Extended Epilogues

It was a lovely day at the manor.

The sky stretched above them, cottony clouds floating lazily high above. Under the bright rays of the sun, the garden radiated as the light caught the flowers, the beautiful petals bursting into a kaleidoscope of brilliant colours. A gentle breeze blew leaves into languid sways, while Jasper and little Henry ran around the flowers, laughing gaily as father chased son. Two servants stood a short distance away, watching the pair, ready should they be needed.

Adelaide watched from the patio beside her mother-in-law. There was a pot of tea and half-filled cups on a small table between them. In happy silence, they watched the cavorting pair, Adelaide with restful anticipation and Emma with wistful wonder. Henry smiled at his father, stumbling a bit as he turned to run again. Before he could fall Jasper reached him, caught him and swooped him up and around in the air. Henry’s tiny laughter carried towards the women and Emma reciprocated with a chuckle. Jasper dropped Henry and the little boy scampered away, left again among the flowers.

“Those two,” Emma began, dabbing at the sides of her eyes with a kerchief. “I could die happy watching them.”

“Happy indeed, and yet it can never be enough. We have so much to live for, and much more to be happy for.” Adelaide said, placing a hand surreptitiously on her stomach.

“It warms my heart seeing Jasper like this. It seems like forever ago since it was him running around the garden with his father. Life was simpler then.”

“Jasper speaks fondly of his father. They must have played so a lot.”

“Oh, they did.” Emma shook her head in fond remembrance. “I cannot begin to remember how many vases they broke as they chased each other inside the house.” She picked up her cup of tea and sipped, as she seemed to look out past the garden, into the past. “Jasper was so happy then until Eric began working longer at the office, with his deals, and vices.”

“It continued for some time.” Emma was silent for a moment. “He was always away, and he would return when Jasper was already asleep. He was a lonely boy,” She turned and smiled at Adelaide, “That is until he met you.”

Adelaide smiled behind her cup. She could remember when they met. Their fathers had begun working together and were often wont to visit each other. Adelaide often went with her father and on one such occasion, she met Jasper. They had become friends since. Looking back, she almost felt as though they had been destined for each other.

Emma spoke. “For him, I always wished I had another child. I believe he must have wished for a sibling to play with.”

Adelaide felt her stomach again. She smiled at Emma. “I can assure you then, that Henry will not face the same problem.”

“What,” The other began, and then squealed in delight. “You are pregnant.”

Adelaide nodded.

There were tears in Emma’s eyes. “Does Jasper know?”

“Does Jasper know what?” he asked from a few feet away. Apparently, the squeal had brought him closer. Henry stood beside him, his hand in his father’s. Jasper released him as Emma beckoned him to her.

Adelaide took a deep breath; she had been expecting this since she found out. She watched as his face, flustered from all the running, brightened even more when she told him of her condition. He rushed forward, scooped her up, and twirled her around once. Then he kissed her passionately. Henry ran in circles around them, squealing when Emma picked him up.

They sat back together. The day had aged; the sun was lower and with the setting colours the shadows grew longer. Jasper sat beside Adelaide, holding her hand in his. They were both laughing at the spectacle that was Emma and Henry.

Henry sat on the garden ground beside Emma, happily stuffing his face with a buttered roll she had given him. His lower face was covered in butter smears while Emma tried unsuccessfully to wipe them off with her kerchief. Henry seemed not to want the interruption and added more smears as he ate.

Finally, she gave up and patted Henry’s cheek. “How would you like a sibling?” She asked him.

“A sibling?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “A little sister, perhaps?”

“Like a butterfly?” he asked, looking skeptical.

The others burst out laughing. Henry giggled as well and resumed his eating.

Adelaide felt giddy joy race through her. The idea of a daughter sounded wonderful. However, the more she thought about it, the more she believed she would want another son.     “Well, I would not mind another boy.”

“Oh?” Jasper said. “You are right I suppose. Maybe we should have our own little army running around the house.”

He chuckled at her look of horror. “And how do you propose we make this army of ours?” she stared at him inquiringly.

“I have an idea or two. We will just have to work harder than we already do.”

“You will wear me out, sir.”

“Are you protesting?”

Adelaide pretended to think. “Not at all. I rather like being worn out.”

Jasper rubbed her nose. “Insatiable woman,” he teased.

“It takes one to know the other,” she replied with a wink.

“In that case, I suggest we begin in earnest. One little baby every year and in a couple of years we will have the number we need.” He looked thoughtful.

“I do not mind that,” Emma interjected, “so long as you hide the glassware.”

They burst into laughter again.

Henry came to join them, his round cheeks and eyes were reminiscent of a young Jasper, with her eyes and hair. Drawing him close, she asked, “Which would you prefer, Sir?” she asked Jasper with a tinge of amusement. “Do you want another little boy or a beautiful little girl?”

“Both!” he said.

Adelaide gasped in mock horror.

“Why squabble about either when you can have both.”

Adelaide shook her head in exasperation. The prospect though felt daunting. It was a possibility; one she was half sure she would not manage.

Emma stood up, extending her hand to Henry. “It is getting late already. Perhaps we had better go inside.” To Henry, she said, “I have another roll inside. Would you like to have it?”

He nodded and Adelaide let him go. He raced past Emma and a servant picked him up before he could go very far, while Emma followed behind.

The evening had grown a little chilly and Adelaide shivered.

“Are you cold?” Jasper asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“Only a little.”

Sighing in satisfaction as she snuggled into his embrace, she felt his breath on her cheek. Here, with this man who was part of her heart, of her life, and her soul, she felt safe and relaxed.

“I wish we could be like this forever,” she murmured.

Jasper nodded, his head pressed close to hers. “Always and forever, my love,” he whispered.

And they remained that way, watching the moon appear, the lunar sphere casting a silvery essence down upon the estate as it climbed in a lofty arch across the heavenly firmaments. The stars winked at them, the brilliance illuminated against the blackness of the night sky.

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May 1823

“Careful, Seton. A man your age should be mindful of breaking a tooth on that stuff,” Lord Oakham said as Owen Seton bit down on a jam tartlet. The baron was seated opposite Lord Derby on the large picnic blanket Caroline had set for them. Lady Oakham was at his side, holding her parasol in her delicate gloved hands and gently smiling at their childishness.

“Why don’t you mind your own business?” Adam’s father responded, stuffing his face with delicacy and wiping his mouth with his napkin. “A man my age,” he repeated incredulously under his breath, feigning annoyance.

“I cannot have a toothless old man in my family, it is bad luck,” the baron jested, and Owen Seton tossed his napkin in his direction.

Caroline broke into a laugh watching the two men bicker while Adam shook his head. He was helping her unload the basket she had assorted for their picnic.

It was a beautiful, warm day in late spring, and the air was filled with the heavy scent of flowers carrying the aroma of fresh freesias and lilies. Bees flew from the tops of trees, buzzing in the light breeze that shook their branches gently under the bright sun.

Adam looked at his wife affectionately as he whispered under his breath, “Can you believe these two have grown to be thick as thieves?”

Caroline smiled, thinking about how their parents had begun spending more and more time together since the previous year, meeting for dinners and social events, and even spending the holidays together while Caroline and Adam were away on their trip.

“There is no end to the things they might come up to tease each other with,” she replied, carrying a set of plates over to the rest of their family.

When all was set and ready with the help of the servants who had carried the supplies down to the blooming expanse of the baron’s property, Caroline took a seat next to her mother, Adam at her side.

“So, Caroline,” Lord Derby said. “I have yet to hear your impressions of Spain.”

Caroline smiled, looking at her husband. Adam was as breathtaking as always under the warm sunlight, the spring glow around them making his eyes a lighter blue than the sky itself.

Memories of their holiday flooded her mind as she thought about the hours they had spent walking along the coasts of the Mediterranean, dining under the stars, and making love intoxicatedly, drinking in the pleasure of each other’s bodies.

When his eyes met hers, she knew he was thinking exactly the same as he gave her a crooked smile that illuminated his features.

She blushed, so lost in the moment of his extraordinary beauty that she had forgotten how to form an answer.

“It was so beautiful,” she said, turning her gaze to her father-in-law. “I could easily get used to the warmth and the endless sunlight.”

“We have sunlight in England,” her father intervened. He was always eager to defend the beauty of his country, and even though Caroline could easily think of many arguments to prove him wrong in her retort, she did not need to do so.

The moment the baron finished his sentence, a set of clouds began to gather in the distance behind them, looking as if they were already carrying the rain that was soon to find them.

Caroline pointed at the clouds, raising an eyebrow. “Quite right, Father, these few moments we get to enjoy each year are indeed precious,” she laughed.

Her father followed her gaze along with the rest of them and shrugged. “A little rain never hurt anybody,” he said.

Lord Derby extended his arm to tap him on his shoulder. “Brilliant. I’m sure you can stay out here to enjoy the wonders of unpredictable weather as we take our tea inside then.”

When he saw that George pretended not to hear him, Lord Derby turned his attention to Caroline.

“I am glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves, my dear,” he said, raising his glass of wine to his lips. “I’m quite curious, though. How come you cut your visit short? We were not expecting you back at least until the end of next month. Isn’t that right, Katharine?”

Caroline’s mother nodded, eyeing them curiously. “Oh, you are absolutely right. I was about to ask you the same, Caroline,” she uttered.

Caroline took a sip from her glass of fresh lavender lemonade and dropped her eyes on her lap as she felt everyone’s gaze on her. Adam shifted next to her, taking her hand in his and lowering his face to look at her.

“What is it, love?”

She took a deep breath and smiled, not wanting to cause them a reason to worry. It was true that Caroline had asked her husband to return earlier than planned because she intended to visit her family physician. It had been a few months since she had started to notice a few changes in her appearance and her monthly feminine cycles, but she did not want to concern anyone until she knew what it was for certain.

Adam had not opposed to returning to England earlier, attributing her frequent queasiness to motion sickness from their travels.

Now, looking into her husband’s loving eyes, Caroline could no longer hold in the news she had received from the doctor the day before.

“The reason I asked you to leave early…the reason I arranged this gathering with all of you today is to say that…” she paused to look around at the expectant looks on the faces of her loved ones. “I am with child,” she announced, a smile spreading across her face.

Adam gasped, his eyes widening.

Caroline watched as Adam’s father joined the baron in an expression of thrilled astonishment.

“Heavens! That’s wonderful!” Lady Oakham exclaimed, dropping her parasol to raise her hands to her mouth in surprise.

The three of them took turns embracing them before Caroline could say or do anything.

“Congratulations, my dear!” her father called out, leaning forward to embrace them.

Without letting her and Adam out of his arms, he said, “My son, I am so proud!” before moving back to his seat to embrace Lord Derby, whose eyes had filled with tears.

“I’m going to be a grandfather!” Owen Seton said as the baron tapped his back genially. “You and I both, old man!”

Caroline laughed as she watched them, feeling Adam pulling her into his embrace. His hand had never left hers as their parents expressed their congratulations enthusiastically, and now he only had eyes for her.

“Mrs. Seton, ever so cryptic,” he whispered in her ear, his usually seductive tone now heavy with emotion.

Caroline moved her head back to look at him, unable to contain the smile on her face. “I’m sorry I did not tell you earlier.  I wanted it to be a surprise,” she confessed.

Adam kissed her softly and said, “It is the best surprise in the world, my darling. I love you, Caroline.”

“As I love you,” she echoed, feeling her heart bursting with joy as she was surrounded by her loved ones and the man who held her heart.

“Forever,” he whispered, pulling her closer once again.

“Forever,” Caroline muttered, placing her head on his chest, excited to embark on another journey with him by her side.

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The sun was high in a clear sky. Gentle waves of heat gave the garden a warm and temperate air. Elise had Mr. Clarkson set an alfresco luncheon by the garden’s stone bridge for their picnic. Elise could barely relax. Stephan was never demanding with his birthdays, but she wanted him to feel appreciated today. She wanted him to know that their partnership was stronger than ever.

Mr. Clarkson scurried across the garden, pointing and remonstrating with the servants to make sure that everything was in place for Stephan’s arrival. Elise was glad to have him. The man took deliberate care with his profession and wanted to impress his Lord every bit as much as she did.

“Are we ready, Mr. Clarkson?” she asked as he approached her.

He looked out over the low luncheon table loaded with all Stephan’s favourite dishes; a whole roasted turkey, green-topped strawberries, fresh scallops, and baked potatoes. “I dare say that this will be Lord Andrews’ best birthday ever,” said Mr. Clarkson, giving her a knowing wink.

With that, he went to check on the cakes and punch, leaving Elise to make the final preparations. She stood under the shade of an old, weathered oak tree smiling to herself at the wonderful surprise that awaited her husband.

Amy arrived soon thereafter in a flowing muslin dress which made her look delightfully elegant. She smiled, and they greeted one another with customary warmth.

“He will be here soon,” Elise urged.

She was right. With the unerring instincts that had given renown to her relationship, Elise could almost sense the precise moment of Stephan’s arrival and swept through the doors to greet him. He had been away on a short business trip and that had given her the time to make all the perfect arrangements. Now she was eager to see him. On perfect cue, she heard the clatter of hooves that accompanied his carriage’s arrival and Mr. Clarkson hurried to the carriage door. She found her heart beating with excitement as she waited for him to climb out

His friend Matthew was the first to appear and Elise let out a sigh of released anticipation. It was a pleasure to see Matthew again of course but he was not the object of her present attention and desire.

Stephan stepped out next.

He was dressed simply in white linens and a white cravat that left no part of his chest exposed. At the sight of her he slipped into an easy, appreciative smile.

It hadn’t lost its power on her. It still made her swoon whenever she saw it.

She strode up to him and he took her in his arms, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“I wish you a happy birthday my love,” she whispered.

He glanced down at her. “Thank you.”

They came apart, but she kept a whole of his hand, her smallest finger locked around his. “I have something to show you in the garden,” she said.

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

She grinned. “It is indeed.”

They moved through the house and emerged at last at the garden. He noticed immediately that yellow roses were twined through the grass arches and smiled. What better place to celebrate this most auspicious day than Stephan’s favourite place in the house?

“What do we have here?” he asked, glancing over at the arrangements.

She tightened her grip on his hand and led him towards the luncheon table. “I wanted to celebrate your birthday in a special way,” she said.

He leaned close to whisper. “Every day is special when I’m with you.”

“So, this will be even more so,” she replied squeezing his hand gently.

She escorted him past the luncheon table, slowing to show him all his favourite dishes and over to manicured lawn where a table had been set up for a picnic.

“You really have gone out of your way, haven’t you?” he said with a grin.

“I have tried to,” she said.

The picnic table was set with silver and white linen, and easy cushioned chairs that combined comfort and elegance. The servants began to serve the food, and a quartet played a stately air on a dais in the corner.

For all the hours she had spent in his company, it still surprised Elise that she would rediscover the magnitude of his allure time after time.

When he saw his sister Amy, the easy joy in his countenance made her love him all again. For all his former coldness, Stephan had proven to be a man whose loving heart was always evident.

“Amy, I thought you were visiting our dear Uncle?”

“My dear sister-in-law wrote to me a fortnight ago, bidding that I came in haste to attend on this special day.”

He took Elise’s hand, squeezed it tight, and they made their way at last towards the table.

Stephan hesitated before they reached the table and whispered to Elise, “You are a vision.”

She laughed, free and deep. “You have a poet’s tongue, Stephan.”

He smiled. “No one knows my tongue better than you.”

She covered her mouth as she giggled, pulling her husband close. “Come let me see you.”

She adjusted his collar, letting it fall open to reveal the tender hollow at the base of his throat.

“There.” She said patted his cheek.

He leaned in close. “This is a beautiful day my love, but I know you are not fond of being a host for terribly long. You know you’ve only to say, and once we are quite happy with the celebrations, we can make our way upstairs again.”

“I know.” She said and gave him her most serene smile.

“Good, then. You need only whisper it to me or shake your head.” He said.

She touched his hand. “Don’t worry about me, enjoy your day.”

He broke into an easy smile and joined the table again.

Stephan was at his smooth, charming best. Conversing easily with those dearest to him. He laughed and joked with equal freedom and Elise could see they were having a wonderful time.

After the second course, Stephan raised a glass. “This is beautiful,” he said, “all of this, thank you all.”

Amy smiled. “Thank you, Elise, for making us truly a family again,” she said, and they all raised their glasses.

The quartet began to play a slow, sweet melody and Stephan’s eyes fell on her. “Shall we dance?”

She nodded with a smile.

They danced, close and smooth. She felt watching eyes as they got closer, but they were amongst family and friends. She leaned into him, her head resting on the underside of his chin. Warmth shot through her from inside. The music slowed, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes fixed on his. There was barely a naked inch between any part of their bodies.

When the song came to an end, she did not want the dance to stop.

He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “You are quite an excellent dancer for a country girl,” he teased.

She smiled and then she was laughing, freely and fully. “Well, you fell in love with a country girl.”

He looked at her, smiled, and tucked a loose braid behind her ear. “That I did.”

She stiffened, and she realised they were well within kissing distance. There was a moment, a small piece of eternity where time seemed to present him an opportunity. His chin sagged.

She looked up at him and smiled. “Stephan, I have something to tell you.”

He straightened and raised an eyebrow. “Tell me?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“What is it?”

She looked past him at Amy who was nodding and smiling in encouragement. He too took a moment to glance over his shoulder and saw that everyone was watching them.

“I considered for a long time what precious gift I could give to a man who has given so much to others and I finally found my answer.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”

“The gift I discovered cannot be found in shops or markets. Or from traders and merchants,” she cupped her stomach and smiled. “This is the greatest gift I could ever share with you.”

His eyes widened as he stared down at her. “Are you saying-”

She nodded. “We are going to have a child, Stephan,”

He let out a slow, ragged breath and covered his face, overwhelmed with emotion. Then he bent down and kissed her stomach, wrapping his arms around her back. “You are going to make a wonderful mother.”

Matthew appeared at his side, summoning Clarkson with a bottle of wine. “This is a true cause for celebration!”

They celebrated until the sun retired from the sky and the quartet let the music die down to silence. Matthew made his polite goodbye, congratulating them heartily on all the happenings of the day, and wished his friend Stephan all the very best.

As they retired at last to the manor house, with Amy in tow Elise had great abiding hope for the years that were to come. Her family which was now a mere two strong would soon rise to three and thereafter grow in a way she had always dreamed. Amy retired to her bedchamber and Elise and Stephan walked down the corridor with hands intertwined. Stephan’s scent seemed to thicken in the air the closer they got to their bedchamber, and she felt that ache for him come alive in her stomach.

Almost as soon as they were alone, he pulled her into a kiss, touching her face with reverent fingers.

They held each other tightly, and she glanced up at Stephan. He had that look in his eyes again. The one that told her that she was loved and cared for. And wanted. Her heart beat faster at the prospect, and the tide of desire surged within her blood, relentless and unending. She sucked in a breath, but her longing was emblazoned on her skin in the violent red undertones as she followed her husband to the bed.

His arms were around her powerful and strong. She felt safe. No longer having to fear for a future that threatened the cruelty of the past but one that harboured a promise of more moments of bountiful bliss.

Her mouth found his ear, and she gave a gentle nibble that sent a tremor through him. He glanced back at her and grinned. “Well, my dearest love. Now that you have given me my gift. It is time I give you mine.”

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A year later

“Now, open your eyes, Mama,” Bridget said from behind her mother, the broadest grin on her face.

Emma let her hands fall away from her face. Her eyes widened with disbelief when she beheld the structure in front of her. “Bridget, what is this?” she asked.

“It is your new home, Mama,” Bridget said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“Oh!” Emma clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. “Truly?”

Since Matthew had taken the management of Dorchester’s estates, their finances had greatly improved. He had invested in a venture, trading spices and fabrics from the East Indies, and it had been most lucrative. Now they had purchased Lord Hamilton’s manor and repaired some parts of it. It still required many improvements, which would be done in time, but it would make an excellent home for her mother.

“Yes, Mama. You deserve this and much more. This is the least Matthew and I can do for you.”

“Oh, my goodness!” she gasped, turning to fold Bridget into her arms. “You are such a precious child.”

Happy tears stung Bridget’s eyes, and she dabbed at her eyes with her gloved hand.

Emma straightened and held her hand out to Matthew, who had been standing quietly behind them. “Thank you, Matthew,” she said, clutching his hand.

“I did not know I was in want of a mother until I met you,” he said, smiling at her. “When we have children, I am sure they will have many adventures in their grandmother’s manor.”

“Oh, I am sure they will.” Emma laughed, giving Bridget a meaningful look.

“Come, let’s see inside.” Bridget preceded them, a spring in her step.

Eloise, Mrs. Potter, and Lizzy were already inside, waiting for them, and the foyer erupted in cheer. Matthew drew her to his side, whispering in her ear. “What do you say we sneak away?” An impish grin brightened his face.

Bridget playfully swatted him on the shoulder. “We shall have plenty of time for that tonight.” She was tempted to sneak away with him, but she wanted to see more of that lovely smile on her mother’s face. They had taken to stealing away when no one was watching to spend time with each other because Matthew traveled more frequently on business. He had just returned yesterday, and they’d had to wake up early to show her mother the manor.

She always missed him, and when he returned, they would spend long moments in seclusion, simply enjoying each other’s company.

“Would you like to name it?” Matthew asked Emma.

“Oh, I could?” Her eyes widened adorably. She was full of health now, and Dr. Burton was always looking after her.

Bridget laughed. “Certainly, you can. It is your home.”

She thought for a moment, the said, “Bridgevale Manor.”

Bridget’s mouth fell open. “What does that even mean?”

“It is your name, my dear.”

She smiled shyly when she realized her mother had named the manor after her. She went to hug her.

“Eloise promised to let us help her plan her wedding,” Lizzy said, smiling mischievously. “I think we could begin that in the large drawing room here. Plenty of space to argue over which flowers she should carry.,.”

Eloise smiled shyly as Emma and Mrs. Potter agreed with Lizzy. She was marrying the local parson, and she had stopped working as a nursemaid when she started sewing dresses at home. She was now a step closer to opening that shop she had always wanted.

When she had announced her engagement a few days ago, they all offered to help her plan the wedding, and she agreed. Bridget had never seen her friend happier and so in love. Both of their dreams were coming true.

“Well, that is my cue to leave,” Matthew said. “I shall see you all later.” Then he raised Bridget’s hand to his lips to kiss it before whispering. “Don’t get too carried away and be late for afternoon tea, darling. I have something special for you.”

Bridget’s body warmed, and she smiled slyly. “Oh?”

“See you soon,” he murmured, straightening and striding out of the house.

Their afternoon tea was not at all afternoon tea, because they could be doing several things at that hour. It was an expression they used to describe one of the precious times they spent together. Bridget thought of the special thing he had for her and wondered what it was. He always brought something for her when he traveled, and she was excited to see what it was.

******

Matthew rearranged the pillows in front of the fireplace for the fourth time, and they still did not look right. He wanted everything to be perfect for Bridget.

He had been absent for a good portion of their first years of marriage because he was working very hard to grow their fortune. He no longer needed to travel as much, and this was the start of compensating for his absence.

The library door opened, and his heart gave a delighted kick in his chest. When she walked in, his knees grew weak. He loved her more every day.

She smiled as she looked around the room. “Matthew, what are you doing?”

“Seducing you,” he said slyly, hiding the first gift he had for her behind him. When she was close enough, he presented the red chrysanthemum he had been hiding.

Her pretty mouth rounded with surprise. “This is lovely, Matthew.” She took it, then wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting herself onto the tips of her toes.

His arms came around her waist. “Did I tell you that the red ones symbolize passion?”

One of her brows rose. “What are you suggesting, my Lord?”

“I think you know.” He grinned, kissing her neck. “Come.” He guided her to the rug in front of the fire with the pillows arranged. He sat down and settled her between his legs in front of him, her head resting against his chest.

They watched the fire crackle behind the grate in silence, enjoying the quietness. She was the first to speak.

“Mama was so happy today.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I am glad.” Then he circled his arms around her. “I no longer have to travel as much, my love,” he announced.

She turned to look at his face. “Truly?”

“Yes. I am all yours now to do with as you please.”

She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes. “I have missed you.”

“I only had Tanner to keep me company, and I was miserable.”

She chuckled. “You coped well with Tanner when you were living in London.”

“That was before I had a wife.” He began to remove the pins holding her hair up.

“Francis wrote to us some days ago,” she said.

“Did you read it?”

“I wanted to wait for you, but I was too curious.” She turned in his arms, her eyes gleaming. “He is in Spain and said might be staying there for a while because the women are very diverting.”

Matthew started to laugh. He knew this would happen. After his and Bridget’s wedding, Francis had gone to Kent after his mother had written that she was ill. There, he met the woman that had been chosen for him, and he ran away from England altogether. That was how averse he was to the notion of marriage.

“Did he mention how long he would be staying there?” he asked.

“No, he did not. We should not expect him back for several months.” She came up to him, her arms around his neck. When she started kissing him, he decided it was time to give her the gift he had worked on for months. “Darling, wait. I have something for you.” He stood and quickly fetched a document from the bureau before rejoining her. “Here.”

“What is it?” she asked, taking the document, her eyes on his.

“Are you going to ask or are you going to find out?” He brushed wisps of hair away from her face.

She started to read the document, then she gasped. “You are building me a library?”

“Yes, my darling.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

Her eyes filled with tears, and he gently brushed her cheek when one tear streaked down.

She put away the paper and wrapped her arms around him. “I am glad I have something for you, too. I would have been ashamed if I had nothing to give you.”

Matthew’s heart warmed. “You do not have to give me anything. Having you in my life is enough.”

“Are you certain?” She looked up at him, a smile playing on her lips.

“Yes.”

“You don’t want a child, then?” Her brows rose in feigned surprise.

It was his turn to gape. “Are you?”

She nodded, grinning. “I confirmed it last week when I did not see my courses for the second time, and I have been feeling out of sorts. You are going to be a father, Matthew.”

Overcome, he crushed her to him, kissing her. This was the best gift anyone could ever give him. His hand moved to her belly. He already loved the little child that was growing there.

“I love you, Bridget,” he breathed, still filled with emotions.

“And we love you, Matthew.”

He had dreamed of happiness but never thought he would experience it. His life was full now.

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The sun was bright over Durham manor, riding high in the sky. Beatrice tilted her head back to enjoy its warm rays as she sat on the picnic blanket on the lawn. The air was filled with the happy shrieks of her nephew and niece, and she giggled at their antics. They seemed to be growing so fast and time itself had flown by over the past year since she and Charles had married.

Seated on a second picnic blanket, Phillip and Tereza laughed along with their children as Ellis, their oldest, ran circles around his poor governess. “I feel for the woman,” Beatrice’s brother whispered to her. “I don’t think she expected such a rambunctious child when she came to work here.”

Tereza nodded in agreement, holding her one-year-old girl in her arms. The little girl shrieked in laughter as she watched her older brother. Beatrice thought the girl was the cutest thing she had ever seen with her blonde hair and bright blue eyes. “It won’t be long until you experience this, too,” Tereza commented.

Relaxing back into her husband’s arms, Beatrice smiled. Charles wrapped one arm more tightly around her shoulders and brushed the other over her protruding belly. “I cannot wait,” she cooed contentedly, wincing when the baby kicked inside her tummy. “I feel like I have been with child for the longest time. I am more than ready to meet his little one now, I can assure you.”

“As am I,” Charles agreed, nibbling on a sandwich.

“Ah, you will make a wonderful mother,” Tereza said with a wide smile. “That baby is very lucky.”

“As yours are,” added Charles. “Ellis and Mary are the luckiest children in the world.”

“Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?” Tereza inquired.

Beatrice furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “I don’t think that either of us mind. We just want a healthy and happy little baby. We can always have a few of each.”

Charles chuckled, brushing his lips across her cheek, and sending a shiver down her spine in the process. “I second that,” he whispered lasciviously into her ear, too low for the others to hear.

“Well, boys are certainly more work,” Tereza sighed, her gaze darting over to her boisterous son as he threw himself around on the grass, much to the chagrin of his harrowed governess. “But girls are more demanding.”

Just as Tereza’s words hut the air, little Mary fussed in her mother’s arms and the foursome laughed, watching as she toddled away in search of her brother.

“Ellis simply adores his little sister. I cannot believe how fast he’s growing. He becomes more mature every single day. It almost seems like he’ll be ready to set off on the Grand Tour tomorrow!” Tereza exclaimed.

Phillip shook his head. “Do not worry, dearest,” he soothed his wife. “We still have some time before we wave him off into adulthood.”

Tereza nodded and propped herself up on one arm. “So, tell me about the charity event, Beatrice,” she said. “I hear that it’s going to be the event of the Season.”

Smiling, Beatrice nodded eagerly. “Every member of the ton is to attend,” she replied, excitement in her voice. “We are hoping to raise enough money to help those poor orphaned children. It breaks my heart to think of so many of them without the love and support of a family.”

With a sigh, Phillip’s face contorted into sympathy. “It is our duty to help them,” he agreed. “I hope my future nephew or niece will be patient enough to wait until after the event, however.”

“As we all do,” Charles chimed in. “My wife has refused to slow down whilst she has been with child. Beatrice will not allow anything to stop her. She’s a force of nature, as always.”

Giggling, Beatrice basked in her husband’s compliment. “You’re too kind to me, Charles.”

“There is no such thing as too kind when it comes to you, my love,” he replied, hugging her tighter.

Beatrice melted in his arms, smiling when she saw her brother and sister-in-law exchange a heartfelt glance with each other. She knew that they were both profoundly happy for her and her husband. Phillip knew how much she had been through, and she was glad that he found happiness in her bliss.

“You are both coming to the ball, are you not?” Beatrice asked.

“Of course, we will be there,” Tereza said. “After missing out on so many whilst I carried my child, I still feel like I have a lifetime’s worth of missed parties to make up for.”

“Ah, you didn’t miss much, I assure you,” Phillip chuckled. “They will simply pale in comparison to Beatrice’s party which will be the talk of the town and I’m sure that is the only event we ever need to attend.”

Rolling her eyes, Beatrice giggled. “You flatter me too much, dear brother. Besides, it is not just my party,” Beatrice corrected her beloved brother. “Charles has put so much time and energy into this that I think he could easily claim it as his own.”

Nodding, Phillip glanced over at her husband. “Well, I suppose that my sister is lucky to have found a man who will devote so much attention to fulfilling her needs.”

Beatrice blushed when she thought about just how much time Charles devoted to her needs. Every night, he never failed to take her to the highest heights of pleasure. Never had he left her wanting and always ensured that she reached her completion before he even contemplated his. During the past year, he had proved to be the most perfect husband and she was sure that she would never want for anything while he was around.

Being with Charles was an adventure that refreshed her soul every morning. He completed her in a way that she didn’t know she longed for until she had found him. Charles was always there to support her and had spent many months giving her all the time she needed to get over the trauma of Nate’s acts. It was only several weeks after the incident that Beatrice had started to experience nightmares and they had persisted for several months. Yet Charles never waned in his support, sitting with her when she woke in the night until the night terrors finally dissipated, and she felt renewed.

Suddenly, the foursome heard a rustling from the doors to the house and they saw Ida rushing across the lawn. With a few stray hairs, Ida looked extremely flustered. Her cheeks were burning brightly as she greeted them. “Oh, what a to-do,” she chirped.

“Ida,” Beatrice said with a smile. “What has happened? You look so flushed.”

Ida seated herself on the blanket beside the two couples and smiled. “I have brought some news for all of you. I can hardly quite believe it myself and I’m sure all of you will be shocked when I tell you.”

“I hope you come bearing good news,” Charles said.

“Oh yes,” replied Ida with a firm nod. “It is the best news I could ever deliver.” She paused and drew in a deep breath. “But first, I simply must eat and then I will tell you all every detail.”

“You cannot keep us in suspense,” Beatrice protested with a frown.

Ida shrugged as Tereza handed her a plate of small cakes. “Patience is a virtue, my dearest friend,” she giggled. “You know that I am never one to stay too long with an empty stomach.”

Playfully rolling her eyes at Ida, Beatrice glanced around at her brother and his wife, her husband, and her best friend. She knew they had all come a long way. Each of them had lived their own journeys but it made her happy to know that they could all rely on each other through the good times and the bad times. She couldn’t imagine having a better family and soon she would welcome her newest addition.

The future looked bright for all of them, and Beatrice was glad of that. Above all, she wanted the people she cared for to enjoy the best lives possible. As Charles wrapped his hand securely around her shoulders, Beatrice melted. She knew one thing for sure. Her life was better than she had ever imagined. Who knew that a random collision with a stray horse could lead her to such a place of bliss? This was all she had ever wanted from life and more.

This was perfection.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Love is a distant dream for Genevieve Huntley, shattered by the demeaning comments of Edward Warwick and his cohorts at her coming-out ball. When Edward, the future Duke of Rutherford, stumbles across her intimate musings in the library, an unlikely and scandalous exchange ensues. Their mutual dislike transforms into a smoldering passion, and their love ignites their worlds. But their happiness is not to be; with Edward’s future hampered by an unwanted engagement and Genevieve’s insecurities fraying the fragile fabric of their bond, they must decide whether the all-consuming flame that binds them is worth risking everything for…

The Duke’s Devious Desires