”
“Probably fighting,” Anthony’s mother added.
Anthony frowned. “Jon said he was extremely qualified.”
“She,” Philip provided.
Anthony lifted a brow in surprise. Harriet didn’t believe Jon had mentioned that part in any of his letters. Just then, Jon, followed by a strikingly beautiful redhead dressed in a practical dress, entered the room. Harriet and Anthony’s eyes connected. Well, this was an interesting development.
