Page 90 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

“Hell, no!” Evan held up a palm and backed away. “Keep all of your lovey-dovey infectious shite far away from me. Jimmy will marry before I do.”

“Get back here, Evan,” Alistair called. “Madalene is on her way over and ’tis time to give Stephen his present.”

Flanked by the Saxtons and her parents, Madalene approached their group at the same time as the grumbling Evan. Smiling, Elias held his jewel-encrusted quizzing glass to his eye with one hand, and the other grasped Stephen’s palm in an enthusiastic greeting. Madalene had said her father was a hideous man, and although Stephen believed her, Mr. Baker had been nothing but smiles and handshakes since his arrival in England. And Mrs. Baker, who looked exactly like Lady Saxton, was quite delightful.

“Lord and Lady Eaton, everything is simply lovely,” Lady Saxton said.

“Madalene could not have made a better match. Your family is so kind and loving,” said her mother.

From the shuffling around him, Stephen sensed his siblings were ashamed of their less-than-stellar behavior over the last few moments.

As usual, Evan was the first to recover from shame. “Jimmy!” He whistled and waved the boy to them.

Jimmy trotted across the ballroom. “Is it time?” he asked.

“Yes,” Alistair said.

Receiving gifts while everyone stared was not one of Stephen’s favorite things. But perhaps it might be less embarrassing and more pleasant with Madalene by his side. He clasped her hand and waited.

“Stephen,” Alistair said, “we know we are pains in your arse.”

Stephen chuckled. “True.”

The always impatient Georgie shifted her weight from foot to foot. “Hurry. Get on with it!”

Alistair grunted in her direction, then continued. “We are all so proud of you and your new position as the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs.”

“Here, here,” declared Evan as Georgie and Jimmy hopped about as if they stood on hot coals.

Alistair placed his hand on the bride’s shoulder. “Madalene, we are proud to call you sister.”

“And granddaughter,” added the countess.

Madalene’s smile would light the darkest of nights.

“So, without further ado, we have decided that you shall live at Knightmoral House.”

A hot flush crawled up Stephen’s neck to singe his cheeks. His blasted fair coloring probably made his embarrassment evident to everyone. But he didn’t understand what Alistair was getting at. Of course, staying at Knightmoral with Madalene would be delightful. The townhouse he’d considered renting was pleasant but not nearly as charming as their family home.

“Thank you,” he said, unsure what else to say.

“You fool, do you not understand? I am deeding Knightmoral to you,” Alistair said.

“What?” Stephen shook his head in disbelief. “But where will you stay when you are in London?”

“At Rosa House,” Georgie said, “with William and me.”

Alistair shrugged. “I have my hands full with our properties in Trent. I no longer enjoy time in London. I suppose I will have to spend some time there, but it would be better for you to set up residence and see to Knightmoral’s care.”

“Congratulations!” Georgie squished him in a bear hug. “Is it not wonderful?”

Jimmy joined her, pressing his head against Stephen’s stomach in a one-armed embrace. “I can come and visit during my summer holiday.”

“Madalene,” Lady Saxton said, “your uncle and I have hired a decorator as our present to you.”

Stephen should say something, but he had no idea what. He loved Knightmoral House, and a life there with Madalene was more than he could hope for. But, unfortunately, decorating their home filled with family heirlooms was out of the question.

“Yes,” Alistair said. “I spoke with Lord and Lady Saxton and thought that it would be a wonderful gift. Madalene, we want you to make it your home, and your aunt says you have quite the eye for beautiful things.”