Extended Epilogues

Hosting events had become one of Juliana’s favorite things to do. Owen noted that she took that from her mother. He had no qualms about it. As a matter of fact, he truly loved to watch Juliana put everything in order, he loved to see her be a good hostess.  

He had experienced first-hand what a marvelous hostess she was. It was yet the end of another season, and Juliana had suggested a picnic at Hyde Park with the entire family there. This came as a surprise to Owen, as Juliana had been terrified to go there for two years. Ever since her abduction.  

But when he asked her about it, Juliana said, “It has indeed been two years, love. This is how I intend to begin my healing.” she said.  

Owen was pleased to hear this. He smiled at her. “Whatever you may need, I am here for you.” 

While Juliana prepared everything that was needed before they left, with the aid of Louisa and some other maids, Owen entertained his son, Andrew, by taking the boy to see his mother’s paintings.  

Andrew had been born on a stormy day two years ago. The final months of Juliana’s pregnancy had been the most terrifying for Owen. He spent his nights reading poems to her, in order to soothe her and the babe. It seemed that Andrew had loved poetry while he was in the womb, because most times, he stopped his kicking when Owen began to read.  

Andrew looked a lot like him, with azure blue eyes and dark hair. But he did take after Juliana’s lips, as well as most of her passions. Although Owen had been told that it was quite too early to know what Andrew liked, he sensed that he was more like Juliana than he. Owen knew this because Andrew loved poetry and he liked to watch the paintings. These were apparent attributes he had gotten from Juliana.  

“This…” Andrew said, or so Owen thought he heard as his son placed his hand on a painting of Owen when he was quite younger. Owen went and squatted beside his son and then nodded.  

“It is I. I was nearly as young as you. A lad.” 

Andrew laughed and kept staring at the painting. Owen could have never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would ever be a father, and one who would love his child so dearly, at that. He never imagined that he would be so attached as well. His life was a perfect fit now. Nothing seemed out of place at all.  

Owen was so engrossed in staring at his son that he had not noticed that Juliana was standing by the door. He smiled when he saw her. She smiled in return. “You seem quite interested in the art. Shall I presume that you have no intention of going on this picnic?” 

Owen rose, stuck his hand in the pocket of his breeches, and sauntered over to Juliana. His voice was a whisper. “If we are both being honest, it should be clearly stated that I should rather spend the afternoon in the comfort of our bedchamber, with you writhing beneath me.” 

Juliana’s cheeks reddened. She shook her head slightly. “Owen…” 

Owen tried to hold back his laughter. Not just because he knew how he made her feel, but because the way she said his name set him in another mood. He decided to tone it down a tad, for he knew that it would only take a little effort to convince her of a little lovemaking before the picnic. But he did not want to do that. He wanted no rush, so it was better they went for the picnic and returned for lovemaking in the dead of the night.  

He cleared his throat to clear his thoughts as well before he spoke. “Were we not being completely honest with each other now?” 

“I do not wish to lose focus of what I truly want to do this afternoon.” She raised a brow. “Which is have a picnic with the family.” 

Owen raised his hand in the air and nodded. “Of course, my dear. I do not object to that.” 

“Ma…” Andrew called, right before he walked a bit and then stopped. He was still learning to walk. Juliana walked over to him and carried him.  

“My darling child,” she cooed. Andrew began to giggle. Owen smiled. He, too, was amused. It was so easy for Juliana to set Andrew in such a mood. It was easy for her to set a mood of light wherever she was. He was often happy around her. Each time he returned from work and he was stressed, he felt better when he sat in the drawing-room, beside Juliana, his eyes on the hearth. Her presence made him happy. He wondered how it was so effortless for her.  

His smile did not fade as he watched his family. He would have never thought that this would one day be him—in love, a father, and happy. Within him, Owen wanted another child. And he prayed it was a lass this time. His grin widened. He surely would enjoy the efforts put into making the babe. 

“Pray tell what you find amusing?” Juliana raised a brow. He had not been aware when she turned to face him.  

Owen rubbed his chin and blushed. “Nothing that should be heard by Andrew.” 

Juliana blushed then. “Owen…” Owen chuckled and wriggled his brows. Juliana shook her head and gestured outside. “Shall we?” 

Owen nodded vigorously. “Of course, we shall.” 

He gestured for her to walk out, and she did, with Andrew in her arms. He walked behind them.  

****** 

The park was not busy when they arrived. It was easy to spot other family members. Lord and Lady Merlewood stood under a shade, conversing. Lord Everfair had only just arrived. The day seemed beautiful. The weather was perfect. Owen walked over to exchange pleasantries while the footmen set everything in place.  

“Oh, look at my dear lad,” Lady Merlewood said, taking Andrew in her arms. Andrew giggled and embraced her.  

Lord Merlewood stepped forward and shook hands with Owen. “Richmond.” 

“Lord Merlewood,” Owen responded. Lord Merlewood smiled at him.  

Since the abduction event, Lord Merlewood seemed to have grown fonder of Owen. He even began to recommend him, business–wise. It was like he became his own son. Once, when Owen had asked what had caused the tremendous change, Lord Merlewood had said, “You would protect Juliana no matter what, and that matters to me.” 

“How do you do?” Lord Merlewood asked.  

“Very well, my lord.” Owen grinned.  

“Lord Harper did say that the spice trade—“ 

“Papa.” Juliana turned to them. “I beg to differ, but no business discussions here. This picnic is for merriment. I shan’t have you overshadow it with business.” 

Everyone burst into laughter. Lord Everfair approached then. Juliana was the first to acknowledge him with an inclination of her head.  

“Juliana.” Lord Everfair smiled.  

She smiled at him. “I am glad you could make it, your grace.” Then she turned to Andrew. “Come now, come greet your grandfather.” 

Andrew widened his arms and walked towards Owen’s father. They all applauded. It was scary to Owen how quickly his son was growing. How time was flying. He still recalled vividly his birth, and now he was beginning to speak and walk. “Stunning,” Owen whispered.  

Lord Everfair embraced the lad, chuckling. “So energetic he is. Just as Owen was.” 

Owen smiled awkwardly. It seemed odd for his father to speak of him as a child. He had never heard his father speak that way. Despite the fact that his father had apologized years ago, everything was not automatically put together when it came to their relationship. They worked together but barely spoke. Their conversations were cordial and without arguments. But that was it.  

Although he saw efforts on his father’s part, Owen felt a bit uncomfortable about everything. How would it be possible to fix a relationship that had been broken for over two decades? When he had expressed this to Juliana, she had encouraged him to also make effort to completely heal his relationship with his father, saying that it was never too late.  

“He is your father, darling. And what is important is that he is making the effort for everything to be better.” Juliana was right. And that was when Owen realized that he had been making no effort at all. He decided that he would begin to do so. This picnic would be an opportunity to begin, he had told himself.  

When Andrew was carried away by the nursemaid, Juliana turned to chat with both her parents and Owen was left with his father beside him. He cleared his throat. “Good day, Father.” 

“Owen.” Lord Everfair smiled. Both men had their hands behind them.  

“A beautiful day,” Owen said, trying to make a conversation.  

“Indeed, it is. You have a beautiful family, Owen. I am so proud of you.” 

Owen was proud of himself too. He was proud of how much he had been able to achieve. “Thank you, Father.” 

“This is all I wanted for you, son. That’s why I did everything, for your happiness.” Lord Everfair sighed. “I know what I did was…extreme, but I had hoped that doing so would push you to be better. I had thought that doing all those things would make it easier for you to discover yourself—before it was too late.” 

Thinking back at everything that had happened, Owen had to admit that his father had aided in this success, in his happiness, though not in the best way. He had his father to thank for Juliana. It was his father’s threat that had made him attend Lady Jane’s ball. It was because of that that he was able to save Juliana, that he was even able to meet her.  

And then came the wedding. Everything had happened for a reason. Every action and event that had happened in his life was to lead him to where he was supposed to be. Having lacked love from the one person he considered his only family—his father—meeting Juliana was different. Her love was different, and it had arrested him. It had held his attention so much. It was new and it was a combination of everything he had longed for over the years. These thoughts made Owen smile. He turned to his father and did something he never thought he would do.  

“I want to apologize, Father. Although you took quite the harsh route in making me see reason, I do regret not being the son you truly wanted. I understand that you loved Mother dearly and losing her made you feel as though you could not raise me on your own. I never even want to imagine losing Juliana. But I feel as though I understand you better now.” 

“There is no justification for pushing you away, my son,” Lord Everfair interrupted.  

Owen nodded. There really was no justification. “You are indeed right. But I bear no grudge against you. I forgive you, Father. And I want us to begin to be family again. And thank you for pushing me harder. Because of you, I was able to achieve all of this. I have a family of my own now and I know my way around the business. Perhaps everything was just the way it was meant to be.” 

Lord Everfair was smiling at Owen. It was a proud smile. One that Owen had not seen in years. One that Owen was happy for. Their moment was interrupted by a voice Owen had not heard in a long time.  

“Richmond now comes for picnics? And I had spent the day seeking him out at White’s.”  

Owen would recognize his cousin’s voice anywhere. He turned with a grin. As expected, the man who approached was Lord Edward of Carnavon.  

“Well, look who decided to return to London,” Owen teased as he met his cousin midway.  

Edward chuckled. He held out his hand and embraced Owen. “When word got to me that you were now wed and a father, too, I wondered if there was something about London that did that to you.” 

“Have you come in search of a wife?” Owen joked.  

Edward tilted his head. “I am here to visit you, cousin.” 

Then he turned to Lord Everfair, who had been watching their exchange for a while. “Lord Everfair, thrilled to see you.” 

“As am I, Edward. How have you been?” Lord Everfair asked.  

“I have been well. Traveling. I am only here now to see Owen, as the news of his changed life got to me.” Edward grinned. Owen recalled when Edward began his travels. He had been thrilled to leave London and see the world. Although he had returned a few times to visit.  

Owen and Edward had grown up together. They had spent their teenage years at Tilford Manor. But Edward’s stay had been brief. He only arrived during the season and left immediately once the season ended. Edward had been one of Owen’s closest friends. Owen was pleased to see him.  

“I had no idea word about my life had spread to such far reaches. I suppose I should be grateful.” Owen sighed dramatically. Edward shook his head.  

“You should not be too surprised. Once a rake, now a father? I’m certain those two attributes are too far apart. The news of your life–changing situation should keep people shocked. I hope you intend to introduce me to my second cousin as well as your wife.” 

Owen chuckled. “I do, indeed. But tell me, how was it that you knew where to find us?” 

“Mr Whitmore would never withhold information from me.” Edward winked. Owen smirked. They both made their way over to where the rest of the family were gathered. Owen and Edward began to talk as they walked. Edward was more than thrilled to engage Owen in tales of his travels. He was in the middle of speaking when he suddenly stopped. His gaze was focused on something. Curiosity made Owen trail this gaze. Stunned was not enough to describe how Owen felt when his trail landed on Louisa.  

“Who might that be, Owen?” Edward whispered.  

“Juliana’s lady’s maid,” Owen responded. Edward barely nodded as he kept on staring at Louisa. Owen raised both his brows but said nothing. It was apparent that Edward seemed attracted to her.  

Just then, Juliana called the attention of everyone present, her grin broad. “It is time for us to come together,” she said.  

“Oh come, you shall meet Juliana now,” Owen announced to Edward before he made his way over to Juliana and took his rightful position beside her. 

 His father made his way over and the nursemaid brought Andrew to them. Owen was surprised to see that Edward had not come to him, rather he was still rooted to the spot he had left him in, staring at intervals at Louisa, who was busy with a few preparations. Although he seemed to try to keep it subtle, Owen easily took notice.  

“Who might that be?” Juliana whispered beside Owen.  

“My cousin, Edward. He has come to see my family.” 

“It seems to me that he is smitten,” Juliana chuckled.  

“Indeed,” Owen said. Edward really did appear smitten. Owen could not wait to see where all this would lead. And with the way Juliana was staring at the pair, Owen could happily say he was not the only one who hoped to see the outcome of the immediate attraction between his cousin and his wife’s lady’s maid.  

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Two Years Later

“Anthony!” Lydia was standing in one of the guest bedrooms doing a final check to make sure the room was completely ready for her father. One of the windows overlooked the lane leading to the house, and in the distance, she could make out a procession of three carriages coming down the lane.

“Anthony,” she called out again. “They’re here!”

“Okay, okay, everything’s ready,” he called back from the hallway, his voice getting louder as he entered the room to join her.

Lydia smiled at her husband. Her heart still skipped a beat whenever she was in his presence. Anthony returned her smile and slid his arms around her waist.

“Is George in the nursery?” Lydia asked.

“He is. The nursemaid said he is not to be disturbed from his nap.”

“I suppose we must do as the nursemaid says,” Lydia said with a little smile.

They had employed Maud soon after George’s birth and had quickly realized she was very strict about maintaining a set schedule for the child.

“While Georgie sleeps, we can tell everyone about our little announcement,” Anthony said with a grin as he caressed his wife’s stomach.

Lydia stared down ruefully at the unmistakable roundness of her belly and sighed. “I don’t think we’ll need to make any announcements. I’m as big as an elephant already!”

“Big and beautiful,” Anthony whispered, nuzzling her ear. He loved seeing her big with his child. Lydia quivered with excitement and a soft moan escaped her lips.

Pulling away regretfully, Anthony shook his head. “Unless you want to be detained in greeting your family, we should go downstairs posthaste.”

Lydia knew he was right, but she couldn’t help but give him a little pout.

Placing a kiss upon her lips, Anthony whispered, “Patience my dear, tonight I shall ravish you.”

The clatter of hooves and the rumble of carriage wheels indicated that her father and the Montagu’s had arrived. With a cry of excitement, Lydia hurried down the stairs to welcome her guests, with Anthony following closely behind.

As Lydia had predicted, they didn’t need to make an announcement. One look at Lydia and Eliza started clapping her hands with joy.

“I do so hope it’s a girl this time!” she cried out happily as she embraced Lydia. The Baron and Edward offered Anthony their congratulations with hearty handshakes.

Mrs. Potts arrived and within minutes had whisked away the children so the adults could settle in and converse properly. Eliza stared fondly at Mrs. Potts’ retreating figure. “She’s a marvel, your housekeeper. The children do love her so.”

“I don’t know what I would do without her,” Lydia admitted, “She takes such good care of everything, and Georgie just worships her.”

“Speaking of Georgie, where is he?” The Baron asked, anxious to see his grandson.

“He’s still napping,” Lydia explained, “but he will be up before teatime.”

Anthony gestured to Edward and the Baron. “In the meantime, come to the study. Let me show you the plans I have drafted for my next business venture…”

The men left the sitting room while Lydia and Eliza settled into comfortable chairs to catch up on their lives.

“Tell me everything that’s happening in London,” Lydia demanded.

“Everyone is still talking about Lady Beatrice’s passing,” Eliza said.

“Still?” Lydia was surprised. Her aunt had passed a couple of months ago in a tragic accident. “I would have thought everyone would be on to something else by now.”

“Not when there are so many doubts about how she died.”

“What do you mean?” Lydia felt puzzled. “She fell down the stairs. Everyone should know that”

“It seems everyone suspects her husband.”

“This is my uncle you are speaking of…”

Eliza shook her head, “there isn’t any proof or evidence. But it’s common knowledge that he was responsible for her death. You know, they found her at the foot of the stairs with a broken neck.”

“Yes, but that was because of the fall”

“Maybe, but the latest gossip is that their maid overheard a horrific argument between Lady Beatrice and your uncle right before she died. I wonder what they argued about.”

Lydia had an inkling what it might have been about, but she didn’t think she was ready just then to share her theories with Eliza. She had never told her the sordid details of Anthony’s connection with her aunt. Some things were too painful to share, even with a best friend.

“Anyway, I just thought you should know. Now I hear, Sophia—your cousin—will be staying with your father and be attending her first season?

Lydia nodded. Her father had told that he was already feeling worried about finding Sophia a husband. Poor Papa, Lydia thought to herself, just as he managed to get me married off and well settled, he was having to start the husband hunt all over again.

“I gather he’s not too thrilled about having to do another season.”  Eliza said grimly. “We’ll all have to help her, he’s asked me to do what I can. Your father felt that, given the scandal surrounding her mother’s death, she could use the influence and power of a Marquis behind her.”

Lydia could certainly sympathize with that. After all, she herself had gone through three seasons with no luck, and Sophia was coming into the season with a scandal attached to her. But looking back, she could see now that God had had a plan for her all along. Just then Anthony poked his head into the sitting room where Lydia and Eliza were sitting and chatting and blew a kiss at his wife. Lydia smiled at him and found herself already looking forward to the evening when she would be in bed with Anthony.

“I think,” she said thoughtfully, “I wouldn’t worry too much for Sophia, as someone who did three seasons and is now utterly, deliciously, and wonderfully happy, I think she’ll be just fine.”

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“Would you like to see Elizabeth this morning?” Isabella came into the room and asked Hanna as Hanna breakfasted in the dining room. 

“Yes, definitely. Now would be a good time. Lord Morton always loves to see his little angel. How did she sleep?” Hanna asked. 

“Well as always.” Isabella smiled. “She is such a good little girl. She never makes a fuss at bedtime and sleeps right through the night.” 

“Yes, she is. I think she takes after her father’s temperament.” Both women laughed lightly. 

“I’ll just go get her then. I’ll be right back,” Isabella said, walking out of the room. 

Hanna sipped at her breakfast tea and marveled at her life. Isabella Frampton was now the governess to her daughter, Elizabeth—a wee red-haired toddler who Lawrence said looked just like his mother. Hanna agreed, but she thought her little girl acted most like her father and had all his best qualities. 

Isabella’s husband Brook was a footman for the family now. Everything had worked out well. It was so good to have friends in the manor, Hanna thought, and Isabella was her best friend. She supposed she always would be after all they had been through. After all, there would be no life for her like the one she had if Isabella hadn’t run away with Brook on that fateful night a few years ago. 

Lawrence had not yet come down to breakfast, but Hanna was waiting for him with excitement. She touched her stomach. She had news for him that she knew he was going to love hearing. Hanna ate another bite of toast, her appetite larger than usual. Just then, Lawrence strode into the dining room. He was just as handsome as the day she had met him—only a little gray at his temples distinguished him more. It had come on suddenly in the last year.  

He was still her Adonis. He could still make her speechless at times just from the sight of him, but not this morning. There was so much she wanted to tell him, but she would wait until they were alone later. 

“How did you sleep, my love?” He asked, smiling as he came to her and dropped a kiss on her forehead. His lips lingered there for a long moment. 

Hanna closed her eyes and smiled up at him. “Well, and you?” Hanna drank a sip of tea. 

“I can’t complain.” He sat in his chair. “What are your plans this morning? I was thinking…” he trailed off, smiling suggestively. They often returned to bed after breakfast when duties of the manor called him away early in the morning. 

“Yes, I was, too,” Hanna said. She wanted to tell him her news in their private chambers. “But Elizabeth is coming down to see you first.” 

“Wonderful. I can’t wait to see my little girl.” Lawrence ate a bite of eggs and smiled.  

He had a soft spot for his daughter, and it always made Hanna smile to see it. 

“Here she is!” Isabella called as she walked into the room, Elizabeth in her arms. The little girl was just starting to walk. 

“Da da!” Elizabeth said, grinning. 

“Come see me, my big girl. Daddy missed you last night. Did you sleep well?” He took her into his arms and hugged her tightly as she wriggled against him. 

“She seems happy this morning,” Hanna said, smiling. 

“Isn’t she always? She has such a sunny disposition. We are so lucky.” Lawrence jogged the girl up and down lightly on his knee, and she giggled. 

“We’ll be fine for a bit, Isabella. Please come back and get her at half past 9,” Hanna said. She couldn’t wait to be with just Lawrence, but she wouldn’t deprive him of his precious time with his daughter. She knew he had business to attend to around the estate later today and wouldn’t have much time to spend with her. 

Lawrence gave her a look. “You are looking well today. You are almost glowing. I can’t describe it.” He studied her harder. 

“Thank you, husband. I am feeling well.” He could see the effects of her state already, Hanna thought, happy about that. 

“It is like you have a light from within. You are most attractive,” Lawrence said. 

The baby cooed, and they laughed. 

“I think Elizabeth agrees with me,” Lawrence said as he whispered in the baby’s ear. 

“No secrets, now!” Hanna laughed. 

“I think you are keeping secrets from me, but I shall get them out of you, my love. I have my ways, you know.” Lawrence winked. 

Hanna felt heat creep through her at the promise of his touch later. 

“Ah, you want to get down and walk, do you?” Lawrence asked as he set the little girl down on the floor. 

“Careful, Elizabeth,” Hanna said, watching the toddler take a shaky couple of steps toward the door. 

“Mama,” the baby answered. 

“She’s so sweet,” Hanna said and sighed, “but she’s growing so fast. I wish I could stop time.” 

“Alas, we cannot, my love, but it is good that she is growing strong and well. Is it not?” Lawrence ate a bite of toast, raising an eyebrow. 

“It is. Mothers just get silly over their children at times,” Hanna said, brushing a tear away. 

Lawrence stood up and walked to her end of the table. “Now, now. No more of that crying. Everything is good. Isn’t it?” He moved behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. He began to rub them, and Hanna exhaled. 

“Yes, it is more than good, my love. I’m just sentimental.” Hanna smiled back at him. 

“I like that about you. Too many women are not these days. So many do not even want children, and yet, you love being a mother to our Elizabeth.” Lawrence kneaded her shoulders more deeply then, and Hanna closed her eyes. It was so relaxing. 

“Yes, I do enjoy it. She is one of the lights of my life. You are the other, of course, my dear.” She reached back and patted his hand. 

“I’m glad to hear it. I wouldn’t want anyone else to light up your life but me,” Lawrence said and leaned down, kissing her neck playfully. 

Elizabeth fell as she toddled toward them. She began to wail. 

Hanna got up from her chair. “Oh, my darling. You are alright. You just had a spill. Mama and daddy are here.” She picked up the child and hugged her. 

The tears soon stopped. “Da.” 

Hanna laughed. “I think she prefers you. I really do.” 

“I’m not sure about that. Da is easier to say, I have heard,” he said, grinning with pride. “Do you think Isabella will return soon?” He asked, brushing a hair from Hanna’s face. 

She closed her eyes. “I hope so. I love seeing the baby but…” she trailed off, biting her lip. 

“Yes, I have other things on my mind. I think you do, too, my love,” Lawrence said, drawing her to his side in a hug. 

The baby gurgled. 

Just then, Isabella appeared. “Are you ready for me to take her? I can come back in a bit.” She reached out for the child. 

“Yes, you can take her now. Thank you, Isabella.” Hanna handed the child over after kissing her on the forehead. 

“You’re welcome.” Hanna had dispensed with use of my lady unless guests were present. She had told Isabella they were too close for that, and she didn’t expect it of her. It felt too strange with the roles reversed as they were, too. 

“Have a good day, Ellie,” Lawrence said as they left the room. He raised an eyebrow and caught Hanna’s eye. “Shall we, or are you otherwise engaged this morning?” He stood up from his chair and crossed over to her, putting his arms around her shoulders from behind. 

She took his hands and squeezed them. Hanna laughed. “I am never too busy for you, my love. I have no other plans but idling the hours away with you in bed.” 

“You are so forward, my lady, and I like it,” Lawrence said playfully as he swatted her backside.  

Hanna took his hand, and they walked out of the room and upstairs. Halfway up the stairs, he swept her into his arms. 

“Oh, love. Can you carry me? I’m heavier than I once was!” She laughed and lay her head against his hard chest. 

“You are as light as a feather to me, my dear,” Lawrence said as they reached the door to their bed chamber.  

“I’m glad to hear it, but I don’t quite believe it,” Hanna said with a laugh.  

She felt breathless with excitement, both due to her secret and the fact that they were going to make love.  

Lawrence placed her gently on the bed. “You are ravishing this morning, darling. More so than usual. I don’t know what it is,” he said, studying her as he lay next to her. He stroked her face and kissed her lightly. 

“I think I have an idea. It’s a little secret I was going to tell you about, Lawrence,” Hanna said, biting her lip. 

“A secret? You know I can’t stand not to know everything. What is it?” Lawrence sprinkled kisses against her neck, distracting her. 

“I am pregnant again. You are going to be a father once more!”  

“Is it true?” Lawrence’s eyes widened. 

“It is. I just confirmed it with the physician yesterday.” Hanna reached up for him, and he hugged her fiercely. 

“My love! This is wonderful news,” Lawrence said. “I don’t know anything that would make me happier. I have you and Elizabeth, and now this little one on the way. Our life together is good, isn’t it?” He asked, squeezing her tightly. 

“Very good. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had never met you,” Hanna said. 

Lawrence let her go gently. “I try never to think about such things. It was fate that brought us together.” 

“Or Isabella,” Hanna said with a chuckle. 

“Her too. But the fact that we found each other is a miracle. I love you, my darling.” Lawrence kissed her again, his mouth demanding on hers. 

“I love you, too. You have made my life a fairy tale, Lawrence.” 

He smiled. “Well, you are certainly my queen. And we shall live happily ever after. I just know it.” 

They kissed, and Hanna forgot everything else in the world but him as he held her in his arms.

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“So, it is the second time you have now seen the play, what did you think of it this time round?” Loftus was smiling as they stood by the bar in the theatre, ordering their drinks.

“It is still a little ridiculous,” she laughed as she took the glass that he offered to her. They had gone to see another performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream at the theatre in London.

Loftus had claimed it was time for her to revisit the story and give it a second chance, reminding her of their conversation in the abandoned house when they had kissed in the storm.

“Yes, it is ridiculous,” Loftus laughed with a shake of his head. “What with all the fairies running around and confusing matters. All very magical.”

“And of course, poor Tatiana falling in love with a man who has the head of a donkey!” To her words, he chuckled again. “That has to be the most farcical thing I have ever seen in the theatre.”

“I rather think that was the point,” he offered her his arm and steered her away from the bar towards the other guests and some seating. She leaned towards him, loving the ease and happy conversation they now shared.

“Yes, it was, and I greatly enjoyed it,” they sat together in two seats, side by side. Though both sat on the very edge of their chairs, hand in hand, eager to not be parted from each other.

Their marriage was still but a few months old, and their longing for one another had not faded.

“I will admit though,” she smirked. “When we last saw the performance, I believe one of my key complaints was that I did not believe how the true lovers could become so confused and deceived by someone meddling with their happiness. Based on our events, I guess I have to revise my opinion on that subject.”

“I rather hoped you would.” He nodded, sharing in her humor. “So, you accept it is a good play?”

“Well…” She paused, thinking through her thoughts for a moment. “I accept it is an entertaining play and that it is possible indeed for the romantic parties in the story to be so deceived. As for the fairy running around with the magic potion fooling everyone into thinking that they love one another, well, that I still find quite absurd.”

He laughed in reply, enjoying her jests.

“We should bring Markus to the theatre, I think he would enjoy it,” she smiled at the idea.

“That is a good idea,” he looked across the other theatre goers. “We might have to wait until he is a little older though, as I do not see any children here. He is happy at the moment, anyway.” He turned back to her. “He is getting better at the piano every day.”

“So he is. I would like to encourage him to ride next, if you have no objection?”

“I have no objection at all,” he laughed. “You are as much his parent now as I am, you know that. You do not need to ask my permission for anything.”

“I know, but I like joint decisions,” she lifted her chin high. “I am not sure Markus agrees though. I’ve discovered when you say no to something, he comes and asks me instead.”

“I know. My innocent boy has revealed he can be quite mischievous after all.”

“I think it is entertaining,” she shook her head, thinking on the small boy she now loved so much. She looked at Markus as her true family, just as he seemed to do the same with her. Together they were mother and son, despite no blood bond between them. The boy knew she would always be there for him and he responded with such displays of love and affection that he frequently brought tears to her eyes.

He had made such progress with his mutism that now and he nolonger seemed to react when in the company of women. Other than Augusta, they had not yet left him alone with another woman, but in time she knew they would. It was a case of moving one step at a time, that was all.

“Augusta!” A familiar voice called to her through the crowd. She turned in her chair, delighted to see James was walking through the guests towards them. Behind him, the party of women he had left were looking longingly after him.

“Your brother has eyes watching him wherever he goes,” Loftus whispered to her before James could reach their side.

“Believe me, he is very aware of it,” she whispered back, leaning towards him. “He has turned into quite the rogue these days.” As she said these words, James was stopped on route towards them by two young ladies that were eager to engage him in conversation. “As a demonstration to my words,” she gestured towards what was taking place, much to Loftus’ amusement.

“Is there a lady here this evening that your brother does not know?” He shook his head, his eyes watching James closely.

“I imagine not,” she nodded. “I reckon he has probably danced and charmed every young lady here!”

“He should be careful. The ton’s opinion can quickly change when it comes to such charmers.”

“I do not think it is what he wants forever,” she looked back to Loftus with a smile, turning away from the charming countenance James was affecting for the two ladies he was speaking to.

“How do you mean?” Loftus raised his eyebrows with curiosity.

“In case you had not noticed, James dotes on Markus,” she whispered, as though it were a great secret. “He is very keen to be a good uncle towards him.”

“I have noticed,” Loftus agreed. “After the debts he has been in, it makes me worry when he is willing to buy Markus so many gifts. I do not want him to struggle financially.”

“He is doing better,” Augusta pointed out. “He tells me he has not played cards since he lost all that money to you.”

“I feel I should say that he should not have lost that money to me in the first place, but I cannot, otherwise you and I would not be married,” he smiled, it was an intimate smile as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back.

“I cannot regret it either,” she squeezed his hand with warmth. “But it has to be acknowledged that James has bettered himself. He does not drink so much anymore, and he dotes on Markus; he never plays cards, never gambles, nor does he go to gaming halls anymore.”

“Ah, I see what you are thinking!” Loftus pointed to her with a smile. “You think he likes the idea of a family of his own?”

“I think it is possible,” she shrugged innocently, hoping she was not projecting her wishes for James onto him. “Maybe if he can fall in love someday too, he will have a family of his own.” She looked at her brother, seeing the familiar signs in his face of a wish to extricate himself from the conversation. He glanced towards her, showing that he was trying to make his way to her side.

“Perhaps in time, he will find the perfect woman,” Loftus offered her a wink as they continued to hold tightly to each other’s hand.

“Perhaps so,” she smiled. “Time can do good things, but if it is a family that he longs for then I fear the future may make him want it all the more.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when Markus has a little brother or sister, there will be even more people in our family for him to dote on and send gifts for.” She leaned towards the husband she loved so much, trying to see if he had understood her full meaning, but he had not.

“So, there will be, but you do not need to worry about that yet,” he sipped from his glass.

“I am afraid it is something to worry about now,” she said, reiterating her point as he peered at her over the glass rim. “Markus will have a little brother or sister within the year.”

He began to choke on the wine in his glass. Augusta tried to hold back her laughter as he placed the glass down on a nearby table and coughed loudly, trying to clear his throat.

“Do you mean…?” He breathed deeply, trying to catch his brother. “You are…?” He gestured to her stomach, trailing off, unable to finish his words. His green eyes were wide with anticipation.

“I am,” she nodded, her smile pinging into place.

“Augusta,” he took her hand in both of his, pulling her even closer towards him. “We will have a child? A new little child for Markus to play with?”

“We will,” she brought up her other hand to join his, never wanting to let him go. “We will have that complete little family we have talked of for so long.”

He lowered his head to kiss her hand again, there were tears in his eyes though he did not let them fall.

“My family,” he smiled, his eyes glistening. “Thank God James was so poor at playing cards!”

Augusta laughed with gusto just as someone appeared behind them.

“Perhaps we should have a re-match some time.” It was James.

“James!” To Augusta’s reprimand, he laughed and waved the idea away.

“I am only joking, dear sister, I have not played cards for many months.” He sat down at her side in a free chair. “Now, would you two care to tell me why you are both wearing such ridiculous smiles?”

Augusta and Loftus shared a look for a moment.

“Do you want to tell him or shall I?” She asked, barely able to stay sitting in her seat from the excitement.

“You best tell him,” he released her hands and sat back in his chair. “I have still not cleared the wine from my throat after my own surprise.” He coughed to emphasize his point and picked up the wine glass again.

“Tell me what?” James asked with excitement, leaning forward. “It must be good news. I have only ever seen you two smile this much on your wedding day.”

“It is the very best news,” Augusta leaned towards him across the arm of her chair, ready to whisper to him that there was to be a new addition to her family.

As she prepared to speak, she paused for a moment, looking closely at her brother. She wished with all her heart that he could find his own happiness. That he could push past his roguish days and find just one woman to love.

She supposed Loftus was right, that all it would take was a little time. A little longer for James to find his joy. She could hardly be surprised at that. She glanced back to Loftus thinking how her own happiness had been delayed by eight years, but how every moment she lived now was worth the pain of those eight years.

Augusta looked back to James with a smile.

“Loftus and I are going to have a baby.”

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