A False Proposal (27 page)

Cass laughed. “There’s no time like the present to find out.”

Epilogue

Cass and Adam were married in Haslemere, in the village church, a month or so after Jack and Jenny’s nuptials. Their wedding was a simple affair, with family and close friends in attendance, and Cass thought it was perfect. They remained in Surrey until the election, so that Adam could entertain men in the pub, meet citizens at local events, and visit schools, churches, and charitable establishments.

He took his seat in the House of Commons in November. That evening, instead of the soiree they might have been expected to host, he and Cass celebrated with a special evening at home, by themselves. During their candlelit dinner, she couldn’t help gazing at him with a quiet pride, repeating how proud she was of him until, laughing, he insisted she call a halt.

They withdrew together after their meal. Adam stood before the mantel, sipping port, and Cass sat on the sofa. It was a chilly night, and a fire burned in the grate. “Were you pleased with your first day?” she asked.

“In the main, it consisted of formalities, plus a good deal of back slapping and joking. It will take time to fit in.”

“There are more than a hundred new members, so you’re not alone in that. Selecting allies from that group would be a good beginning.” Her mind began churning with ideas, but she had more important matters to discuss with Adam tonight.

“As usual, your advice is right on target.” He joined Cass on the sofa. “I couldn’t have done this without you, love.” Adam gazed at his wife. He would never quite believe this gift he’d been given. This wonder that was Cass.

She smiled. “I don’t believe that for a minute, but cannot deny that we are a good fit.”

“In more ways than one.” And he lifted her onto his lap.

“Adam! The footman will be bringing the tea tray any minute.”

“No, he won’t. I told them to wait an hour.” He had a wicked gleam in his eye. But when he bent to kiss her, she stopped him.

“Actually, there is something important I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”

“Oh?” He kissed her lips before she could say another word, then her neck, then the rise of her breasts before she stopped him.

“Adam! You’re going to want to hear this.”

“I’m sorry, darling.” He set her off his lap and turned to face her. “What is it?”

“I would like very much to have Philippa live with us. That is, if you approve.”

“I didn’t know you wanted this, Cassie. If it will make you happy, of course we’ll have Pippa. But no tutoring! You’ve done enough of that.”

“I’ve no intention of it, and besides, Pippa has a governess, as you well know.”

“And your brother has approved of this?”

“Yes, wholeheartedly, and Jenny, too.” Cass gave him a sly grin. “I shall soon have my own reason to spend time in the nursery.”

A log shifted in the hearth, sending a shower of sparks up the chimney. “Ah, you wish to fit it up to your own design, to make it ready for your sister. Whatever you want.”

“Well, yes, but that’s not why.” She placed a hand on her abdomen and pointedly glanced down. By the look on his face, she saw the light dawn at last.

“You are with child,” he said, springing
to his feet. An incandescent joy shone in his eyes and spread over his face. “Cassie. Are you sure?”

“I am,” she said, laughing. “As sure as I can be. We will be parents, unless we suffer pestilence, famine, flood, or some other unforeseen disaster.”

He knelt in front of her, and setting his fingers on her lips, said, “Don’t. Never say or think such things again. Promise me.” He cupped her face with his hands and began kissing every available expanse of her delicate skin. “I love you, I love you, I love you…shall I go on?”

“Never stop,” Cass answered, putting her lips to his.

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Acknowledgments

As always, many thanks to my agent, Steven Chudney, for finding this book a home. Thanks also to the members of my critique group who read the manuscript, found the flaws, and helped fix them.

I would also like to thank Erin Molta, my editor, for knowing exactly what this story needed to make it the best it could be. My gratitude also goes to the Entangled production and marketing teams for all their work on behalf of
A False Proposal
.

My husband, Jim Mingle, read the manuscript more than once, as did Lisa Brown Roberts, my friend and critique partner. I am so grateful to them both.

About the Author

Pamela Mingle
has spent much of her professional life in libraries and classrooms. With a lot of hard work and a little luck, she’s found a new career as a writer. Pam is the author of
The Pursuit of Mary Bennet, A Pride and Prejudice Novel
, and
Kissing Shakespeare
, winner of the 2013 Colorado Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. A self-proclaimed Janeite, Pam is Regional Coordinator for the Denver/Boulder region of the Jane Austen Society of North America.

Pam lives and writes in Lakewood, Colorado. She and her husband enjoy walking in England, which has proved to be a wonderful way to discover new settings for her books.

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