The Unlikely Lady (Playful Brides #3)(91)

“Not to worry. I am resolved to agree with you on as little as possible.” Jane flashed her new husband a smile. “But if two sane, intelligent people could not possibly fall for the antics in Much Ado About Nothing, how do you explain what has happened between us?”

Garrett’s forehead wrinkled in a frown.

“She’s got you there, Garrett,” Lucy replied from her seat on an iron bench across the pebbled walk. The duke and duchess were sitting out this particular game of whist.

“We all went to a house party,” Jane continued, waiting for Cass to set her next card on the table. “You and I were told the opposite one loved us, and in the end, you were even momentarily convinced you’d arrived at a church in order to marry a different bride.”

Garrett’s mouth fell open, astonishment etched across his features. “I— But I—”

“Don’t argue with her, Upton. Believe me when I tell you married life is much more agreeable when one admits the lady is always right,” Derek declared with a laugh.

“And don’t even get me started on the bit about Mrs. Langford and her footman,” Jane said. “Or the fact that your dogs are named Dogberry and Verges.”

Garrett leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. “You’re perfectly right, my love, we’ll just have to find something else to argue about. I’ve no doubt we can think of something.”

“Excellent.” Jane gave him a saucy smile. “I already have an idea. Now that we’ve resolved that eternal argument, just think of the fun we’ll have trying to come to an agreement on what we’ll name our children.”

Garrett rubbed her shoulder. “What did you have in mind?”

“It’s quite simple. If we have a daughter, she will be named Mary for Mary Wollstonecraft.”

Garrett raised both brows. “What if he’s a son?”

“Then just Wollstonecraft, of course.”

Garrett shook his head and studied his cards. “I don’t mind what we name the children. I’m merely content that you’re my wife, and one day will be my countess.”

“I’m the unlikeliest lady, to be sure, but Mama is pleased. Though it is a bit of a shame I must relinquish my former title as the head of the wallflowers. Being a bluestocking spinster was not my destiny, it seems.” Jane laughed. “Do you know I told Mama that Mrs. Bunbury’s excellent matchmaking skills are to thank for our wedding?”

“You didn’t,” Cass said with a gasp.

“I most certainly did. She’s promised to give her a glowing reference. Too bad the poor dear won’t be able to use it. She’s retiring to the countryside, don’t you know?”

“That’s convenient,” Julian replied.

“Isn’t it though?” Lucy asked with a sigh. “That particular bit was my doing. Mrs. Bunbury’s sister took horribly ill and she was needed to take care of the children immediately. I doubt we’ll hear from her for quite some time.”

“Or until someone else needs a nonexistent chaperone,” Julian added.

“Why, Julian, I believe you’re finally learning how our minds work,” Lucy said with a laugh.

“That is a terrifying thought,” Derek interjected.

“You never know when we’ll need to be up to our schemes,” Lucy said.

“No more schemes for me,” Jane replied. “I intend to settle down into married life and use my influence to promote the cause of the rights of ladies.”

“You do, do you? Who do you intend to influence?” Garrett asked.

“Why, you, of course. You’re going to have to battle that horrid Lord Bartholomew one day.”

Garrett leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Lord Bartholomew doesn’t frighten me, my love. And now that I’m sleeping through the night, no longer waking up with nightmares, I daresay I’ll be even more prepared to take him on.”

“I only hope things settle down for a bit,” Cass said. “All those plots made me so nervous.”

“Don’t worry, dear,” Lucy replied. “Now that you, and I, and Jane, and Garrett are all happily settled, there should be no more cause for intrigue. In fact, I only hope things won’t become dull around here.”

“I doubt that’s possible, my love,” Derek said. “Which reminds me. Swifdon, congratulations are in order on the bill being passed. I know how hard you worked on it.”

Julian inclined his head. “Thank you, Your Grace. Of course Upton here had a great deal to do with it as well.”

Garrett nodded. “The families of the soldiers deserve it.”

Lucy’s eyes lit up. “Speaking of families of the soldiers, did you hear Mrs. Langford ran off to Gretna Green and married last week?”

“No!” Jane gasped.

“Yes.” Lucy’s nod was so vigorous one of her curls bounced out of her coiffure.

Garrett groaned. “Whom did she marry? I pity the chap.”

“No one I’ve ever heard of,” Lucy replied.

Jane leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder. “At least she’ll no longer be reliant on you for money, Garrett.”

“There is that to consider,” Garrett replied. “Though if the children ever need anything, I’ll certainly provide it.”