Page 182 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

Jane’s smile grew. “We are expecting a child.”

For a moment, there was silence.

Then Lavinia gasped. “Oh, Jane.”

Her friend immediately crossed the room and embraced her. Her mother began crying happily.

Ambrose raised his glass. “To the duke and duchess.”

Hector smiled. “To our child.”

The rest of the evening passed in warmth. There were stories. Laughter. Plans for the future.

For once, Jane did not feel like she was waiting for something terrible to happen. She simply enjoyed the moment.

When the last guest finally departed, the house became quiet again. Jane and Hector returned to the parlor. She sank onto the sofa, tired but happy.

“I think Ambrose ate enough food for three people.”

Hector sat beside her. “He usually does.”

She smiled.

A moment later, a footman entered. “Your Grace.”

He held out a letter. “For the Duchess.”

Jane frowned. “From whom?”

The footman hesitated. “The sender only wrote one word.”

Her fingers tightened around the envelope. “What word?”

“Foxglove.”

Her heart stopped.

Slowly, she opened it. Hector moved closer.

Jane read.

My dearest Jane,

We hope this letter finds you well. We have finally settled in Spain. For the first time ever, we are able to live without pretending to be anything other than ourselves.

We have heard of your marriage and could not be happier for you and the duke. We wish we could have stood beside you on that day.

Please know that we think of you often. We hope you will visit when you are able, and we promise to write as frequently as possible.

With love,

Colin and Evan.

Jane lowered the letter.

For a moment, she simply smiled. “They are happy.”

Hector nodded. “They deserve that.”