Page 80 of The Rake Desires the Diamond
“Pleased to meet you, my lady.” The adorable boy bowed for the third time. Then he grasped Kat’s hand as if he’d known her his entire life. “Come on.” He gently tugged. “Everyone is upstairs.”
Kat tried hiding her awe at the delightful scene, but it was useless, so she gasped with delight. It wasn’t just that the drawing room, with its forest green and rose upholstery and plush carpets, was beautiful and cozy, or that the stone fireplace juxtaposed against the crystal chandelier was charming—she’d grown up around finery. Her delight was due to the smiling people watching as she entered the room—the family of the man she loved, to be exact. Soon to be her family—fingers crossed.
A sprite of a woman with a toddler on her hip was the first to greet them. “Ali has missed you, Uncle Ev.”
The child cooed as he reached for Evan.
He took the babe in his arms. “Is life boring without ol’ fun Uncle Ev?” he asked in a baby voice.
Evan was so good with children. He’d make a wonderful father. In truth, he was exceedingly popular and likable. Everyone adored him. Well, everyone except bullying troublemakers and spoiled daughters of dukes until they’d experienced attitude adjustments.
Kat’s womb tingled. Or, mayhap it was her maddening girl bits being unruly—again.
“I am Evangeline,” the lovely woman said, “Evan’s sister-in-law.”
The elegantly dressed man who looked like a slightly older, slightly taller Evan, wrapping his arm around Evangeline’s shoulder, had to be the earl.
“Harrington, it has been a couple of years.” Evan’s look-alike took Ethan’s hand in his.
The introductions continued in a delightful whirlwind of smiling faces and animated conversations.
The Dowager Countess Trent was not nearly as intimidating as Kat had anticipated. She was gracious and warm, even saying, “Anna and Katrina, I do hope you make Trent Castle home during your stay.”
There was the exceedingly handsome Stephen Eaton. Kat remembered him as a thoughtful teenager with the loveliest red hair. He’d grown into an impressive specimen with the physique of a Roman warrior. Of course, he’d married a woman as feminine as he was masculine. Her thick, dark locks cascaded past her shoulders, and her belly was round with child.
While the reunions and introductions continued, two ecstatic herding dogs ensured no one left the room. Anyone who tried received a nose poking their ankle.
“Where is Georgiana?” Evan eventually asked.
“She and His Grace are in the nursery,” the elder Lady Trent said.
“I’ll take them up. Come on.” Jimmy waved his stump, inviting the newcomers to follow.
The pups enthusiastically trotted after him.
Ethan grinned at Evan. “You had better prepare yourself, for I shall be little Will’s fun uncle.”
“The hell you will.” Laughing and knocking each other out of the way, Evan and Ethan raced to catch up to Jimmy.
Anna clasped Kat’s elbow and whispered, “It brings me great joy to see they are mates again.”
Kat nodded.
“And do not worry, Ethan is coming around. I believe he means to talk to William about your courtship. Officially, of course, and with a chaperone.”
Kat knew Ethan would come around. Still, as if her clicking heels kept her from hearing correctly, she halted mid-step. “What?”
Anna squeezed her arm. “Come. Let us go protect our poor nephew from his foolish uncles. Heaven knows what stunts they will get up to without us to keep an eye on them.”
One-handed handstands? A concert of lewd bar songs? Who could toss baby Will the highest?
Stars! They’d better hurry.
Chapter thirty-two
July 13th, 1818
Ten tiny toes and two little fists stuck out from beneath the counterpane. Chubby-cheeked and sleeping peacefully, little Will was an awe-inspiring work of art. The greatest of all creations.
