Page 102 of Beautiful Tempest
“I heard, and I was partly to blame for his not returning to help Lady Chandler. Which is why I won’t slap her son again.”
“If you really want to have that big wedding, he’ll marry me again just for you.”
“Will you come home in the meantime?”
“No.”
George snorted. “Then there’s no point.” But then she hugged Jacqueline fiercely, whispering, “Give me time. I’ll get used to this.”
“I love him, Mama.”
“Good God, children grow up too fast.”
Jack grinned. “Was that your blessing?”
“Yes, I believe it was. Now go make peace with your father, but donottake your husband with you. You can leave Damon safely with us.”
Jacqueline didn’t hesitate. She marched straight to James and put her arms around him. “Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not mad.”
She peered up at him. “Don’t be furious, either.”
He didn’t deny that one.
“Fine. But no more bruises on my husband’s body or I’m going to have a very, very long wedding trip.”
“You’re having one?”
“He has his own estate in East Sussex. I was going to opt for a week or two alone with him there before we allow visitors—as long as there are no more bruises.”
“You’ll invite me. I’ll make no promises.”
She laughed. “One of us needs to give ground on this, Father.”
“No, you already had your way. You married him. He hasn’t realized yet what a prize he stole from us.”
“My alone time with him has just doubled to a month.”
“Jack,” James said warningly.
“I should be pregnant by then,” she said with a brilliant smile. “I’m certainly going to try to be!”
“Where do they keep the bloody brandy here?” he growled.
