Scandal's Daughters

Chapter 24

Anthony sat at the head of the crowded dining table in his and Charlotte’s new townhouse and grinned at all the family members who had joined them for their wedding breakfast.

His radiant bride, of course. His mother-in-law. His parents. His sister, Sarah, and her husband, Edmund. Even his twin nephews were in attendance, although they appeared far more interested in sucking their thumbs than in the aromatic foodstuffs that crowded the dining table.

Sarah looked up from the boys. “You have such a lovely home.”

“I have my wife to thank for that.” Anthony sent a loving glance across the table at Charlotte.

She shook her head. “We have my inheritance to thank for the townhouse. I have Anthony to thank for everything in it.”

His mother raised her brows. “Did you win a large wager?”

“I refused to touch a single penny,” he said blandly. His propensity for gambling had never been a secret. “When Charlotte insisted married couples should share all windfalls equally, I spent the next fortnight researching investment opportunities.”

“He picked steam-powered cotton mills. He doubled his outlay within a month.” Charlotte’s voice filled with pride. “He is a genius.”

“I’m lucky,” he corrected. “You’re the genius. Tell them how you saved Lady Grenville’s life by helping her to decide whether or not to purchase her children a puppy.”

She smiled back at him. “There are now two book clubs vying for my membership.”

“Soon we shall require a second basket for calling cards.” He gestured over his shoulder toward the fireplace.

Because the wedding had been for family only, the mantel had already begun to collect cards from well-wishers. Every lady Charlotte had ever helped had sent their regards. Anthony’s friends had also joined in the fun. Even Maxwell Gideon had written a letter of congratulations, as well as a note offering fifty pounds’ credit at the Cloven Hoof.

Anthony had chuckled and thrown temptation directly into the fire, where it belonged. Everything he needed, he had right here at this table.

“A toast.” Charlotte’s mother lifted her glass. “May your luck never cease, your joy never dim, and your hearts always be full.”

Eyes twinkling, Anthony’s sister Sarah raised her glass. “And may the twins soon be blessed with a pair of cousins to play with.”

A grin curved his lips. He could certainly drink to that.

His heart softened as he met Charlotte’s eyes across the table. He had gambled more than any man ought, and won more than any man deserved. He had a wife he was loved. Family who supported him. Money he earned honestly, rather than wagered. Friends who sought his time, not his pocketbook.

Happiness filled him. This was more than simple good fortune. Anthony wasn’t merely the Lord of Chance.

He was loved.