Extended Epilogue
1 year later
Julia gazed upon her reflection in the mirror, her hand resting lightly on the swell of her belly. It was difficult for her to comprehend that she, Julia Harrington, now Duchess of Ravensworth, was bearing Antony’s child. Her own reflection seemed ethereal, a surreal image of her becoming a mother. Her fingertips trailed over the swell encased in the satin fabric of her gown. She smiled softly at her reflection.
My own child. Our child.
A soft rustling from behind her signaled Catherine’s entrance. The younger woman held tiny white clothes in her hands, the fine fabric catching the morning sunlight streaming in through the windows. “Julia, look at this! These were Edmund’s first clothes, I found them in the guest chamber. Aren’t they absolutely adorable?”
A warm happiness bubbled up from Julia’s chest as she accepted the tiny garment, her hands cradling the fabric. “Oh, Catherine, they are indeed,” she murmured, her eyes sparkling. “It seems impossible that our little Edmund once fit into something this small. It’s hardly been a year and he’s already walking! Aunt Nancy said it took two years for Percy.”
Catherine’s eyes glinted like a proud mother. “Wait till you have your own, Julia. They grow up so quickly.”
Brow furrowed, Julia cautiously voiced a question that had been lingering in her mind these past weeks, “Does it… hurt?”
Catherine’s face grew more solemn, her hand finding Julia’s. “The birth?”
“Everything,” Julia nodded, her bottom lip tucked nervously between her teeth.
“There is pain, Julia,” Catherine admitted, her gaze softening. “And sometimes you might feel you’re in over your head. But the moment you hold your child for the first time, it’ll all be worth it.”
“What about the picnic we have planned for this noon? Should I rest instead? Are you sure it is a good idea to join you all?” Julia asked Catherine desperately, her voice ringing with the trepidation of a soon-to-be mother. She smoothed a hand over her slightly rounded belly.
Catherine laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yes, Julia. He’ll be fine. Just like Edmund. Little ones are far more resilient than we give them credit for.”
“But what about when he cries? How will I know what he needs? And… and what if he doesn’t like me?” The last concern came out as a whisper, carrying with it the depth of her anxieties.
Again, Catherine laughed, and this time, Julia felt her nerves lessen. It was strange, she mused, that she was the older sister seeking counsel from Catherine.
“Trust me, sister,” Catherine said, her voice softening. “He will love you just as much as you already love him. And remember, Antony will be there with you every step of the way.”
Julia felt a warmth spread through her at the mention of Antony. He was to become a father, despite his earlier avowal to never marry. But for her, he had broken that promise. And now, they were to have a child.
Their comfortable silence was cut short by a soft knock on the door. William entered, his eyes scanning the room. “Ladies, have you seen Edmund? It seems I have misplaced him again,” he began, scratching his head in confusion.
The sisters giggled. With a glance towards the French windows, Catherine answered, “Edmund is in the garden with Percy.”
“Really? Percy?” William’s brows rose in surprise. “Are you sure we are speaking of the same Percy?”
Julia joined in William’s astonishment. “Percy has changed quite a lot, hasn’t he?”
She exchanged a look with her sister. “Our Percy, being responsible. Who would have thought?”
“I suppose people can change,” Julia mused, her gaze falling upon the garden outside as her thoughts returned to Antony and his once rakish ways.
“Well, I best go supervise them before Percy teaches him how to play hazard,” William joked before excusing himself to go rescue Edmund.
“Wait for me! I need to see this,” Catherine giggled, shuffling forward and out of the parlor to catch up with her husband.
Julia smiled. Alone in the room once more, she traced her fingers over her stomach, her mind racing with a myriad of emotions.
“Hello, little one,” she murmured, her fingertips dancing lightly over the small bump. “Your mother and father have had to travel quite a winding road to get here, you know. But we’re here now. All because your father, the stubborn man that he is, found it in his heart to love again. I hope you love us too.”
Just as the last word fell from her lips, she felt a pair of strong arms encircling her waist. Antony. His warmth was familiar and comforting. “Are you filling our child’s ears with tales of his old man again?” His breath tickled her ear, sending a delicious shiver down her spine.
“Only the nicest ones,” Julia returned lightly, leaning back into him. Antony’s laughter, deep and rich, vibrated against her back.
“I hope so. We wouldn’t want our child to have an inflated image of his father before they’re even born.” He pressed a soft kiss to the crook of her neck. She turned in his arms, their gazes locking, a current of shared memories and love flowing between them.
“Antony, I…” She bit her lip, uncertain of how to express the depth of her emotions.
“Ssshh…” Antony’s thumb traced over her lower lip. He understood. No words needed to be spoken. He leaned down, capturing her lips with his in a slow, tender kiss. The world ceased to exist, as they lost themselves in the sweetness of the moment.
The sound of a distant clock chimed, breaking the spell. Antony reluctantly pulled away, his gaze mischievous. “We do have a few moments to ourselves before we must leave for the picnic, you know,” he whispered deviously.
A playful blush spread across her cheeks. “Antony, you scoundrel!” she whispered in faux reprimand. Even now, after all they’d been through, he still managed to make her feel like the most cherished woman in the world.
“Only for you, darling,” he winked. He left her side momentarily to close the door to the parlor. Locking the door behind him, he returned to her with a promise of love and desire burning in his eyes.
He cupped her face with a gentleness that still managed to surprise her. His eyes, usually gleaming with mischief, now held a tender heat that made her pulse quicken. His lips sought hers, deepening the kiss with a fervor that drew a soft moan from her.
“I love you, Antony,” she mumbled against his lips, her hands caressing his strong shoulders.
“And I love you, Julia,” he replied, his voice a low growl that sent a delicious thrill through her. “More than life itself.”
Antony’s hands began a languid exploration, trailing down her sides to rest at her hips. A gasp escaped her as his touch grew bolder, the intensity of his kiss making her feel desired and cherished. Antony Sinclair, the Duke of Ravensworth, was no stranger to passion, but with Julia, it was different. It was not a mere desire, but a need, a craving that went beyond the physical.
His roaming fingers found the ties of her gown, deftly releasing them. The fabric pooled at her feet, leaving her clad in nothing but her undergarments. His eyes took in her flushed beauty for a silent moment. Julia felt a shiver of anticipation, her body instinctively responding to his unspoken desire.
“Oh, Julia,” Antony murmured, the huskiness of his voice sending shivers down her spine. It was her turn. Julia’s hands went to the collars of his tailcoat as she slipped it over his broad shoulders, before unbuttoning his shirt, and tossing it to the floor among the other clothing. He lowered her to the floor over their pooled clothes.
His fingers traced the laces of her corset, his touch lighting a fire that consumed her every thought, before he released her from the confines of her corset. His hands began a sensual exploration that left her breathless, and his lips took hers in a deepened kiss.
His touch was everywhere, tracing a path of need and desire that left her trembling. His hands roved from her breasts, down her belly, to the apex of her thighs, each caress causing her to arch her back, seeking more.
“I need you, Julia,” Antony’s voice was ragged with desire. His hands found the final barrier to her modesty, a thin shift that was hastily discarded. His touch became more urgent, his fingers exploring her inner thighs before settling on her core and leaving her legs weak.
Antony claimed her lips again, their bodies entwining with a desperation borne out of love. He climbed over her, their bodies seeking solace in the familiar dance of passion. His touch, his taste, the feel of him against her – it all felt intoxicating.
Their lovemaking was slow and deliberate, Antony cherishing every response he drew from her. His hands, his mouth, every part of him worshiped her body, each movement punctuated with whispered words of love.
Their pleasure built, a crescendo of need and longing that left her breathless. As they found their release in each other’s arms, a sense of peace washed over her. Antony cradled her to his chest, their bodies still tangled in a lover’s embrace.
“I love you, Julia. You and our child, you are my world.” Antony’s voice was soft, his words echoing in the silence of their chamber.
Her heart swelled with love. This man, this beautiful, flawed man, was hers. Their journey had been a tumultuous one, but now they were here, bound by a love that was more powerful than anything she’d ever known.
With Antony, and their unborn child, Julia was home. Their love story, now woven with another life, would continue to grow, flourishing with the dawn of each new day. And in the quiet sanctuary of the parlor, they found not just passion, but a love that was eternal.