Her Sinful Match – Extended Epilogue
It was the first ball of the Season: a masquerade ball at the Duke of Devonshire’s townhouse. Daniel stood, hands clasped loosely around his wife in a comfortable embrace as he watched the folk on the floor.
The months since their marriage had allowed all hints of scandal to die down. In fact, once the outraged gossip had calmed, there had been admiring sighs for the ‘most unexpected love match of the Season’.
Eva Darnell had not ended the Season single either. After some weeks of courting and dancing attendance, Andrew Stanton had offered for her hand, and both she and her parents had accepted, to the happiness of all parties involved.
Henrietta had been amused by the whole thing, wondering how long Eva had been considering her brother, and how it had taken so long for the match to be made when both were close to her. Daniel had laughed and pointed out that many were blind to the foibles closest to them. Henrietta had pouted but conceded the point with good grace.
Now she was watching the dance floor. He followed her gaze.
There on the floor, a bright-eyed young maid, recently debuted he wagered, was dancing and laughing in the arms of a young man. Further away, another young man stood. He was close to the wall, clearly uncomfortable in the crowd of nobles, shoulders crossed and expression uncertain and shy. But his eyes were fastened on the girl on the floor, and there was no mistaking the longing in his eyes.
There was no question as to what his wife was thinking as her eyes drifted between the lovelorn youth and the laughing young maid.
Nor did it take much effort to see the difficulties that might arise in her plans. The youth looked as though he was more bluestocking than socialite, whereas the young woman looked as if she lived for the Season and the social scene.
He bent until he could whisper in her ear. “That is quite the challenge that you’ve set your eyes on, my darling. Do you think it worth the trouble?”
“Love is always worth the trouble, dear husband of mine.” Henrietta chuckled as he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek, all he could get away with in such a public setting. “Besides, they could hardly present more challenge than you and I. After all, shy the lad may be, but he is at least not hiding on a country seat miles from the city.” One hand drifted low, caressing her rounded belly with a soft smile. “And yet, there can be no question that it ended well, my husband, do you not agree?”
“Oh, I certainly agree.” He smiled himself, remembering all that had transpired between them.
His nightmares had almost entirely vanished after his wedding. They still emerged sometimes, on those rare nights when he and Henrietta slept apart.
Henrietta understood. Even on the occasions she occupied her own room, due to her monthly courses or other complaints, he was welcome to come to her after a nightmare. She welcomed him, whether he sought comfort in a quiet embrace, or soft speech, or even when he was restless and driven to his studio. Even then, she would follow him and sit in silent companionship as he toiled over whatever project on which he was working.
His status and reputation as a craftsman had grown as well, so that he never lacked for commissions or willing buyers for his work. It provided both an outlet for his energies, and a source of income for his estate, ensuring he could provide the best for his beloved wife.
And soon, for his first child. The babe would be born about mid-season, according to the midwife who was charged with his wife’s care. Boy or girl, he cared not. It would be his child and Henrietta’s and thus beloved.
Henrietta was still watching the prospective couple with considering eyes.
Daniel watched the masked figures dancing through their paces on the floor, recalling the first masquerade he had attended. He had stood to the side then too, but alone and uncomfortable.
A memory sparked and inspired an imp of mischief in him. He bent to whisper in Henrietta’s ear. “Dear wife…I have just had a most interesting and engaging thought.”
“And what is that, my husband?” Henrietta tipped her head back to smile at him, delight and humor sparkling in her eyes, likely also remembering their first kiss, and the first time he had suspected her identity.
He grinned. “I was wondering if perchance His Grace the Duke of Devonshire has any little unused or hidden passages leading off this ballroom.”
Henrietta laughed in delight, and her joy warmed his heart and chased away any possible shadows in his soul.
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Amazing story!
Thank you for your comment Sylvia. I really appreciate your kind words!