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His eyes dropped to her stomach—still flat beneath the folds of her morning dress—then back to her face. “You’re saying you’re with child?”

She nodded, a cautious smile blooming. “I think so. All signs point to it. I haven’t had my menses in three months. At first, I thought it was stress, but now…” She paused, nervously biting her lip.

Jacob rose and moved to kneel beside her. He reached out, pressing a hand gently to her belly.

“My child is in there.”

She giggled, the sound light and bright in the quiet room. “Yes, it is.”

“I can’t believe it,” he murmured, awe in his voice. “I thought you said you couldn’t.”

“I didn’t think I could,” she said softly. “That’s why I didn’t tell you right away—I needed to be sure.”

“And are you sure now?”

She gave a small, firm nod.

Jacob stood, pulled her into his arms, and lifted her with ease, spinning her in a circle as they laughed together. When he set her down, he drew her into his lap, holding her close.

“We’re getting married,” he said, his voice low and certain. “And I will not accept no for an answer.”

Honoria wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Good. Because the answer is yes.”

He cupped her face in his hands, gazing into her eyes. The rest of the world disappeared as he leaned in and kissed her.

The end.

Keep reading for the Epilogue and After The End scene.

The next installment of the “Inglorious Scoundrels” series is

A Marquess of No Importance

This story also has a few deleted scenes… keep reading to find out more.

After The End

Dear Lydia,

Due to recent scandal, Jacob has decided to obtain a special license so that we can marry in the comfort of our home, surrounded only by those closest to us. I’m attaching an invitation with the details. The date is set for a week from now, and I would be absolutely delighted if you and your husband could join us in the celebration.

Love,

Honor

The first few notes rang out soft and sure, and Honoria instantly recognized the song.

Winter Rose.

The lullaby she used to sing to Rosie when she couldn’t sleep at night.

Rosie sat at the piano bench beside Elise, her spine straight, a smile on her face, as they played the melody together in a duet.

A tear pricked Honoria’s eye. This was the first full song Rosie had learned to play.

No one in London risked taking on the task of teaching her. First because of her hearing, and then because of the scandal. Even Robbie had lost a couple of tutors, and Elise her own music teacher.

No matter. That hadn’t deterred either of them, instead, Elise took on the challenge of teaching her sister herself.