Wooed by a Wicked Duke by Collette Cameron

Author:Collette Cameron [Cameron, Collette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Seductive Scoundrels, Book Five
Publisher: Blue Rose Romance
Published: 2019-12-18T16:00:00+00:00

“Crispin,” he corrected. “We are affianced, after all.” Taking Jessica’s small hand in his much larger one, Crispin smiled that dashing smile that made her thoughts scatter like snowflakes in a blizzard. “I shall endeavor to make it come to pass, my dear.”

My dear? Was he laying it on thick for Theadosia’s and Victor’s sakes? No need. Those two were prudent if naught else. They knew full well this was a marriage of convenience. Actually, more of a marriage of inconvenience, but a necessity, nevertheless.

“I want my pet chickens moved to your country estate.”

She drew on a glove, refusing to be embarrassed at her attachment to her chickens. She’d very much like to ask for a puppy or two, a kitten or three, a horse of her own, and a donkey. Maybe even a pig and a sheep. Geese. Ducks. Goats. Best not to push her luck so soon, however.

Crispin might well change his mind when he realized his duchess intended to assemble a menagerie. Not exotic animals. No, they should remain free. But an assortment of domesticated ones would be lovely.

Theadosia giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.

Looking nonplussed, Victor drolly muttered, “Thank God. I should warn you, Bainbridge. She puts crocheted jumpers on the things.”

At Crispin’s incredulous look, Jessica squared her shoulders. “They become chilled, particularly when molting. I’ve had Lady Featherston, Countess Chirpsalot, Baroness Beaksworth, Princess Poultry, and Queen Cluckingham since they hatched. They think me their mother.”

“They do,” Theadosia said between laughs. “They follow Jessica everywhere. And the minute those hens hear her voice, they come running, squawking away. It’s something to behold when they’re wearing their jumpers.”

Crispin pressed his lips to the knuckles of her bare hand. “By all means. Bring the brood. Shall I have a special coop built for them? Do they prefer one story or two? Perhaps cozy, satin-lined nesting boxes? China dishes from whence to eat?” He chuckled, his eyes alight with mirth.

“Make fun all you like, but they love me, and I love them.” Yes, it was odd. But she adored animals. Chickens were the singular pets Papa allowed her, and only because they produced eggs.

“You may have as many chickens or other fowl as you like, Jessica.” Crispin turned to Victor. “We are in agreement, then? The ceremony will be in three weeks? The Monday after the last reading of the banns?”

Victor looked to Jessica for affirmation, and she dipped her chin. “If the doctor agrees you’re well enough.”

What was the recovery period for a concussion?

Barlow cleared his throat as he stepped into the drawing room, holding a salver with a card atop it. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace. Mr. Hammon Brighton insists that he must speak with you at once. I told him you were otherwise engaged, but he was most insistent.”

He turned to Victor. “This also arrived for you, Your Grace.”

If the servant found anything unusual about delivering correspondence to someone other than his employer, he in no way revealed his astonishment.

Barlow passed a letter to Victor, who promptly broke the seal and read the contents.

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